Updating The Tesla Model 3: Expected Changes And Innovations

Arriving first doesn't always give the advantages needed to succeed, although in the case of the Tesla Model 3 it certainly does. The smallest model of the house has become a success since it was launched on the market in 2017. However, over the years numerous rivals and competitors have emerged that, although not being a serious problem, have shortened the technological and commercial gap. For this reason, Tesla already has the renewal of the Model 3 full underway and we can actually get to know new details of what it will be like.

Already at the end of last year we learned that the Highland project had been launched in Austin; under that code name hides the renewal of the Model 3, Tesla's best-selling model until the appearance of the Tesla Model Y which by the way, is also in the middle of an update phase itself under the “Juniper” project. At this time then, the Austin brand has two very important fronts open with which it intends to continue being the reference in the EV world. They know that for this they really have to push, because the rival companies are pushing harder every time.

The “Not A Tesla App” website has been able to access one of the people in charge of the Model 3 renewal project, and thanks to this, we have been able to learn some important details. Until now a lot of information was based on assumptions and obviousness, but now we can know first-hand what Tesla intends to update in its flagship model. The first test units have been visible on the road for some time, although most of them are covered by bulky camouflage covers.

This camouflage should serve as a guide to know where the changes will be applied: the source acknowledges that the front and rear presentation will change, especially the front. The Model 3 will offer a new headlight assembly that requires a redesign of the hood, bumper, and maybe even the front wings. It has not been specified what shape will be given to the optics, although we do know that it will improve aerodynamics. At the rear, the innovations will be more subtle and once again the optics will be the ones that most likely receive almost all changes.

Regarding technologies and systems, the source affirms that Tesla will bet on a set of next-generation cameras: the quality of the lenses will be raised and the front wings will now have two cameras. One pointing backwards - as of right now - and another pointing forwards. The Model 3 will also include a lens on the lower part of the grille, the aim being to improve behavior under automatic driving conditions. The side cameras will allow for greater visibility and superior performance when turning the car left or right, something that has been highly criticized in recent months.

Finally, all of that new array of lenses will be under the control of a new fourth-generation supercomputer; with superior performance, the software will be able to analyze more images in a faster way to provide a better user experience, while improving safety on every trip.

Regarding the interior of the car, the anonymous source has acknowledged that he hardly has any information, but that he believes that the central wooden panel could be replaced and that it is more than likely that the large screen will receive an update derived directly from the Tesla Model S and Model X The Fremont plant has been ready for production of the first units for some time now.…

Source: notateslaapp

All images courtesy of Tesla Inc.

Nico Caballero is the VP of Finance of Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a Diploma in Electric Cars from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys doing research about Tesla and EV batteries. He can be reached at @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico covers Tesla and electric vehicle latest happenings at Torque News.