Tesla, the innovative electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is continuously pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. With the upcoming release of the 2024 Model 3 Highland, Tesla enthusiasts and automotive enthusiasts alike eagerly await the unveiling of this much-anticipated redesign. Recently, a keen-eyed Reddit user spotted a Model 3 Highland test mule in motion on a California freeway, capturing the attention of EV enthusiasts worldwide. The footage provided valuable insights into the car's design changes, particularly regarding the turn indicators' separation from the brake lights and the use of separate amber blinkers. This article delves into the anticipated design changes of the Model 3 Highland and explores the potential technological upgrades that come with it.
Redesign and Styling
The 2024 Model 3 Highland is expected to undergo a comprehensive redesign, following Tesla's tradition of refreshing its vehicle lineup to remain at the forefront of the EV market. The most noticeable exterior changes include a larger footprint and a more streamlined, aggressive design for the headlights, taillights, front, and rear bumpers. While the new headlights were already spotted earlier, the recent footage reveals crucial information about the taillights' design.
The test mule captured on camera showcased the Highland's turn indicators as separate from the brake lights, a departure from the current Model 3 design. These separate indicators will flash in amber, distinguishing them from the red illumination of the brake lights. This change is likely to enhance visibility and safety, allowing other drivers to better anticipate the vehicle's maneuvers.
Interior Enhancements
Inside the cabin, Tesla is rumored to streamline the interior design, akin to what it did with the Model S refresh. This could mean the adoption of a stalkless steering wheel, and potentially even a yoke wheel as an option, along with a substantial central console display. Tesla's focus on minimalism and intuitive user interfaces is likely to be maintained, with a ventless and buttonless design for a clean and modern look. Additionally, ventilated seats may be introduced to enhance passenger comfort during long journeys.
Battery Innovation
Tesla is renowned for its continuous pursuit of battery technology advancements, and the Model 3 Highland is expected to benefit from such progress. Reports suggest that Tesla might equip the new model with a larger 66 kWh battery, utilizing CATL's innovative M3P type that incorporates magnesium to achieve higher energy density and lower costs. Despite the increase in battery size, Tesla aims to maintain the same footprint as the current Model 3 battery pack, ensuring a smooth transition for existing manufacturing processes.
Cost Efficiency Measures
In addition to battery innovation, Tesla plans to optimize manufacturing costs for the Model 3 Highland. One significant cost-saving method will be the implementation of gigacasting for the chassis. Gigacasting, a proprietary process developed by Tesla, involves the use of large, high-pressure die-casting machines to produce complex and structurally sound parts in a single piece, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Hardware 4.0 Full Self-Driving (FSD) Kit
Keeping in line with Tesla's commitment to autonomous driving technology, the Model 3 Highland is expected to feature Tesla's Hardware 4.0 FSD kit. This upgrade will include a new, faster computer, capable of handling the increased data processing demands of the advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Additionally, the Model 3 Highland will likely be equipped with more and higher resolution Tesla Vision cameras, strategically placed around the vehicle to provide comprehensive visual coverage.
Conclusion
The upcoming release of the 2024 Model 3 Highland promises to be another milestone in Tesla's relentless pursuit of automotive innovation. With a redesigned exterior featuring separate amber blinkers, a streamlined and tech-forward interior, a potential battery innovation, and an advanced Hardware 4.0 FSD kit, the Model 3 Highland is poised to raise the bar for electric vehicles worldwide. As Tesla continues to shape the future of sustainable transportation, consumers and competitors alike eagerly await the official announcement of this highly-anticipated EV marvel.
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