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Tesla Model 3 Design Update Baffles New Owners

Aug. 24, 2020 9:56 AM ET by Jay Traugott Design / 5 Comments But there is a theory on why it's there. The Tesla Model 3 has been on the road since the latter half of 2017 and has become the world's best-selling electric vehicle of all time. More than 500,000 examples have been delivered. Aside from regular over-the-air software updates, the Model 3 has not undergone any significant changes, either from a design or hardware perspective. Until now. Electrek has learned that several Model 3 owners who've taken delivery within the past couple of weeks are reporting a design change they weren't made aware of previously. What is it? The frunk. From the outside, the front trunk does not look any different but once opened it's slightly smaller than before. Tesla Tesla Tesla The updated frunk has larger rims on the top and sides, thus resulting in less available cargo room. There's also a fully slotted floor instead of the old flat and smooth design. But why is Tesla suddenly making this design change which results in less space for stuff? The answer likely has to do with the Model Y. The Model 3 and Model Y ride on the same architecture, but the latter does have something the sedan doesn't: a heat pump. That heat pump is intended to maximize efficiency in colder weather. At present, the Model 3 has not been equipped with one, but the frunk's design update could be the first step in doing so. If this is indeed the case, will owners approve? CarBuzz CarBuzz Tesla More than likely the answer is 'yes' because sacrificing a bit of frunk space in order to gain a heat pump (or some other mechanical improvement) that will make a great car even better is a small price to pay. Some owners even admit to not using their frunks on a regular basis because the regular rear trunk offers plenty of space, 12.3 cubic feet, to be exact. To compare, the Toyota Corolla sedan has about 13 cubic feet. Sources also claim Tesla is about to also update the Model 3's headlights and possibly add a powered lift trunk. As the Model 3 has been on the market for three years already, it makes perfect sense to see some hardware and design updates by around this time. Expect to hear something official in the near future. Tesla Tesla Tesla Source Credits: Electrek

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