Tesla's Model 3+ Comes with Revamped Dimensions and More

A Model 3+ badge is found on Tesla's new Model 3

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We knew the badging on the back of the refreshed Model 3 was changing from the logo to the word Telsa, but we were not expecting a plus sign to appear. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China provided a first look at what is notably called the "Model 3+," a new badge that is gracing this updated series. This is not to be confused with Performance or the rumored Plaid possibilities.

New Badge, New Dimensions

The regulatory filings highlighted that there would be 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. In China's regulatory landscape, every new vehicle model is subject to the MIIT's approval, which sometimes results in early revelations of a vehicle's specifications and images. While this isn't favored by automakers keen on keeping details under wraps until the official launch, it offers car enthusiasts an early glimpse of what to expect.

One of the significant revelations from this regulatory unveiling is the advent of the "Model 3+," a badge that distinguishes one of the two new trims of the vehicle. However, this terminology is not set in stone, as Chinese automakers have a history of altering badges post-MIIT documentation.

Comparative Dimensions: Model 3 vs. Model 3+

Delving deeper into the specifications of this freshly badged variant, the Model 3+ will sport an AWD dual-motor system powered by an NMC battery supplied by LG Energy Solution. The Model 3+ showcases subtle yet notable differences in its dimensions when set alongside the previous Model 3 edition. Its length stretches to 4720 mm, gaining an additional 26 mm over the prior model's 4694 mm. In terms of width, it has slightly contracted to 1848 mm, a slight decrease from the earlier 1850 mm.

A Model 3+ badge is found on Tesla's new Model 3

MIIT

The car's stature is nearly identical to its predecessor, with a trivial reduction in height to 1442 mm, just 1 mm shorter than before. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remains steadfast at 2875 mm, maintaining the same spacing. Accompanying these alterations are revamped tire options, available in specifications of 235/40/R19 or 235/45 R18, with showcased versions flaunting the choice of Hankook tires.

This refreshed series maintains the core structure while presenting a refined take on the Model 3's traditional design, including the upgraded glove box. As the market awaits its launch, speculated to be in October, the financial specifics for this facelifted version have been released by Tesla China. The Model 3+ will come with a price tag of 295,900 yuan, translating to around 40,600 USD, setting a premium price point for this enhanced variant.

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

Tesla

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

eivissacopter / X

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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