Thread by @teslascope

Today, we’re discussing the all-new Model 3 (Project Highland), timelines for its transition in North America, and settling concerns about the bumper camera.

This thread aims to reassure those with concerns and help answer your questions. Enjoy!

Last week, Tesla officially unveiled the redesigned Model 3 in China, Australia, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. In the days that followed, customers got to experience the new vehicles in person!

However, unexpectedly, North America was absent from the announcement!

North America, we have some reassuring news for you.
We're pleased to share that Project Highland for North America will be tentatively announced in Q1 of 2024.

Production lines for the redesigned Model 3 are being finalized over the next three weeks at Fremont.

Subject to unexpected delays, validation drives of release candidates begin later this month.

In the weeks following these newer builds, we've been informed that Crash and Safety builds will be prepped and tests performed before the end of October.

We quietly hinted at these timelines months ago when we shared, "Some [employees] say in 1-3 months, some say later this year. Others have said Q1 2024."

Highland's first launch would come three months later, and we expect the same for North America.

https://twitter.com/teslascope/status/1671956456210599936

As for the reasons for Highland's current absence in North America, we can expect a small handful of changes on the North American version.

Let's tackle the elephant in the room: the mysterious bumper camera scrubbed from all promotional material and the website.

In @carwowuk's "I drive the new Tesla Model 3!" video, Matt clarifies that while the vehicle has the latest autopilot hardware (HW4, based on the upgraded cameras), the car is a pre-production model and that autopilot was not available.

This is a crucial distinction.

Our original thread in June shared that the Model 3 redesign would include HW4 and a bumper camera.

We've also confidently stated that starting with the Cybertruck and Highland, all new redesigns will include bumper cameras for the foreseeable future. 📸

https://twitter.com/teslascope/status/1671956447025070080

Following recent public discussions with @greentheonly and limited details from our sources, Tesla is still finalizing the hardware and software for bumper cameras.

This is one reason the Cybertruck's bumper camera has only been seen on more recently built prototypes.

While speculative, we believe that Tesla's goal is to still include the bumper camera on all new Model 3s upon delivery; however, in the case of unpredictable roadblocks, its removal from promotional material helps settle expectations.

This is Tesla wanting to be accountable. 👍

With Cybertruck release candidates already including bumper cameras and months until Highland deliveries, we're hopeful that Tesla will accomplish this goal.

Without providing specifics (for undisclosed reasons), last-minute inclusions are very possible.

We want to share a lot more, but you'll have to wait and see how the next few months go!

Moving forward, this will be our last thread regarding Project Highland, as we wish to be mindful of Tesla. As fans, we're excited to see these new vehicles alongside everyone else.

Thank you, as always, for your time reading through this thread. We'll do our best to answer the remaining questions and concerns to the best of our ability.

Thank you to the incredible Tesla Team for crafting such a stunning and futuristic driving experience with Highland. ❤️🚗