Tesla Will Announce Its Third Generation Vehicle Platform in March

Tesla will announce its third generation vehicle platform at its Investor Day event in March

TopElectric/YouTube

Tesla's worth in the stock market plummeted to end 2022 and to start 2023; it posted lower-than-expected deliveries. There are no doubts that investors are uncertain, which may be why the company announced its first-ever Investor Day. The event will take place on March 1, 2023, and the company provided a few tidbits of what to expect, including the generation three platform.

Generation 3 Platform

Picking up where Elon Musk left the third quarter earnings call, Tesla is ready to announce plans for the next phase of the company's production. During the call in October, Musk said, "we don't want to talk exact dates, but this is the primary focus of our new vehicle development team, obviously. At this point, we've done the engineering for Cybertrucks and Semi. So, it's obviously what we're working on, which is the next-generation vehicle."

The CEO also revealed that the engineers were tasked with a two-for-one target, including cutting costs and production times. Musk added, "we're twice the output. And we do believe this can be done."

What's the Next Tesla Product?

During the Semi delivery event on December 1, 2022, there was a slide titled: Covering Major Forms of Terrestrial Transport. The slide included Models S, 3, X, Y, Semi, Cybertruck and Robotaxi. Robotaxi also appeared in the second quarter earnings report indicating that it was 'in development.'

However, there is speculation that the third generation could be the most affordable Tesla yet. The number most often heard is $25,000, which, if true, would be a game changer by removing the most significant barrier for many people who want to own an electric vehicle.

Musk said, "It will be smaller, to be clear. But it will, I think, certainly become, certainly exceed the production of all our other vehicles combined." That would be music to investors' ears.

Making things even more interesting, Tesla's Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, was recently asked to name his favorite model. He responded, "my favorite one is the one that is coming. I can't talk about (it)." I speculated the sports car fan who grew up in the wedge era and had posters of Lamborghini Countachs on his wall must've been referring to the next Roadster. But von Holzhausen also talked about how cool it is to see Teslas everywhere; perhaps he is excited to see a more affordable Tesla hit the market.

According to the short news release Tesla sent out announcing Investor Day, the company will also discuss long-term expansion plans, capital allocation and other subjects. However, Tesla's earnings call is scheduled for January 25, and we will get more information, or yet another tease, of what is next for the company.

420 Anyone? Tesla's New Release is the Most Powerful Model 3 Ever

Courtesy of @BooDev/X.com

The latest Tesla Model 3, the fastest yet, is poised to make a significant impact on Tesla's lineup. Speculation suggests the updated Performance Model 3, potentially named "Ludicrous," could be unveiled soon—possibly on April 20. This would, of course, be on 420, aligning with Elon Musk's fondness for the date, which falls 69 days before his birthday—nice.

Revamped Performance and Engineering

"Welcome to the Most Powerful Model 3 Ever," announces the Great Britain Model 3 configurator source code teaser, setting the stage for an electric sedan that surpasses its predecessors in every metric. The heart of the new Model 3 Performance lies in its all-new high-performance drive units, rumored to deliver a combined output of over 500 horsepower. This power upgrade is not just about higher numbers but also about how it translates to the asphalt.

TONS of new Model 3 Performance details were revealed in the Great Britain Model 3 configurator source code. “Welcome to the Most Powerful Model 3 Ever”

All-New Adaptive Suspension
Adaptive damping powered by in-house software gives you enhanced body control, without sacrificing… pic.twitter.com/cem4TDV80w

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) April 17, 2024

Tesla has reengineered the vehicle with an all-new adaptive suspension system. This system, powered by bespoke in-house software, ensures enhanced body control, maintaining comfort without sacrificing performance. The result is a vehicle that can handle daily commuting as smoothly as it navigates tight corners on a race track.

Advanced Design and Aerodynamics

The Model 3 Performance features redesigned front and rear fascias and a rear diffuser that enhances visual appeal and improves high-speed stability. A carbon fiber spoiler adds to the aerodynamic efficiency while asserting the car’s sporty aesthetics.

One of the standout features of the new model is the Forged Performance wheels. These lightweight, staggered wheels are not just about style; they enhance the vehicle’s turn-in response, improve predictability, and increase traction out of corners, all while optimizing aerodynamics.

Where Comfort Meets Performance

Inside, the Tesla Model 3 Performance introduces a completely revamped interior. The all-new seat design includes enhanced side and cushion bolsters to hold occupants securely in place, which is crucial during high-speed maneuvers. Ventilation is built into the seats to keep the driver and passengers cool and comfortable, reflecting a thoughtful balance between performance and luxury. The cabin's aesthetic is elevated with lightweight carbon fiber décor and a refined weave pattern unique to the Model 3 Performance.

Performance Interior (New Model 3 Performance)

All-new seat design with enhanced side and cushion bolsters hold you in place, while ventilation keeps you cool. The lightweight carbon fibre décor and refined weave pattern is unique to Model 3 Performance. pic.twitter.com/1R0UhERmHB

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) April 18, 2024

A significant highlight is the Track Mode V3, an innovative feature that allows drivers to tailor the handling balance, stability controls, and regenerative braking to their preferences. This mode integrates a performance-optimized powertrain with adaptive suspension controls, creating a driving experience that is not only responsive but also enjoyable.

The unveiling of the Model 3 Performance is imminent, as indicated by its addition to the configurator source code. There is speculation about a media embargo lifting on the 23rd, possibly coinciding with Tesla’s earnings day, which could provide further details or even see the official launch. My money is on 4/20, which will give a weekend for all influencers who got an early look to ramp up the views and bring that stock (down 40% year to date) some time to rebound before the earnings call.

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First Look at Tesla's V12 User Interface, Full Screen Visualizations and New Media Player [Updated: Photos and Video]

EFIEBER_ANDRE

Tesla's latest V12 user interface will change the look and feel of some of the vehicle’s operations. This new interface, announced on X, is already partially available on the Cybertruck but will now be rolled out to the Model 3 and Model Y, equipped with AMD Ryzen processors according to Tesla. However, the new Model S and Model X will likely receive it as well, although possibly not at the same time. It integrates several new features and aesthetics that set new standards in vehicle interface design.

The new interface will become available in Tesla update 2024.14, which started rolling out to employees yesterday.

New Parked Vehicle Visualization

A standout feature of the v12 UI update, not to be confused with FSD v12, is the centralized vehicle visualization, which dominates the display while parked (video below). This design choice enhances visual appeal and improves functionality by placing critical vehicle performance metrics, and status updates front and center. Similar to the layout in the Cybertruck, this feature provides drivers with a clear and immediate view of their vehicle's status and shows off the gorgeous 3D model.

V12 Ansicht (Frühlingsupdate)
👉Kein Autopilot, EAP, FSD aktiv.
👉Bremslichter werden angezeigt.
👉Blinken wird angezeigt.
👉Geile Darstellung
❤️Danke liebes Tesla Team pic.twitter.com/lmzTjKIq1x

— EFIEBER (@EFIEBER_ANDRE) April 18, 2024

New Media Player

There’s a new media player that’s larger and easier to use. By increasing the size of the media player, Tesla is now able to fit additional options that were hidden before, such as EQ and audio settings, the search icon and shuffle and repeat options.

The new media player appears while the vehicle is parked, driving or while the visualizations are in full-screen mode.

The media player is available on the Model 3 and Model Y and according to Tesla it’ll be limited to vehicles with the Ryzen-based infotainment center.

Tesla adds a new media player in update 2024.14

Improved Navigation

The navigation system will see several improvements. You’ll now see a little trip progress bar that lets you visually see how far along you are on your route.

If your vehicle has a rear screen, as in the new Model 3, the redesigned Model S or Model X, then trip information such as ETA will also be displayed on the rear screen.

Tesla already has the ability to update your route if a faster route becomes available. You can change some of these settings under Controls > Navigate. However, now the vehicle will show you if a faster route becomes available and gives you a chance to cancel the updated route if needed.

Expanded Autopilot Visualizations

Tesla is now bringing its full-screen visualizations outside of North America. However, there will be some improvements as well. In addition to being able to have the visualizations go full screen, there will now be a small map displayed in the corner as well.

That’s one of the issues with the full-screen FSD visualizations right now. If you make them full-screen, you lose your navigation map completely and only have the next turn available.

This will be the first time full-screen visualizations are available outside North America. It’s not clear whether all the FSD visualizations will be available such as traffic lights, curbs and more will be displayed, but Tesla has slowly been adding additional visualizations for non-FSD users, so there’s a chance that this feature will finally display all FSD visualizations to users outside of North America.

It’s not immediately clear whether this feature will require Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or FSD.

Update: The full-screen visualizations do not require FSD or EAP, but unfortunately the visualizations displayed are still the same ones as in previous updates, so it won’t display the surrounding environment and curbs.

Full-Screen Browser Support

With this update, Tesla will finally let you manually make the browser full-screen. While this will make Tesla’s Theater apps a little redundant since they just loaded the website of the selected streaming service, you’ll now be able to stream any video service full screen, as long as the service supports Tesla’s browser.

As expected, the full-screen button will only be available while the vehicle is parked.

Checking Compatibility

Owners can verify their vehicle’s compatibility with the new full-screen visualizations while parked and driving by navigating to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Info on their Tesla’s touchscreen. This update is tailored for Tesla vehicles equipped with the AMD Ryzen processor.

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