Leaked Photo Reveals Bold New Headlights for Tesla Model 3 Refresh, Project Highland

April 13, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

A leaked photo shows off the refresh Model 3, known internally as Project Highland

ffiarpg/Reddit

The Tesla Model 3 has become an icon in the electric vehicle market, so any changes to its design are sure to generate buzz. A recently leaked image on Reddit confirms a significant redesign of the Model 3's headlights, showcasing a daring new look that will capture attention.

This bold change to such a popular vehicle signals Tesla's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Alongside the new headlights, the picture gives away a few other details. The Model 3 refresh, codenamed Highland, will see many other updates. Here's a summary of the significant changes expected.

Striking Headlight Redesign

The Reddit image offers a clear view of the updated Model 3's striking new headlights. This leaked image matches up with the details we received and reported on in our article, Project Highland Exposed. It also matches up with incognito Model 3s that have covered headlights, further validating the leaked image's authenticity.

The image also shows that the foglights are gone. It's unclear if they've been moved inside the new headlight or removed altogether. It's also worth noting that the front bumper shows no sign of ultra sonic sensors and Tesla will continue to rely vision for park assist. The Model 3 refresh is expected to have a camera in the lower-center of the front bumper, but unfortunately we're not able to see that from this photo as well.

The side mirror also appears slightly narrower than the current mirrors. Additionally, there is no "T" logo on the hood. Chief designer Franz von Holzhausen has talked about having less branding on future Teslas.

Additional Updates Expected for Model 3 Highland

We put together a story of all the changes that are part of the Highland and released it a few weeks ago. Here is a summary of that story, detailing the other new elements the leaked image didn't show.

Bumper Camera: A redesigned front bumper will house a single camera in the center area of the lower-vent area, addressing concerns about detecting objects in camera blind spots.

Rear Bumper: While the reason remains unclear, the rear bumper is also being redesigned.

Additional Cameras: The Highland will feature three new cameras — one in the front bumper and two on the sides of the vehicle, possibly aimed at improving visibility at certain intersections.

Sensors: The exterior temperature sensor will be removed and replaced with a GPS-based system. Additionally, Tesla is working on improving the GPS module for more accurate location detection.

Interior: Inside, the wood trim will be replaced with a fabric finish, and the dash will receive a facelift, though details are scarce.

With a bold new headlight design leading the way, the Model 3 Highland updates show Tesla's dedication to evolving its vehicles and staying ahead of the competition. The mix of cost-cutting measures and significant improvements, such as the addition of new cameras and updated hardware, will likely generate excitement among customers. Production is expected to begin in the third quarter, with Model Y's Project Juniper set to follow.

Tesla Improves Wrap Services: Switches to Vinyl, Cuts Prices Drastically, Adds New Colors and Expands Availability

December 15, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

After canceling the in-house wrap program for the Cybertruck last month, Tesla has reintroduced the program with a lot of changes. Let’s take a look at the original program, then we’ll dive into what’s changed.

Tesla began the wrap program for the Model 3 and Model Y in the fall of 2023. With the arrival of the Cybertruck, Tesla launched Matte Black and Satin White options for the Cybertruck and later added 11 more colors.

Tesla initially offered high-quality PPF (Paint Protection Film) wraps, which protect the paint in addition to changing the color of the vehicle. PPF is thicker than traditional vinyl wraps, but the material costs more and is more time-consuming to apply.

Tesla’s updated program switches away from PPF wraps and now offers traditional vinyl wraps at a cheaper price. This makes Tesla’s wrap service more comparable to third-party installers.

Correction: We initially reported that the new wrap program offered PPF rather than vinyl and that the program was only available for new deliveries.

New Wrap Prices

First things first - the price of the wraps has dropped considerably, mostly due to the change away from PPF. While these prices are still a little more expensive than what you could find at a third-party location, you have the advantage of getting it directly from Tesla.

Vehicle	Original Cost	New Cost
Cybertruck	$8,000	$4,500
Model 3 / Model Y	$6,500	$4,000
Model S / Model X	Not available	Not available

Tesla initially offered 11 wrap colors, but that selection has now been reduced to eight per vehicle. Interestingly, the color options vary by model—Model 3 and Model Y owners have their own distinct palette. The Cybertruck also boasts its own unique set of colors, though unfortunately, the popular Satin White option is absent from its catalog.

Of course, the ever-popular Matte Black is still available, along with a fairly unique set of other vivid colors.

New Locations

Not a Tesla App

When the wrap program launched, it was limited to just three locations in California and one location in Texas. That meant that unless you were taking delivery at West Covina, Oceanside, Costa Mesa, or Santa Clara, you’d be unable to get a first-party wrap done by Tesla.

Under the new program, Tesla is offering wraps out of all the original locations and adding Seattle, Washington. What initially seemed like Tesla scaling back its wrap service has turned out to be them making it more affordable and efficient. While the switch to vinyl may disappoint some owners, in reality, a lot of owners probably didn’t know the difference between PPF and vinyl, making Tesla’s service seem disproportionally more expensive.

No Longer New Purchases Only

While the original wrap program was constrained to new vehicle purchases—you can now have Tesla wrap a vehicle that’s already been delivered. Paint damage and scuffs can impact the installation of wraps and require additional time to smooth out the vehicle surface, and most third-party installers charge additional fees to prepare the surface.

Tesla doesn’t appear to be charging any additional surface prep fees at this time and is able to install on any Model 3, Model Y, or Cybertruck that’s been delivered after 2023.

Either way, with cheaper wrap options, Tesla is now directly competing against third-party wrap shops. While it’s still a bit more expensive than you’d find elsewhere, it also comes with a level of care and precision from technicians intimately familiar with your vehicle.

Tesla Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

December 14, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series.

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.