The Tesla Model 3 Unveiled Today
The tension is palpable.
Around the world, Tesla fans are lining up at the company’s doors to reserve their Model 3 unit. This will be Tesla’s first mass-market vehicle.
They’ll be taking deposits as soon as tomorrow, when the car is officially unveiled for the first time.
What should we expect?
For the time being, the only pic we have is this cover shot taken by the folks at Wired Germany.
Contrary to recent rumours, the Model 3 will not be a small hatchback. It will be a sedan that looks like a small Model S, though a hatchback may eventually be released.
Here are the important details: The base trim will cost USD$35,000 prior to any available purchase incentives.
We don’t know what the drivetrain will be like, but rumour has it that the 70-kWh battery pack (the Model S’ less powerful one) may equip the Model 3. With this 329-horsepower kit, the car could jet from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The 70-kWh pack would also give the car a range of 450 km. However, there’s no indication of what might power the base trim.
Naturally, we have to keep cool about all of this. Tesla doesn’t have a good track record for product delivery. Deposits were taken for the Model X SUV several years ago and deliveries are only starting now.
Realistically, the first Model 3 units should be delivered in 2018.
This car is the ultimate test for Tesla, whose efforts are currently focused on this model’s production. If Tesla fails with this endeavour, the company will be relegated to the ranks of a niche automaker—and considering their financial situation, that wouldn’t be a good thing.
Check back tomorrow for full details on this exciting new vehicle.
- Read more in our Tesla Zone