We have already reported several times about a revised version of the Tesla Model 3 with the project name Highland. Now there is more information from a trustworthy insider according to the site "not a tesla app" about what exactly will happen in the Model 3 Project Highland will be changed. Camouflaged Tesla Model 3 have already been spotted with the front bumper, rear and dashboard covered. Recently, however, the headlights of the incognito Model 3 covered.
Headlights:
The revision of the Model 3 will include redesigned headlights in both function and form. The new headlights are also to be Matrix-capable, but it is not yet known whether this will be offered at launch.
Front bumper:
A new headlight shape also means a new front bumper. There has been much speculation that the front of the car will change after recent images show a smooth front. Tesla is always looking for more aerodynamics to improve the drag coefficient. However, there is another good reason for the redesign of the front bumper.
Front camera:
Similar to the cyber truck unveiled at Investor Day, the Model 3 will have a camera in the front area and could be installed in the lower area of the vent.
Rear bumper:
The rear bumper of the vehicle should also be redesigned. The new rear bumper could only serve to "freshen up" the vehicle.
Mirrors:
The exterior mirrors are also expected to get a slight makeover and a refresh. It is not known whether there will be further changes here that affect the technology.
Additional cameras:
Tesla recently introduced hardware 4.0 for the Model S and Model X. However, many were surprised to see that the new vehicles have the same number of cameras as the HW 3 vehicles, even though Hardware 4 allows for more cameras. This is where Project Highland comes into play. Project Highland will actually use more cameras. There will be a total of three new cameras, one in the center of the front bumper and two more on the sides of the vehicle.
The camera housing on the fender now contains two cameras each. One will face the rear, as before, while the other will face forward on the side. This will give the Model 3 provide a better view at certain intersections. As a result, the housing of the cameras on the front fenders will change and, as with the Model Y will protrude further back into the door.
Hardware:
Project Highland comes with Tesla's latest Hardware 4. The cameras themselves are likely to be the same cameras used in the Model S and Model X HW4 vehicles. They are believed to be 5-megapixel cameras with a non-glare coating. These cameras are significantly more advanced than the current 1.2-megapixel cameras in the current HW3 vehicles.
With the new cameras in the front bumper and the two additional side cameras, Tesla may now have all it needs to offer a true bird's eye view as seen in many vehicles.
Sensors
To save costs, Tesla is doing away with the vehicle's temperature sensor, which is used to detect the outside temperature. Instead of a temperature sensor, the vehicle will use GPS location and weather data to determine the outside temperature.
GPS module
Tesla is also working on improving its GPS module, which should enable more accurate location determination. In August 2022, Tesla filed a patent for a multiband antenna for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Various types of satellites and networks can be used to determine the location of an object. GPS is just one of these networks. With this new system, Tesla can use other networks besides GPS to determine the vehicle's location. This could lead to faster location determination or higher precision.
Interior
There will also be changes to the interior. However, not as big a change as in the Model S/X is expected. It has already been leaked that the wood will be replaced with some kind of fabric/alcantara. The dashboard of the Model 3 is also expected to get a facelift. Exact details are not known. But this could be a way to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs instead of offering something new and improved.
Also the Tesla Model Yproject, code-named Juniper, is also already underway, although it will not be ready until after the revision of the Model 3 is to be released. It is expected that the Model Y will receive similar updates.
Release date
With these changes and an update, the Model 3 continues its success as one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market. Production of the vehicle is expected to start in the third quarter.
Source: notateslaapp / Image: TheKilowatts - Twitter
