The much anticipated Model 3 revamp, known as “Project Highland” and the first major update to the Model 3 since it was launched in 2017, could be revealed on Thursday.
According to Bloomberg, Tesla will showcase its updated Model 3 on Thursday when CEO Elon Musk visits Tesla’s Shanghai factory.
Bloomberg’s sources, who didn’t wish to be identified, said the first cars coming off the line on Thursday will be prototypes of the new refreshed Model 3.
The timing is highly plausible as recent drone footage confirmed that the Shanghai Model 3 production line had stopped in order to switch over to the new model.
The refreshed Model 3 will be slightly longer and sportier than the original, and will include new 5 megapixel cameras, a huge improvement on the 1.2 megapixel cameras in the current model. It will also include new sleeker headlights.
The onboard computer is also being upgraded from Hardware 3 to Hardware 4. Not a Tesla App says that the new computer is capable of connecting to 12 cameras, up from nine in Hardware 3.
Tesla Hardware 4.0 to use 5 megapixel camera, production and shipments to Tesla already started: Report https://t.co/pMiFYu6aya
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 (@DriveTeslaca) October 20, 2022
The side fender camera housing will now include a forward facing camera in addition to the rear facing one in the current model.
ArenaEV says “The interior will be treated to new materials, the wooden inserts are going to be replaced with fabric and the dashboard is getting a slight redesign at the same time. Other interior changes will be minor and focused on improving production.”
It’s been a busy trip for Elon Musk. Earlier this week the Tesla CEO met with China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the chairman of battery giant CATL Zeng Yuqun.
Musk wants to see stronger relations between the US and China and is fearful that current tensions between the two nations could have a catastrophic impact on the global economy.
Daniel Bleakley is a clean technology researcher and advocate with a background in engineering and business. He has a strong interest in electric vehicles, renewable energy, manufacturing and public policy.