Tesla appears to be set to roll out the new Tesla Model 3 for the North American market after sighting several refreshed versions, also known as Highland, at the Fremont factory. The vehicle successfully debuted in other global markets late last year, including Europe, China, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
Tesla may announce the start of Model 3 Highland deliveries as early as this month because the company’s Q4 and Full Year 2023 earnings call is on January 24th. That would provide an ideal platform for the official announcement and garner a lot of attention.
Sightings and Speculations
Before the dawn of 2024, the Model 3 Highland was seen multiple times across the U.S., as posted on Reddit. This further fueled speculation about its North American debut. Reddit user, vanshv2003 shared photos of a Model 3 Highland at the Fremont Factory, featuring Shanghai badges but a VIN indicating Californian manufacture. These sightings suggest that Tesla is preparing for the North American market and potentially for other markets.
Tesla's Model 3 Highland has already made waves in markets like China, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Europe, and the United Arab Emirates since its launch in August 2023. However, it was conspicuously absent in the North American market. While the company did go over its expected deliveries in 2023, there’s no doubt that many buyers are waiting for the latest design and technology that the refreshed Model 3 offers.
Performance Model
The performance variant of the Model 3 Highland has yet to be revealed, but rumors suggest that production has also started on this variant. It’s possible that it may even debut in North America first. The performance trim level is expected more unique than it was in its previous incarnation, with reports saying it’ll be “pretty special.” Instead of just including binned motors and an improved suspension and brakes, the new performance model is expected to stand out against its Long Range counterpart. Tesla is also expected to launch the new Model 3 in North America with a front bumper camera like the Cybertruck.
🎉NEW YEAR NEW FREMONT MODEL 3 🥳
This refresh Tesla Model 3 was spotted with Shanghai badges but the VIN shows it was built in Fremont (F factory designation).
Cybertruck has been stealing all the headlines in North America for several months; you may need a refresher of everything the refreshed Model 3 offers. The range has increased by 11 to 12 percent, which equates to the rear-wheel drive getting 346 miles (554 kilometers) and the dual motor long-range getting 423 miles (678 kilometers). This is thanks to several things, including the lighter Model 3, now the most aerodynamic Tesla in the lineup at a stunning 0.219 drag coefficient down from 0.225.
The upgraded suspension provides a more premium ride with new springs & dampers, new geometry on the front suspension, new bushings, and a new way to mount the subframe to the chassis. Moreover, the tires now have more cushioning for an improved ride.
Tesla has made a 30% decrease in wind and ambient noise, a 25% improvement in impact noise, and a 20% improvement in road noise. This has been achieved by using acoustic glass on the rear and back windows (it was only on the front windows before), resulting in "360º acoustic glass". Additionally, more sound insulation has been added for a quieter ride. However, you won’t be able to hear the silent thanks to the new 17-speaker sound system, up from 14 speakers -- complete with two subwoofers and two amplifiers.
The list is endless. The introduction of the U.S.-spec Model 3 Highland couldn't be more timely, especially considering the current list of EVs eligible for the $7,500 tax credit. With the non-facelifted Model 3 and Model Y variants already enjoying this benefit, the arrival of the Model 3 Highland is poised to impact Tesla's market presence and consumer choices significantly.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
Enhance Auto’s innovative products elevate your Tesla experience. The customizable S3XY Buttons and Knob offer seamless control over vehicle features with a simple press or turn. Visit enhauto.com to explore their full range of products and transform your driving experience today!
Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.
Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
![Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/cybertruck/cybertruck-demo.jpg/1356c877fb90cc7beb02335e757420ca/cybertruck-demo.jpg)
_300w.png)
