The Rumored Tesla Model 3 Highland Refresh Has Been Unveiled by Tesla

After many months of rumors, Tesla Inc's TSLA Model 3 refresh, codenamed Highland, has finally been officially unveiled by the company. The new Tesla Model 3 features several exterior and interior redesigns and updates, but overall remains largely the same vehicle. According to Tesla, road noise has been reduced, efficiency and range have been improved, and the price of the vehicle will remain about the same, with more details coming later.

Here is a list with some of the improvements detailed in an initial look from carwow on YouTube: 

Design:

• Slimmer and sleeker front lights with prominent LED daytime running lights.
• Removal of old fog lamp and side vent, replaced with a central vent.
• Redesigned rear tail lights.
• New alloy wheel designs, including slatted 19-inch wheels.
• Addition of two new paint schemes: ultra red and stealth gray.

Interior:

• New dash design with customizable materials and colors.
• LED lighting and a central vent on the dash.
• Steering wheel with integrated indicators and horn.
• Redesigned center console with aluminum accents.
• Improved material quality and noise insulation.
• Acoustic glass on rear windows, enhanced sound insulation, and noise-absorbing materials.
• 30% improvement in wind and ambient noise, 25% reduction in impact noise and 20% reduction in road noise.

Suspension:

• Upgraded suspension system with new springs, dampers, and geometry adjustments.
• Enhanced subframe mounting and upgraded bushings for improved comfort.

Infotainment:

• Brighter and more responsive display screen.
• Airway 2.0 ventilation system with improved functionality, including passenger air system control.
• Enhanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Updated stereo with 17 speakers and improved bass.
• Rear passenger control screen for entertainment, climate, and more.

Efficiency:

• Styling changes for improved aerodynamics.
• Reduced drag coefficient from 0.225 CD to 0.219 CD.
• Up to 8% improvement in overall efficiency without changing motors or batteries.

The new Tesla Model 3 is expected to go on sale in Europe in October, with the U.K. following some time in 2024. No mention of U.S. sales has been made at the time of publication. 

Photo courtesy of carwow on YouTube