Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ concept
Tesla’s Giga Shanghai is gearing up its “Highland” Model 3 launch, according to a series of tweets shared by Tesla China Analyst (@teslashanghai) on August 3, 2023.
The automaker has already reportedly started trial production of the Model 3 refresh, and mass deliveries are slated to begin in September. This timeline is notably ahead of initial expectations, said the account.
The project is shrouded in secrecy as expected. As soon as a trial vehicle rolls off the production line, it’s concealed, adding to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding the new car. Recently, drone flights outside Giga Shanghai have been stopped.
The new car reportedly flaunts a more impressive design, sporting tail lights similar to those on the Porsche Macan. Its overall aesthetic is said to resemble the Tesla Model S.
Perhaps the most eye-catching detail is the price point. Based on the new project’s component costs, the new car’s price is expected to hover around 200,000 RMB, or about $28,000 USD, says Tesla China Analyst. This price though seems way too low for a Model 3, so we’ll take this with a grain of salt here.
In a related tweet, Tesla China Analyst said the existing Model 3 will cease production sometime in August, paving the way for the refresh. Mass production of the updated model is set to begin in September, with deliveries commencing in October.
Other previous sources of reliable Tesla China news also shared their thoughts on ‘Highland’ as well.
“Giga Shanghai started production switchover, starting this week to produce two days of current Model 3, two days of Highland production, alternate operation, and completely switch to Highland production two weeks later,” said Chris Zheng.
Meanwhile, Tesla Giga Shanghai drone pilot WuWa said, “According to online rumors, communication from suspected Tesla staff indicates that the current domestically produced Tesla Model 3 will be discontinued on August 14th. It is reported that the new Tesla Model 3 will be officially put into production in the third quarter.”
Ladies and gentlemen, we’re getting close to Project Highland it seems. Yesterday, we saw delivery dates for the Model 3 in Europe shift far ahead, up to January 2024, while we also saw Tesla file documentation in China that appeared to be for Highland as well. Get ready.
