Tesla has officially unveiled the facelifted Model 3, codenamed “Project Highland.” The announcement has put an end to months of speculation, spy shots, and rumors surrounding the popular and affordable electric vehicle (EV) produced by the Austin-based automaker.
One of the standout features of the updated Model 3 is a focus on comfort and performance enhancements. Notably, the vehicle now boasts improved dampers and an entirely acoustic glass greenhouse. This represents a significant improvement over the previous version, which only featured noise-repelling glass on the windshield and front windows.
Perhaps less well-known to potential buyers, especially those in markets where Tesla is selling the updated Model 3 (excluding the United States, for now), is the fact that this EV was primarily developed in China by Tesla’s engineering team based in Shanghai.
A recent video posted on Tesla’s official Weibo account, later shared on X by @xiaoteshushu, features Lars Moravy, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering at Tesla, discussing the vehicle’s development. Moravy emphasizes that the primary goal of the engineering team was to enhance driver satisfaction.
Tesla official account uploaded a new video about model 3 highland on Weibo . pic.twitter.com/p2CvluGNZP
— xiaoteshushu (@xiaoteshushu) September 27, 2023
In the video, a black prototype of the Model 3 is shown reaching its top speed of 200 kilometers per hour (124.2 miles per hour), as rated for the Chinese market. European versions, both rear-wheel drive and Long Range, are listed with a slightly higher top speed of 201 kph (124.8 mph). Acceleration remains impressive, with a 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) time of 6.1 seconds for the rear-wheel drive and 4.4 seconds for the Long Range variant, matching the Chinese-bound EV.
Six years after the original Model 3 debut, “Project Highland” represents a significant milestone for Tesla. The updated model is already in production at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory and features a redesigned exterior and an improved interior. Notable interior enhancements include ambient lighting, a new infotainment touchscreen for rear passengers, and an upgraded sound system boasting 17 speakers, three more than its predecessor, in the case of the Long Range version.
With “Project Highland,” Tesla continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and comfort, solidifying its position as a leader in the EV market. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, the facelifted Model 3 is poised to set new standards for affordability, performance, and innovation.
