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Issue 308 - Franz & Lars Talk New Model 3

Model 3

New Tesla Model 3 Performance specs revealed

Leaked details of the Tesla Model 3 Performance variant indicate it retains the weight of the previous model and sports a 355V nominal voltage LG battery pack. Updates to the electric powerhouse include maintaining the 158kW front motor and introducing a new 303kW motor that peaks at 110kph, suggesting an improved high-speed performance.

Franz & Lars Talk New Model 3

Franz von Holzhausen and Lars Moravy provide insights into the technical improvements of the new Model 3, such as a leaner front-end design for increased aerodynamic efficiency, updated taillights, and new wheels with tires optimized for lower rolling resistance without sacrificing grip. They emphasize safety, customer happiness, and efficiency as top design priorities and highlight active safety features and battery longevity as key aspects. The new Model 3, especially the RWD, is more expensive than what people think, with a $2,999 down payment, a lease comes to around $329 per month.

Tesla's Model 3 Highland 'Ludicrous' discovered in configurator

Many Tesla enthusiasts are scrutinizing the Tesla App and website for possible new additions and leaks. In this case, they have spotted the Model 3 Ludicrous variant in the source code for the online configurator. Some of the details there seem to indicate a 310-mile range, a top speed of 162 mph, and a swift 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.2 seconds. It’s possible these aren’t the real specs; we can’t be sure until Tesla officially releases it. In another hint, this source code appears in both the European and US versions of the store, so maybe in this case, they plan a simultaneous release in both markets.

Software Updates

Elon Musk teases 'cool stuff' slated for release

In a reply to a tweet showing Autopark in a pre-vision only version, Elon mentioned there is ‘really cool stuff’ scheduled for release in March and April. Could it be the Actually Smart Summon? Maybe parking features for the vision-only Teslas? Something else?

2024.8.3 Release Notes

Tesla’s update 2024.8.3 introduces two notable features for various models. The “One-Time Charge Limit” allows setting a higher charging limit for road trips, automatically reverting to the regular limit afterward. Additionally, “Adaptive High Beams,” which improve night visibility by adjusting beams to reduce glare for others using matrix headlight technology, is now available for Model S, 3, X, and Y in Europe.

Incentives

Tesla offering another end-of-quarter incentive for existing owners

Tesla is offering existing owners a new incentive to purchase from its inventory: a complimentary paint or interior upgrade. This is part of a push to boost Q1 sales and complements the previously mentioned promotions ike Full Self-Driving transfers and up to 10,000 miles of free Supercharging credits. To qualify, delivery must be taken before March 31, 2024.

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Tesla starts FSD Beta v12.3 rollout

Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving Beta v12.3 update, described by Elon Musk as a ‘big release,’ on Twitter, he mentioned it should probably be v13. Sadly for us, the release notes don’t list any improvements, so we can’t know what the improvements are until we get to see more videos.

Cybertruck

Cybertruck Basecamp first look and setup guide

The Cybertruck Basecamp accessory is a tent attachment for the Tesla Cybertruck that allows users to turn their truck into a camping vehicle, currently available on the Tesla store for $3k. In this video, we can see the installation, setup, and breakdown. The setup includes adaptable brackets for the L-track, an air-pumped frame for rigidity, offering spacious accommodation and under-tent storage. Breaking down seems just as intuitive, with a quick deflation and zipping process, fitting well in the bed of the truck and not taking up much space.

Cybertruck at Hell's Gate

Early videos showed the Cybertruck struggling to go up steep slopes, but in this video released by Tesla, we can see it doing a great job. We can assume Tesla is improving the software to control the traction in these situations and achieve these awesome results.

Hardware Updates

New Yoke retrofits have arrived

With the physical horn in the center and the camera button. You were one of those waiting for it, you can now request it from the app.

🤓 What the acronym?

As Tesla fan I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.

  • FSD: Full Self-Driving
  • PPF: Paint Protection Film

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