Launched in 2017, the Tesla Model 3 quickly became the best-selling electric car in the world. Only the Model Y SUV, produced since 2020 and which incorporates the main elements of the Model 3, has managed to dethrone it. It even became the best-selling car in the world, all energies combined.
Thanks to numerous developments and lower prices, the two “small” Teslas have managed to remain very competitive, despite finally abounding competition. However, the American manufacturer would like to offer a makeover to its Model 3 and Model Y, in the form of a restyling.
The news is still at the rumor stage, but many clues point in this direction. Thus, we already know these revised and corrected versions under the code name Highland for the Model 3 and Juniper for the Model Y.
An imminent launch for the restyled Model 3?
According to the latest rumors, production of the restyled Tesla Model 3 is about to begin. According to the Chinese media JRJ, pre-series copies are even already produced in Shanghai. The presentation of this new version would therefore be imminent, if this information is confirmed.
On the new side, we expect to see a slight visual update to the front and rear of the car. Stolen images provide a glimpse of what phase 2 of the Tesla Model 3 could look like. Reddit user ffiarpg posted a photo of what could be a prototype of the new model, unfortunately without further details.
Camouflaged Model 3 prototypes were also spotted, giving a peek at the sedan’s supposed future rims.
The interior should also be reviewed. The Model 3 could receive the Yoke steering wheel of the Model S and Model X which had caused much ink to flow, according to Teslascope. However, Tesla is said to have developed steering technology steer-by-wire, like the Toyota bZ4X, which would solve the main problem of this steering wheel. Thus, the gear ratio of the steering could vary according to the speed, so as not to interfere during maneuvers for example.
Finally, on the technical side, the chassis would have been revised to lighten the Model 3 and make its production less expensive. It could also receive new batteries. According to the media 36krthe battery pack of the entry-level Model 3 would be increased from 60 to 66 kWh, using CATL’s new Ningde Era M3P cells, still using LFP technology.
An identical treatment for the Model Y?
Rumors are thinner about the facelifted Model Y, but there are two reasons for this. First of all, according to information from Reuters, the production of the new version of the SUV is expected for 2024, probably a few months after that of the Model 3. In addition, the treatment received by the Model Y should be very close to that of the sedan. We are talking about a slightly revised design, but still close to that of the Model 3. The interior would also be modernized and we can expect, again, the same developments in the two models.