Tesla's Model 3 is going to go through some of its biggest changes this year
Tesla
Tesla has been working on a revamp of one of its most popular vehicles, the Model 3. The project is codenamed Project Highland and the vehicle will see the most profound changes since it launched in 2017.
Despite Tesla keeping the car under wraps for months, we now have early information on the major changes coming to the best-selling electric vehicle of all time. Thanks to a trusted insider, we can confirm and provide more information about Tesla's plans for the car. Inside and out, the Highland will change.
Redesigned Headlights
Caped Model 3s have been spotted with the front bumper, rear end and dash covered. However, more recently the incognito Model 3 also had its headlights covered. The headlight openings that were clear before were now covered in what appeared to be duct tape. Turns out there is a good reason for this. The Model 3 revamp will include redesigned headlights. The new headlights will be a different shape than they are today. Tesla has been providing some models with matrix headlights, but they have yet to be enabled through software yet. Tesla will continue to offer matrix headlights through this redesign, although it's not clear whether they'll be enabled at launch either.
The revamped Model 3 is known internally as Project Highland
The Kilowatts/Twitter
Bumper Camera
A new shape of headlights also means a new front bumper. There has been a lot of speculation that the front of the car is changing after recent images show a smoother front end. Tesla is always looking for more aerodynamics to improve the drag coefficient. However, there's another good reason for redesigning a new front bumper. The front bumper will now house a single camera in the center area of the lower-vent area of the bumper.
The Cybertruck will have a camera in the center of the front bumper
Sofiaan/Twitter
Since the company removed USS, people have been wondering how the car will detect objects in what's considered a camera blind spot directly in front of the vehicle. Now we know.
Rear Bumper
The rear bumper of the vehicle is also being redesigned, although it's not clear why. We don't expect the rear camera to change position and there won't be additional cameras in the rear of the vehicle. The new rear bumper could just be to 'refresh' the car or may have cost-saving measures.
Mirrors
Updated mirrors are also joining the party. We're told that they will receive a very minor 'refresh' and will look very similar to the way they do today. It's not clear whether Tesla is changing them to match other areas of the vehicle better or to streamline manufacturing, but we've been told to expect a minor change.
Additional Cameras
Tesla recently launched hardware 4.0 on Model S and Model X cars, although many were surprised to learn that the new vehicles feature the same number of cameras as HW 3 vehicles, when hardware 4 allows for more cameras. This is where Project Highland comes in.
We can now say that more cameras will indeed be used in Project Highland. There will be three new cameras in all, one in the center of the front bumper as we discussed earlier, and two more on the sides of the vehicle.
The fender camera housing will now contain two cameras each. One will face backward as it does now, while the other will point in the other direction. It's not clear how the new camera will be oriented, but we speculate that they will be aimed off to the side to give the car a better view at certain intersections.
Some road junctions have objects such as buildings or bushes that can make it difficult for the vehicle to see with its B-pillar cameras. This often causes the vehicle to creep forward in order to gain enough visibility to proceed. Creeping too far forward sometimes causes the vehicle to be in a poor situation, where it has entered the path of other vehicles. These new cameras are likely aimed at solving this problem.
As previously reported, the repeater camera housing on the front fenders appears to be changing. It now appears to include a line that goes further back than the original. This could be part of the new design.
Project Highland will ship with Tesla's latest supercomputer, Hardware 4. The cameras themselves are expected to be the same cameras featured on HW4 Model S and Model X vehicles. They're estimated to be 5-megapixel cameras with an anti-glare coating. These cameras are significantly more advanced than the current 1.2-megapixel cameras in current HW 3 vehicles.
With the new front bumper cameras and the two additional side cameras, Tesla may now have everything it needs in order to provide a real birds-eye view that is often seen in many vehicles.
Sensors
In order to cut costs, Tesla is removing the vehicle's temperature sensor that is used to detect the temperature outside of the vehicle. Instead of using a temperature sensor, the vehicle will determine the exterior temperature based on its GPS location and weather data. This could lead to more accurate temperatures being displayed, as wind or other environmental factors can sometimes cause inaccuracies. However, owners will lose the ability to view the temperature in their immediate location, such as their garage.
Tesla is also making improvements to its GPS module which is expected to provide a more accurate location. In August 2022, Tesla applied for a patent on a multi-band Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna. Various types of satellites and networks can be used to identify an object's location. GPS is just one of those networks. This new system allows Tesla to use other networks, besides GPS, in order to identify the vehicle's location. This could lead to faster location detection or higher precision.
Interior
Inside the vehicle, there will be some changes as well. However, don't expect a major refresh as we saw with the 2021 Model S, but it will still be noticeable. The wood trim is being removed and replaced with a fabric finish, possibly Alcantara fabric that Tesla already uses in the Model S and X.
The vehicle's dash will also receive a facelift, but we weren't given any details on what's changing with it. Again, this could be a way to simplify the manufacturing process instead of offering something new and improved.
There may be other interior changes, but these are expected to be the two bigger differences. We've been told that this refresh will be 'minor' and focuses on cost-cutting, however, it appears that Tesla is taking the time to upgrade the vehicle to its newest hardware and introduce new cameras, which will certainly be a highlight of the vehicle.
The Model Y project, codenamed Juniper is already underway as well, although it's expected to arrive after the Model 3 revamp. We expect the Model Y to undergo many of the same changes that we've outlined here.
Release Date
Overall, the Model 3 Highland's updates show that Tesla is always looking for ways to improve its vehicles and stay ahead of the competition. As is the nature of these things, some items could be subject to change. With these changes, the Model 3 will continue its success as one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market. Production for the vehicle is expected to start in the third quarter.
As 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on everything Tesla has achieved this year. From features like Autopark and ultra-wideband support to Weather Forecast, each update served as a building block for even bigger features that were yet to come.
Let’s take a journey back to January and revisit the milestones that brought us to where we are today.
January 2024
All the way back in January, Tesla launched their Smart Assistant in China, which replaced Voice Commands. It was our first of many indications that Tesla is pushing to launch improvements to the Voice Command suite. We also saw a new Voice later in the year, and just now with the Holiday Update, a new batch of Voice Commands.
Here’s to hoping 2025 will bring us a proper Smart Assistant and adaptive headlights for all Tesla owners.
February 2024
February saw the arrival of FSD “Beta” V12 - before we knew it would change over to FSD (Supervised). That first version started going out to early access users with update 2023.44.30.20 in February, and we really got to see for the first time what “End-to-End” really meant.
V12 was a game changer and much different than V11.4.9, which had been kicking around for a few months at that point. There was a lot of excitement around U-Turns, Park Seek (a feature finally being implemented in V13.2), and the updated Automatic Speed Offset.
March 2024
Vehicles equipped with USS were able to use Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon, but newer vehicles began getting shipped as Vision-only, so they didn’t have access to these features. The first indication of their capabilities - and the overall replacement of USS Autopark with Vision Autopark started in March.
April was the launch month of the Model 3 Performance, with influencers getting hands-on with the Ludicrous new vehicle on the track and street. The Model 3 Performance arrived with new front and rear fascias, a new rear diffuser, and an updated carbon fiber spoiler on the exterior - but what really made it stand out was the Adaptive Suspension and Track Mode V3.
Elon also talked about his vision for FSD V12.5 and V12.6. Again, what a year it was when we look back. Much of what he spoke about, like handling more complex scenarios, Actually Smart Summon, and Fleet Communication, were released in V12.5. Some future version of V13 is supposed to bring with it better handling for complex scenarios, but that’s a goal that’s always shifting.
If anything, May was the month of the Spring Update (and all its unlisted improvements), and it brought us a lot of hype for the removal of wheel nag on FSD. It brought along Hands-Free Trunk opening, improved wiper controls, and the new beautiful parked visualization.
We also dove head-first into looking at Tesla’s Auto Wipers - and why they don’t work. They have for sure gotten better, but they still aren’t as simple as adding a rain sensor. The good news is that they only affect humans, and FSD does just fine due to the camera’s focal length.
Hardware 5 was a pretty interesting announcement, especially as Tesla also confirmed that Hardware 4 would eventually begin to diverge from Hardware 3 in 2025. However, we actually saw the divergence begin in late 2024, not to anyone’s surprise. Now we also know that Tesla is focusing on AI4, and they don’t intend to launch AI5 for at least another 12 months, but they do intend to continue supporting Hardware 3 for as long as possible, as shown by the launch of FSD 12.6 Monday night.
July 2024
July was the quietest month for Tesla news. Everyone was on FSD V12.3.6 for a while, and V12.4’s rollout had come to an abrupt stop. Tesla seemed like they were scrambling to organize themselves for the Robotaxi and Autonomy event to take place on August 8th, but the event was eventually pushed back to October.
August introduced a new, cheaper Model 3 for Mexico. Many were surprised at this vehicle’s introduction - and assumed that the new cloth would make its way to more vehicles across the lineup. However, the reduced price and features really stuck to just Mexico.
Tesla also confirmed HW3 would get support for FSD V12.5.1.4, much to everyone’s joy. After the announcement of AI5, many thought that V12.3.6 might be the final version of FSD for HW3.
With September arrived Actually Smart Summon - one of the biggest Robotaxi-esque features many have been waiting for. The ability to call your car to you from inside the parking lot is a feature that seems like absolute magic.
And once again, the iOS version of the Tesla App got a ton of fantastic updates, including updates to the control center, FaceID locking, updated Siri actions and Apple shortcuts, and the action button being able to work with Tesla functions - like preconditioning. Hopefully, Android users will eventually get the same treatment.
September also brought with it Tesla’s first FSD Roadmap. The roadmap laid out Tesla’s plans for FSD and autonomy and also mentioned several release timelines and what we should expect from future updates.
Tesla originally announced Unpark, Park, and Reverse in FSD for October, but it actually arrived in December with FSD V13. Tesla owners outside of North America are also waiting for FSD - with Tesla mentioning once again that it would arrive sometime in Q1 2025, and that Q2 2025 would bring FSD to Right Hand Drive markets.
October 2024
October was the month of Tesla’s We, Robot autonomy event. That event was Tesla’s latest product-focused event since the launch of the Cybertruck last year, and they really hit hard on autonomy.
Later in the month, Tesla also updated their FSD roadmap, and walked back some of the expectations they initially established in September. This included Tesla confirming HW3 owners will get a free hardware upgrade if Tesla can’t achieve Unsupervised FSD on those vehicles, as well as the complete rollout of End-to-End for the highway, global launches for Actually Smart Summon, and FSD V13 by Thanksgiving.
November was a bit calmer but we did see the first deliveries of the Foundation-Series Cybertruck in Canada, and we saw a bit of a preview of the Holiday Update. That also included Tesla’s fantastic new Service History feature, which will now embed vehicle service history into the vehicle.
We also did a deep dive into how Tesla is improving Sentry Mode efficiency - through computational tricks, advanced power management techniques, and taking advantage of the different types of hardware on board the vehicle.
Looking back, 2024 was really something special. After years of waiting, we’re finally seeing Tesla’s dreams of autonomy coming together. Unsupervised FSD and Robotaxi networks are on the horizon, while Optimus is still a glimmer in Tesla’s eye. We’re also looking forward to the grand opening of Tesla’s Semi Truck Factory in Texas, and the launch of FSD outside of North America.
2025 is poised to be another amazing year for Tesla, and we hope you’ll stick with us as we cover every little detail once again.
True to their word, Tesla has finally launched FSD V12.6 on the 30th of December, squeaking in under the promised timeline before the end of the year. FSD V12.6 for HW3 vehicles is software update 2024.45.25.10, and the release notes reveal several interesting things about the update, but it was mostly what we expected — which is a good thing.
We expected FSD V12.6 to include End to End for highway driving, improved city streets behavior and potentially some features from FSD V13, and that’s exactly what happened.
According to Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s VP of AI, Tesla has also pulled in some improvements from V13 into this V12.6 release. This release has started rolling out to some Model S and Model X vehicles, but not the Model 3 and Model Y. Ashok says that it should become available for those models within a week.
FSD V12.6
V12.6 is supposed to be a big update for Hardware 3 vehicles and is part of Tesla’s commitment to continuing to support older vehicles. Let’s break down the release notes and talk about what’s new and what came from FSD V13.
End-to-End on Highway
The new end-to-end highway stack has finally arrived for HW3 vehicles. The new highway stack should mean better decision-making on the freeway. Up until now, HW3 vehicles have been using FSD V11’s stack for highway driving.
When End-to-End was introduced on city streets, it brought drastic improvements in how FSD was handled between V11.4.9 and V12.3.6. HW3 owners will hopefully see similar improvements in how the vehicle behaves on the highway.
Improved City Streets Behavior
As part of the update, Tesla has honed in on some of the issues with behavior on city streets, which should address the false green light braking and other issues that have been prevalent in current FSD V12 builds. That’ll be a big improvement, as it has become one of the sticking points for V12.
Speed Profiles
The updated speed profiles, including Hurry Mode, have now arrived. For now, the speed profiles are restricted to roads with a 50mph (80km/h) minimum speed limit, which was the same limit HW4 vehicles saw on FSD V12.5. Here is the breakdown of the new speed profiles:
Chill will drive in slower lanes, with minimal lane changes, and more strictly adhere to the speed limit. The minimal lane changes button has been removed, so if you want to have minimal lane changes, switch your profile to chill.
Standard is the new Average. It will drive at a normal speed, keeping pace and adjusting in accordance with traffic. It will dynamically adjust based on how fast traffic is moving based on Max Speed, and will make lane changes to stay at or around the speed of traffic.
Hurry replaces Assertive and will drive faster while also making more frequent lane changes to stay at or above the speed limit. It is fairly aggressive with its lane changes and looks for opportunities to get ahead or cut through the flow of traffic.
Earlier & More Natural Lane Change Decisions
This is going to be one of the most noticeable changes for HW3 users. FSD has always struggled with lane selection, especially in advance of an upcoming turn or exit. Tesla has put in a lot of work in previous FSD V12 versions - namely V12.5 and its offshoots, and these improvements should translate over to FSD V12.6 just as well.
We’re hoping to see considerably improved performance on V12.6 due to this particular set of changes.
Redesigned Controller (FSD V13)
The redesigned controller is a big change - and actually was brought down from FSD V13. The controller is what tracks your own vehicle, as well as other vehicles and objects around the vehicle. Smoother and more accurate tracking for the controller means that FSD will be able to make better decisions, resulting in higher confidence and smoother driving.
Autospeed is now gone, and is now replaced with Max Speed Offset. Tesla recommends the Max Speed Offset be set to 40%. You’ll instead be able to use the FSD Driver Profiles to better control vehicle speed. Chill will keep you at or below the speed limit, while Average will keep you around the speed limit. Hurry does what it sounds like and will speed up, if possible, up to that Max Speed Offset.
The minimum and maximum offsets are 40%, so if the limit is 50mph, your FSD speed limit will be up to 70 mph, while at -40%, it could travel as slow as 30 mph.
When Does It Arrive?
The update was available to employees early yesterday, and it later went out in an extremely limited fashion to some non-employees last night. Right now, it’s also limited to Model S and Model X vehicles with HW3. We should hopefully see a roll out to additional Model S/X cars in the coming days, but Ashok has already stated that it’ll be about a week before it’s available for other models.
That means that the majority of Model 3/Y owners with HW3 will likely have to wait at least a couple of weeks before receiving the update. We’re looking forward to seeing the first few drives and reviews of FSD V12.6.
