Observing the fixes that engineers make during a midcycle facelift can reveal a lot about a car. Though the primary focus of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland’s improvements is on improving the interior, a closer inspection reveals a number of subtle but significant suspension and chassis tweaks that are intended to provide even more driving refinement. Combining these enhancements shows how Tesla aimed for a quieter and more comfortable ride with the updated 2024 Model 3, building on the interior modifications to produce a vehicle that feels more upscale.
Tesla Model 3 Smarter Suspension Dampers and Softer Springs
The new 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland’s Standard Range and Long Range models both have new frequency-responsive suspension dampers and softer springs than the previous model, making for a more comfortable ride. Shocks are a low-tech, low-cost substitute for adaptive dampers, which continue to adjust the damping force in response to suspension inputs. No magical magnetic fluid or electronic valves are involved in this. Rather, the only factor influencing the fluid-flow through the valving is the pressure differences within the shock. Greater suspension travel is used to dissipate large, hard impacts from potholes, heaves, and dips through softer damping at lower frequencies. Stiffer damping is dispensed with higher-frequency inputs to lessen grating jostling over expansion joints or uneven pavement.
This technology, also known as frequency-selective damping, is not new nor unique, but it does involve some very clever engineering. More than 1.5 million cars with frequency-selective dampers are on the road, according to Koni, which developed the concept in the late 1990s and is just one supplier out of more than six businesses that hold patents for selective-frequency valves.
A Change Of Direction
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a variable-ratio steering rack, just like the vehicle it replaces. The car responds better when the driver applies more steering. A variable-ratio steering rack is designed so that the driver can use less steering lock for tight parking-lot maneuvers while a quicker ratio near the end of the rack allows for more relaxed and confident straight-line cruising at slower speeds.
However, engineers slowed down the steering throughout the range of the 2024 Model 3 Highland, requiring the driver to apply more steering force to make the same turn as before. Tesla revealed that the “overall” ratio went from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1, but it would not disclose the fastest and slowest ratios for the old and new vehicles. Better predictability and stability, especially at higher speeds, are the intended outcomes of these modifications, along with more linear steering response.
The Grease Is Put On the Squeaky Control Arm
Both Tesla and Model 3 owners have expressed frustration with the front upper control arms of the departing model. A plastic cap, which is prone to cracking and allowing water into the joint, is used by the cast steel arms to seal the top of the ball-joint housing. Water eventually causes rust issues in addition to creaking, clunking, or squeaking. It’s easy to find owners complaining about the issue in internet forums.
Hopefully, the new forged steel control arm on the 2024 Model 3 Highland will address this issue. The ball joint on the arm is now housed in an enclosed housing that prevents water from seeping in from above. Furthermore, forged steel will rust more slowly than cast steel, even though it will rust like any other metal that contains iron.
Replaced Front Steering Knuckles
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 boasts a subtle change that is hard to notice in photos or in person: redesigned knuckles that move the steering axis to provide a smoother driving experience. According to Tesla, this modification lessens bump steer, which is the result of minor steering inputs as the suspension absorbs shocks, and increases stability at high speeds and during braking.
New Shoes
The summer tires on our test cars were of European specification, but starting in 2024, American cars will come equipped with a new standard 18-inch all-season tire. When the Highland goes on sale here early next year, the Michelin Primacy MXM4 235/45R-18 98W XL T1 from last year will be replaced by the Michelin Primacy All Season 235/45R-18 98W XL T0. Both the new and old tires are tailored to meet Tesla’s specifications, as indicated by the T0 and T1 that are visible on the sidewalls. According to Michelin, the new shoes have less rolling resistance than the tires they are replacing, which should help extend the car’s driving range somewhat.
More Squish In The Model 3’S Ish
The unsung heroes of cars with excellent handling and comfortable rides are the bushings. When adjusted correctly, they offer just the right amount of compliance to reduce unwanted disturbances and enough stiffness for direct, sharp handling. Tesla stated that the front, rear, and rear subframe bushings are modified to lessen harshness, vibration, and noise while enhancing ride comfort, without specifically stating that they are softer. To put it another way, they’re softer. We assure you that this results in an improved Model 3.
Brake Dust Shields in reverse?
Is there a difference between the photos on the left and right? We are not discussing the color of the paint or the fact that the photos were taken at different angles. Furthermore, we are not discussing every change that we have already mentioned.
Look at the red Model 3 Highland’s front brake dust shields. The left shield was mounted on the right side of the vehicle when it was built, and vice versa. This same “backward” installation method was used for the shields on the back of the vehicle.
With the updated Model 3, Tesla undoubtedly hopes to erase its image for inconsistent quality; however, there is evidence that the system can still be improved. The 2024 Tesla Model 3s that we drove were early-build models that were produced at the company’s Shanghai facility. Hopefully by now, the last assembly team at the Fremont, California, factory, which will produce the Model 3s for the United States, knows left from right.