Up Close Project Highland Image Confirm Model 3 Will Not Be a Hatchback, Tesla Massively Cuts Prices Ahead of Refresh

It is a little kept secret now that Tesla is working on a refresh to the Model 3 under the codename Project Highland. Reports of the Project Highland refresh first appeared in November 2022 when Reuters reported that Tesla was readying a refresh to the Model 3.

Reuters said it received the information from 4 individuals with knowledge of Tesla’s plans. Besides revealing Tesla’s internal codename for the Model 3 refresh is project “Highland”, Reuters has also added some details regarding the changes coming to the Model 3.

At the time Reuters stated “One focus of the redesign codenamed "Highland" is to reduce the number of components and complexity in the interior of the Model 3 while focusing on features that Tesla buyers value, including the display, according to the people, who asked not to be named because the revamp has not been announced.”

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According to several leaks, the Project Highland update is expected to introduce front and rear castings to the Model 3; change the design of the headlights to match that of the 2nd Gen Roadster; add ventilated seats; add a second screen for rear passengers; and introduce performance upgrades.

All these improvements coming to the Model 3 is certainly exciting however, one negative point for potential Model 3 buyers and Tesla enthusiasts is the deluge of conflicting information that is coming out regarding the features of the project Highland Model 3.

One of the features that has been hotly debated in the Tesla community is whether the Project Highland update will give the Model 3 a hatchback-style rear opening similar to the Model S. The fact that the Model 3 had a trunk rather than a hatchback has been the biggest complaint in regards to the all-electric sedan since it was unveiled back in 2016.

The fact that Tesla is working on a comprehensive update to the Model 3 has resurrected long-lost hopes that the EV maker would give the Model a hatchback, however, a new close-up picture of a Project Highland Model 3 sadly all but confirms that with the latest update, Tesla will be keeping the all-electric sedan’s trunk.
 

In the above tweet, you can see that “the seam for the trunk is in the exact same spot as the current Model 3.”

The Model 3 is a truly spectacular vehicle and it’s hard to find any issues with the fundamental design of the sedan. And giving the Model 3 a hatchback would have meant improving one of the few shortcomings of an almost-perfect vehicle.

This will come as a disappointment for a lot of people however, for those who have been waiting for the Project Highland Model 3, Tesla has implemented a massive price cut on inventory Model 3s in the US and Canada. 

Tesla has cut prices of inventory Model 3s and some of the best deals see prices of Model 3s fall by more than $3,500. With these prices and adding in Federal and state incentives and gas savings, it’s now possible to find a brand new inventory Model 3 for close to $20,000.

This makes the Model 3 one of the best value-for-money vehicles out for sale. Currently, with Tesla expecting to introduce the Project Highland Model 3 any day now we’re not exactly sure how long these price cuts will last however, we’ll be sure to keep you posted once we learn more about Tesla’s plans.

Until then, make sure to visit our site torquenews.com/Tesla regularly for the latest updates.

So what do you think? Disappointed that the Project Highland refresh doesn’t give the Model 3 a hatchback? Also, given all the price cuts do you think it’s better to buy the Model 3 now or wait for the refresh? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Image: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

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Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and The evolution of the EV space on a daily basis for several years. He covers everything about Tesla from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.