NEWS  Electric Vehicles  January 12, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Recently we reported about the "upgraded" Tesla Model 3, codenamed "Highland", which should make its appearance in the North America market with deliveries scheduled in January-February. In a recent revelation, though, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, addressed the much-debated codename "Highland". Musk took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to dismiss the codename, stating unequivocally, "It's not real". This clarification comes as a response to a query from a SpaceX engineer who sought information about the origin of the elusive codename.

The codename "Highland" has been circulating in discussions since November 2022, sparking curiosity among both Tesla enthusiasts and investors. However, it appears that the name has no official standing within Tesla's communications, as the company refers to the redesigned Model 3 simply as "upgraded" or "refreshed" on its website and official channels, at least according to the company. 

In a twist worthy of an industrial thriller, in fact, users have denied Musk's statement, adding context information to his post and stating that:

"Tesla's own website refers to "Highland" multiple times, notably in the parts catalog"

adding to the "Readers added context" several links to the official Tesla website to confirm that Tesla, in fact and contrary to what Musk stated, do uses the code name Highland in reference to the "upgraded" Model 3.

 A MODEL 3 "UPGRADED" IMAGE FROM TESLA WEBSITE. THE FILE NAME, "MODEL3_HIGHLAND_CLOSURE_COMPONENTS_[...].JPG", PROVES THE USE OF THE HIGHLAND CODENAME, DESPITE MUSK CLAIMS 

Tesla's decision to distance itself from the codename at first raised questions about the accuracy of speculations and the nature of the anticipated changes to the Model 3. But the counter-response from users, supported by concrete evidence, raises many doubts about what is really goin' on here. 

Anyway the automaker has been tight-lipped about the specific details of the upgrade, leaving the community in suspense. Remarkably, the company has maintained the same price point for the redesigned Model 3 as its predecessor, signaling a commitment to offering enhanced features without imposing a higher financial burden on consumers.

 IMAGES CREDIT: TESLA