Subtle Mastery: The Magnetic Glove Box in the Tesla Model 3 Highland Refresh

Tesla's new glovebox uses magnets to stay closed

Out of Spec Reviews

The new Tesla Model 3, the Highland, was revealed with great fanfare. There is so much to take in that some minor details can be overlooked. As more videos and pictures emerge from fans and critics, we are learning just how meticulous Tesla was when renewing the popular sedan.

While the spotlight has shone brightly on the groundbreaking advancements and features, a subtle touch might have been missed, but it is worth taking note of the improved glove box.

Tesla modernized the glove box operation in the original Model 3, allowing users to open it with a voice command or lock it with a PIN code. Yet, the act of closing it retained its old-world charm, reminding us of its humble origins — until the Highland refresh. Out of Spec Reviews took their YouTube viewers to IAA in Munich. In one of their videos (below), the host is a little surprised when he closes the glovebox. Instead of a latch, a magnet sealed the glove box shut, offering a quiet, streamlined solution that not only reduces parts and increases reliability but reduces cost as well. You can view the glovebox in action below at the 23:20 mark:

Why the Magnetic Glove Box Matters

Tesla's decision to replace the conventional latch with magnets might seem trivial at first, but on closer inspection, it embodies the brand's ethos of constant evolution:

• Durability Over Time: Unlike traditional latches that can wear out or break, magnets promise longevity, ensuring that users enjoy a consistently smooth experience.
• Economical and Efficient: By opting for magnets over a mechanical latch, Tesla not only simplifies the design but potentially reduces production and maintenance costs — a testament to the company's dedication to value and innovation.
• Fusing Old with the New: Closing a glove box with a gentle touch, thanks to the magnets, feels refreshing, especially in a car where you can command the same compartment to open with the power of your voice or touch. It's a blend of heritage and futuristic design.

A Brief Dive into Glove Box History

The glove box, or "glove compartment," as it was traditionally known, originates in the early days of motoring. The compartment was initially intended for drivers to store their driving gloves — hence the name. The very first glove boxes were just simple compartments, but as cars evolved, so did their accessories, leading to the inclusion of a latch for added security.

In a world of technological leaps, small, meticulous improvements often showcase a brand's dedication to progress and refinement. The magnetic glovebox is one of those small yet greatly appreciated moves that show the automaker is leaving no stone unturned or the glove box unopened in its endless improvements.

A Closer Look at Tesla's Ambient Lighting Feature in the New Model 3 and Cybertruck [Video]

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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If you look up ambient lights for Tesla, you'll see several ads for third-party light kits. Perhaps this is why Tesla added its own Ambient Lights feature to the new Model 3. So, let's get enlightened.

Tesla's ambient lights are thin light strips that are embedded in each of the vehicle's doors near the top edge. It also curves around the dashboard near the windshield, giving passengers a near 360-degree light effect.

Supported Models

Tesla new ambient light feature is available on the new Model 3 (2024+), and will be available on the Cybertruck in a similar manner. With a refresh ongoing for the Model Y, known as Juniper, it will likely also have ambient lights. That just leaves out the most luxurious flagship vehicles, the Model S and X, for now.

The Model S and Model X could be due for a minor refresh that would not only add ambient lighting, but also include a front-bumper camera that the Cybertruck has and the new Model 3 is expected to have in the near future.

Customization

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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The ambient light settings allow you to light up the interior in a color that reflects your mood or preference. Under Controls > Lights > Accent Lights, you are handed the freedom to choose virtually any color to adorn the interior of your Tesla.

You have control over whether the ambient lights are on, off, or set to an "Auto" setting, though not fully clarified, seems to promise intelligent lighting adjustments akin to our control over dome lights, offering a reduction in reflections during drives.

While the ability to control the brightness level seems missing, Tesla did include color presets, letting you curate a series of your favorite colors.

It should be noted that the changes are confined to the light strips on the doors and dash, steering clear of the footwell lights and other interior lighting.

Future Enhancements

With Tesla, we can be assured there will be enhancements to this feature in a future update. In fact, the Tesla community is already busy coming up with useful suggestions. Some owners thought Tesla should take advantage of the lighting to provide driver feedback, such as automatically changing the ambient lighting to a red hue when there's a vehicle in your blind spot. Tesla could also glow the light strip on a door if it's not closed properly, or use the lighting to provide feedback when Sentry Mode is enabled.

Other uses could be more fun, such as cycling the light through various colors when the 'Rainbow Road' easter egg is activated.

Ambient Lighting in Action

While the possibilities are endless and Tesla engineers will surely have fun coming up with creative uses for the feature, the biggest improvement we can hope for in the near future is the ability to adjust the light intensity.

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Tesla Model 3 'Highland' Performance Details Discovered in European Documents

Tesla's new Model 3 received a host of exterior and interior upgrades

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Tesla outdid itself with the refreshed Model 3, known as the Highland. Despite all the fantastic upgrades, something is missing - the Performance version or perhaps the Plaid. The letter "T" has shown up on vehicle certificates in Europe, and despite Elon Musk's sense of humor, it is unlikely this is a Mr. T reference.

Deciphering the 'T'

A new document shows the new Model 3 Performance will have a dual motor

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Diligent scrutiny of the European Type Certificate, issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW and shared on the TFF Forum, revealed a subtle yet pivotal alteration — including the letter 'T' in the eighth digit of the Model 3 Performance's VIN.

This seemingly minor detail, indicative of the vehicle's motor/drive unit type, sparked curiosity and speculation on the forum. Could it be a tri-motor setup to usher in a new Plaid version of the Model 3? This vehicle has already got endless amounts of zip, but three motors? May The Schwartz Be With You!

This could also explain the Model 3+ badging that was spotted during the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China inspection of the refresh. However, the regulatory filings highlighted just two distinct variants of the car: a rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 194 kW motor and an all-wheel drive (AWD) dual-motor setup that combines to deliver a formidable 331 kW of maximum power.

Initial conjectures leaned towards the possibility of a tri-motor setup, drawing parallels with the Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X. However, a deeper dive into the certification document clarified that the Model 3 Performance retained its Dual Motor setup, dispelling the possibility of a tri-motor upgrade.

Strategic Enhancements: A Glimpse into Potential Upgrades

Given the documented specifications, it becomes plausible that Tesla has strategically enhanced one of the dual motors, potentially aligning it with the advanced motor found in the Model S/X Plaid. This modification is poised to augment the top-end speed and acceleration of the Model 3 Performance, addressing its comparative limitations in extended races against traditional gas-powered supercars.

Meanwhile, the Model 3 refresh has become the new Bigfoot of the roads of North America, with rare sightings posted on social media. However, it appears the continent is excluded from the initial launch of the Model 3 Highland. Internal communications within Tesla suggest North American enthusiasts might have to exercise patience until 2024.

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