The Tesla Model 3 2024 changes its style and improves its autonomy
If there’s one unveiling that the auto industry has been waiting for, at least by electric vehicle enthusiasts, it’s the Tesla Model 3 2024. The one that bears the term “Highland Project” marks the first major aesthetic refresh since the unveiling of the Model 3 in 2017. On the menu, for these European and Asian editions, a new exterior style, a reworked interior, new equipment and a steering wheel similar to that of the Model S and Model X, eliminating the turn signal lever, which is likely to cause controversy.
It goes without saying, however, that the general line of the car has been preserved. The front fascia and headlights, however, have been extensively modified to take on a more fluid approach. The front fenders are also reworked, closer to those of the Model Y, while the rear now has position lights that look like what we find in Subaru, with “crab claws”. Notice the name Tesla spelled out, also a novelty. Refreshed-looking 18- or 19-inch wheels are also included.
These design improvements are accompanied by a lower drag coefficient. The vehicle goes from 0.23 to 0.219, improving its penetration in the air. This advances the range of the rear-wheel-drive and long-range versions, which retain the same technical characteristics as the current models, to 513 kilometers and 629 kilometers respectively, according to the WLTP calculation cycle. The range of the North American versions calculated according to the EPA cycle will be known at the launch of these models, which should occur in the coming weeks.
Interior revised
If the general presentation of the dashboard remains the same, with a central screen by which everything is controlled, details are nevertheless modified. This 15.4-inch screen includes better graphics quality and better response to user impulses. The dashboard now features mood lighting that continues into the doors, the color of which can be changed to suit the driver’s mood. The console is also revised, still housing two induction chargers for smartphones.
The steering wheel is also taken from the Model S and Model X, which underwent a refresh two years ago. This includes two buttons for the turn signals, which eliminates the lever normally intended for this task, as well as certain other more traditional controls, such as those for the audio system.
The gear lever that sat on the steering column of the Model 3 is also eliminated to integrate a system similar to that of the Model S and X, which determines whether you want to engage forward or reverse depending on what is around the vehicle. This had created a shock wave at the launch of the Model S and Model X. The seats are now covered with perforated leather front and rear, and the front seats are now air-conditioned.
Speaking of rear seats, the occupants will have an 8-inch screen placed behind the front console and which will be used, among other things, to configure the audio system, adjust the air conditioning controls and even listen to audiovisual content. According to the images, it will be possible to connect to Netflix or Disney+ through this screen, probably with the cellular connection included in the car.
The manufacturer claims that the car is better soundproofed, in particular due to the door trim panels which are more absorbent and the double windows all around. Improvements are also made to the structure of the car, to incorporate simpler and stronger manufacturing methods, similar to those of the Model Y. In addition, rear-wheel-drive versions will be equipped with a 9-speaker audio system. and a subwoofer, while long-range all-wheel drive versions will have a 17-speaker audio system and two subwoofers.
To be continued
These details relate to the Asian and European versions of the Tesla Model 3, which come out of the Shanghai factory in China, and we will have to be patient to learn more about the North American versions. As of this writing, the manufacturer’s Canadian site shows the known model, with no mention of the retouched model.
Note, however, that the long-range, all-wheel-drive Model 3s currently sold in Canada come from the Shanghai plant. It is therefore to be expected that the details concerning the Canadian versions will arrive sooner rather than later, considering that the production of these new copies would have already begun in Chinese territory.
