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.
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Mr Li on X came across some covered-up Project Juniper vehicles recently and he managed to get various shots of the vehicle.
Juniper Images
This front image reveals what looks like two rows of lights, possibly confirming the front light bar for the Model Y refresh — similar to the one on the Cybercab.
The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
Mr Li on X
The rear side shows a ton of brake lights, but it’s not clear why. While it looks like the Model Y refresh will also feature a rear light bar similar to the Cybertruck, there isn’t strong evidence of that in this photo.
Mr Li on X
There's an obvious set of lights at the bottom, so it looks like the Model Y refresh will be similar to the new Model 3 where the bottom lights can operate as brake lights when the one-piece tail lights and trunk are up.
Mr Li on X
In the last photo, we see that the overall form factor of the refreshed Model Y will remain unchanged, and Tesla is focusing the changes on the front and rear ends of the vehicle, much like the Model 3 refresh. However, in this one shot, we can also see what appears to be red light leaking out of the rear camera cover opening, possibly due to the rear light bar.
The Model Y is not only Tesla’s best-selling vehicle but also the world’s best-selling car in 2023. This year, it’s expected to be the best-selling vehicle in the United States and again in the world, so this refresh will be huge for Tesla.
@DominicBRNKMN made another fantastic set of concepts based on these new images. Given he had the most accurate Model 3 Highland concept before the official launch, we’re pretty sure his latest work be close here as well.
@DominicBRNKMN
We’re super excited to see the eventual reveal of Project Juniper, which is expected in the first half of 2025. However, expect to see a few more leaks before production kicks off at Giga Shanghai.
Tesla has added a new feature to Track Mode v3 with software update 2024.38.4 and higher. This update lets users configure how aggressively their powertrain is cooled.
One of the biggest challenges of racing or tracking Teslas has been sustained performance as drivetrain components start to heat up. Previously, performance was optimized for maximum power, which would result in very high performance initially, but performance would quickly degrade after multiple laps. With this update Tesla is now giving users more control of their vehicle’s performance and cooling.
Thermal Limiting
Tesla limits vehicle performance as components reach their thermal limit. These could be the brakes, motors, or batteries. While the battery performs best when hot, too hot isn’t good for its life either. In terms of the motors, as they get increasingly hot, they’ll be at risk of damaging themselves, so the vehicle will thermally limit itself.
Track Mode also provides aggressive cooling at an increased level before, during, and after a track session, which helps to ensure that the vehicle stays within its safe thermal limits as you push it as hard as possible.
Powertrain Endurance
Powertrain Endurance is available in the Track Mode V3 menu between the Stability Assist options and the Regenerative Braking slider. It has three options: Standard, Increased, and Maximum.
Standard - This essentially provides no change to the existing functionality, so you’ll get the fastest initial times, but you’ll be thermally limited more quickly.
Increased - This is the next step up, providing a balance between initial performance and sustained power. It’ll give you more steady performance over multiple laps, but you may still get thermally limited.
Maximum - This setting will reduce your vehicle’s performance but ensures that the vehicle’s available power will last for longer distances. This is the option many have wanted to see - a way to get maximum performance without getting thermally limited and having to slow down immensely.
The 3 options in Track Mode V3
@PatrickMJanson on X
Supported Vehicles
For now, this option appears to only be able available on Track Mode v3 vehicles with update 2024.38.4 and later. For now, that means only the 2024 Model 3 Performance - the Highland refresh - has that capability.
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