The upcoming Tesla Model 3 facelift, reportedly codenamed Project Highland, will include updates both to the exterior and interior of the hot-selling electric sedan.
That’s the word from Not A Tesla App, which has compiled information it claims to have sourced from a “trusted insider”.
The updated model is reportedly set to enter production in the third quarter of 2023, with an update to the related Model Y – codenamed Project Juniper – set to follow. Prototypes have already been spied testing.
The refreshed Model 3 will reportedly be distinguished with reshaped headlights available with matrix LED technology.
They’ll reportedly sit above a redesigned front bumper, which will house a single camera in the centre; there will also be two new cameras, one on each side of the vehicle.
The outlet reports these will be 5-megapixel cameras with an anti-glare coating, superior to the 1.2-megapixel units in the current car. The updated model will also upgrade from the Hardware 3 supercomputer to Hardware 4.
No ultrasonic sensors will be available as the company pushes its Tesla Vision system, which relies not on radar or sensors but rather a camera.
A refreshed rear bumper is also expected, as are restyled mirrors.
Not A Tesla App reports Tesla will delete the vehicle’s exterior temperature sensor, with the car instead displaying a temperature based on its GPS location and weather data.
Speaking of GPS, the Model 3 will reportedly receive an improved GPS module to provide a more accurate location.
Tesla applied for a patent in August 2022 on a multi-band Global Navigation Satellite System antenna to allow it to tap other networks besides GPS to identify a vehicle’s location.
Inside, the Model 3 will reportedly lose its wood trim, potentially in favour of fabric, but don’t expect a complete overhaul of the dashboard like the Model S and Model X received with their most recent updates.
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Current Model 3 interior
Tesla is, however, reportedly looking to simplify the Model 3’s interior.
It’s not clear how Tesla will simplify the cabin of the Model 3 given it has barely any switchgear, and most functions are controlled through the central touchscreen.
A 2021 update subbed the USB-A ports for USB-C ones, and brought a restyled centre console with two wireless phone chargers and extra storage.
Along with keeping the Model 3 fresh in the face of strong new competition, the update is reportedly aimed at making the car cheaper and easier for Tesla to produce.
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Current Model 3 -
Tesla doesn’t follow the traditional product lifecycles of vehicles from legacy automakers.
Its Model S for example, has been in production for over a decade now and, though it has received various running changes over its lifecycle, its exterior has received only the mildest of updates.
The Model 3 hasn’t been in production as long, but it did go on sale in 2017. While it has received tweaks and over-the-air updates since then, including the detail interior changes, its exterior styling is essentially unchanged.
Its age hasn’t held the Model 3 back in Australia, however. It was the third-best selling vehicle overall in January 2023, and was the best-selling passenger car ahead of traditional favourites such as the Toyota Corolla.
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
