Mar 19, 2015
aarons23 I know Elon said about this year being solely Model S and X, so I am curious when you all think we will see the first Model 3 concept and or hear anything more about it?�
Mar 19, 2015
MartinAustin Elon gave a talk somewhere recently and said the Model 3 won't be shown until next year. I apologise, I can't recall where it was he said that.
I suppose that could be the "secret weapon on the demand side" - going a bit earlier with a prototype reveal and opening up the order books - but I think they want to keep 2015 limelight reserved for Model X.�
Mar 19, 2015
dirkhh Elon said Model X won't be shown until ready to deliver - so Model X will be shown in mid 2015. It was announced as shipping in late 2013.
Model 3 has been announced for 2017, so I expect that we'll see it at some point in 2019?�
Mar 19, 2015
EnergyMax May, 2017. Four months before release.�
Mar 19, 2015
strider 2017. Two years before release. Which will be a huge improvement over every other product they've introduced.�
Mar 19, 2015
Johann Koeber After the summer of 2015 and the release of the MX, the engineers and designers would be out of work. So they will be assigned the M3 project. As the MX will be a mature car when it is released, it will not take as much design and engineering capacity as the MS did in its first year.
The team can build on a lot of the design and engineering that went into MS and MX. MS was goundbreaking, everything new. M3 much different. All the power train, user interface, perhaps even little things like seats, mirrors etc can be adapted to the M3.
So I think the time to put an M3 on the road will be much shorter than it took to get the MX - about 3 years after the MS. 2 years seem about right. 2015 + 2 = 2017. I think by 2017 we might see the M3.�
Mar 19, 2015
Dutchie Only at first deliveries :smile:�
Mar 19, 2015
Yggdrasill Probably 2016.�
Mar 19, 2015
aarons23 I know Electrek.co has quoted Elon with saying "the Model 3 remains on track for a 2017 release", however, I wonder if that means release to consumers or just release the concepts. I agree with Johaan that most of the features from the Model X and S will be able to be moved to the Model 3 leaving not as much innovation, ie. Falcon Wing Doors.�
Mar 19, 2015
MartinAustin It means customers will have it some time during 2017. During 2016 we will see lots of Model 3 news, since its battery factory will start putting out packs. (at first they will be building packs for Model S and Model X)
I imagine Tesla Motors will want to pad their bank account with $2,500 deposit checks some time in 2016, so they will allow the order book to open nice and early. This cash will help to pay for Superchargers, which is exactly what the subsidy is about, but also the number of orders will help them gauge how many extra Superchargers to build.
You can be quite confident in the timeline above, because Tesla are building a $5billion factory to produce the batteries for it, of which a large chunk of investment comes from Panasonic and other mining & manufacturing partner companies who'll be putting corporate offices and industrial machinery of their own inside the Gigafactory premises. These companies will not want Elon to be sitting around repeatedly changing the design and delaying the release of the Model 3, any more than investors and future customers will. So, unlike what happened with the Model X, the Model 3 won't deviate too far from previously published schedules.�
Mar 19, 2015
eye.surgeon Personally I think the model 3 won't be in owners hands until 2018. Just based on how the X timeline has played out.�
Mar 19, 2015
gregincal I'm pretty sure regardless of when the actual car ships they will show a concept in 2016. They need to keep people excited for the next thing and showing a concept is easy.�
Mar 19, 2015
aronth5 And they will want our deposit money:smile:�
Mar 20, 2015
AlexT I trust Tesla to build us an awesome Model 3, and I'd be more than happy to deposit today.
I'm looking forward to expanding my fleet to S85, P85D, and 2x M3...�
Mar 20, 2015
Tasdevil At the last earnings call elon said the modelX delay would not impact the model3 and that they couldn't let it because the gigafactory is on track. This is also where the "less radical design" comment came from, so that the model3 doesn't get delayed like the X
So 2017... Go elon.�
Mar 20, 2015
richkae I think that at this point Tesla cares a lot more about not revealing the product too early.
Disadvantages of revealing early:
1. Cannibalize Model S/X sales
2. Reveals trade secrets to competition
3. Expose them to our massive pining and wining.
Advantages of revealing early:
1. Deposit money.
2. Longer free press cycle.
Tesla no longer has a cashflow problem. They do not need the deposit money like they did up til 2013.
If they got 20,000 deposits of $2500 - that only adds up to $50M.
They don't need $50M, if they do they can borrow it cheaply now. Sitting on that for 6 months doesn't seem worth the cost.�
Mar 20, 2015
JohnSnowNW Lets hope that the Model 3 doesn't run into the same issues that caused a delay with the Model X.
Since they are going more conservative, there should be less engineering to overcome. The interior/exterior should be simpler...and most likely everything will be slightly less refined.
It may be a bit optimistic, especially with regard to previous delays, but I don't believe we'll see a significant delay with the Model 3.�
Mar 20, 2015
ScepticMatt Late 2016 at the earliest would be my guess.�
Mar 20, 2015
Kevin Harney I hope this part is not true. Especially if they intend to compete with Mercedes, BMW and Audi with it.�
Mar 20, 2015
gregincal That part is definitely not true. Not any more than the Model X concepts revealed trade secrets. They can change as many things as they want between the initial concept and the final car, the concept is just to get people excited.
- - - Updated - - -
That's going to happen no matter what.�
Mar 20, 2015
JohnSnowNW For the 35k market you are going to have to cut some corners. I'm sure there will be options to upgrade the interior, but Musk isn't going to be talking about how the Model 3 seats are "a work of art." A less refined EV from Tesla is going to be a whole lot better than anything else with similar specs from others...but you can't expect to have the same refinement that you see in the S, and will see in the X.
Also at 35k (less with tax credit) you're competing with touring packages from Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM...and I don't see many comparing these cars to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.�
Mar 20, 2015
richkae I don't think they need to get people excited far ahead of launch. What secrets are they trying to keep close to the vest with the Model X that we haven't seen the final form?
Why should they do anything differently with the 3?�
Mar 20, 2015
Kevin Harney TM has said many times that they are targeting Audi A4/5, BMW 3/4 series and Merc C class. I am totally fine with the $35K base model not being extravant but it does need to compete with a base 328i and I want a version to compete with a BMW M3/4. But build quality needs to be in BMW range not Toyota range.�
Mar 20, 2015
Twiglett Much of the cost savings to get the M3 out at the 35K base price are likely to come from leveraging the developments already undertaken for the MS & MX
They definitely seem to be focussing on getting the M3 out at the scheduled time, so that doesn't leave much to redevelop something that already exists.
Hence reusing as much as possible and repackaging into something 20% smaller.
I would also suspect that the software development would follow similar lines.�
Mar 20, 2015
gregincal You are talking about the Model X final production car. They had the Model X unveiling 3 years ago. So no, I don't expect them to do anything differently except they will only unveil it a year or two in advance, i.e. 2016.�
Mar 20, 2015
pmadflyer Model 3 will be on time. As said already. Not having the Gigafactory and Model 3 ready on time would be a death blow to Tesla's reputation and financial health.�
Mar 21, 2015
strider Except that it would mark the first time the company has actually hit a date. I want a Model 3 as much as anyone, I'm just trying to keep everyone's expectations in check as to how Tesla works. If you have a lease that expires in the next couple years and you're hoping to jump into a Model 3 I strongly suggest you have a backup plan.�
Mar 21, 2015
Spidy I wouldn't be so sure. The one big factor is cost. What worked on the Model S might no longer be feasible on a Model 3. For example for the Model S & X it might have been fine that workers did certain tasks by hand, but if you want a cheap Model 3 then you want robots to do more, which has to be considered in the design. Then there is also material... they want to get away from expensive alumnium and use mostly steel as far as I know, this will create a lot of new challenges regarding corrosion and joining parts.�
Mar 25, 2015
Trnsl8r Allow me to translate from Elon-speak to English: "the Model 3 is on track for a delay in 2017"�
Apr 3, 2015
jstack6 Now that Chevy has started on the Bolt and promises it will be available in October 2016 that may put a little charge under Tesla. I hope they will have a beta model 3 in late 2016 and start production in 2017. The battery factory seems on time and should be making cells in 2016. The S and X have given them the experience to get the model 3 out if they feel it's ready. I'll put my deposit down anytime they want it. If Chevy and Nissan can do it I'm sure Tesla can.
Chevrolet Bolt To Be Built In Michigan In October 2016, Opel EV Coming Too
Chevrolet Bolt To Be Built In Michigan In October 2016, Opel �Companion� EV Coming Too (Updates)
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Apr 8, 2015
Red Sage General Motors' own press release says nothing about the Chevrolet Bolt being released or manufactured beginning in 2016. Various articles simply quote anonymous sources among GM's suppliers who claim they will have components ready by late 2016. To my knowledge, General Motors has never brought a concept car to market as a viable vehicle in less than five years. It was, for instance, five years between the display of the Cadillac Converj concept and the launch of Cadillac ELR. I would seriously doubt the Chevrolet Bolt would go from concept to manufacture in less than two full calendar years.
When Tesla Motors shows us the Model ? it will be perhaps 90% production ready, for launch within 18 months.
I'm still waiting for 'The FUTURE!' that was promised by the 1988 Pontiac Banshee...�
Apr 8, 2015
dsm363 Tesla Motors on Twitter:�
Apr 8, 2015
tga What the heck, I used this once before and you didn't mind... :smile:
I was amazed at how easy it was to find my prior post. Just a quick Google image search for "site:teslamotorsclub.com tilting at windmills"�
Apr 8, 2015
dsm363 That is funny=) Worth another try. Using that symbol leads to a warm fuzzy feeling I guess.�
Apr 16, 2015
Breezy
That's correct. GM has not confirmed a production date. They have confirmed production will be at Orion Assembly. There are the sources you mention plus the fact that GM made a $160 million investment there last year for a "future vehicle program."
Five years is their normal development time, but the car was being discussed publicly 3 years ago by Dan Akerson, and would have been greenlighted before then. I don't believe that GM really all of a sudden decided to build the car after NAIAS, when they've been hinting at it for years. I think the Bolt EV concept is more a design study, hinting at the general shape and layout of the Bolt that was already in development.�
Apr 16, 2015
Red Sage Yeah. The thing is, a completely different 'design study' was displayed by GM/Chevrolet at a car show during the Summer of 2014.
Of course, an article from Inside EVs pointed out that leaked data from a GM focus group describes something closer to what was displayed January 2015.
REPORT: GM Working With Focus Groups On 200 Mile EV Rollout?�
Apr 24, 2015
kurtatx GM has totally forgotten how to make a reasonably priced, good looking automobile.�
May 6, 2015
omarsultan On the earnings call, Elon just said the goal is a reveal next March and reiterated production in late 2017.�
May 6, 2015
aarons23 Sounds like we should get a 24 month lease of some car starting 2016!�
May 6, 2015
markwj Tesla plans to unveil its $35,000 Model 3 in March 2016 | The Verge
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May 6, 2015
ggies07 moving that goal post again, eh? hahaha. was mid 2017, now late. I'm sure high production won't hit until early 2018.....sigh.....gotta be in the first 100 on the list!�
May 6, 2015
omarsultan He started off saying mid-2017 to late-2017, then settled on late-2017--think he is trying to get better at setting expectations.
One of the points he made on the MX, which I would also assume applies to the M3 is they want to see a very rapid ramp on production, not the 6+ month ramp they had with the MS. They are not going to ship a couple, just to say they hit their date, then drag out the ramp, that will only create frustrated customers.�
May 6, 2015
Breezy Prototype in March 2016. Production late 2017?
I think we can be confident that's not going to happen. Tesla goes from prototype to production relatively quickly, but not under two years quickly.
Realistically I guess we're looking at late 2018, maybe early 2019 for initial deliveries.�
May 6, 2015
Aussie Bob Tesla plans to unveil its $35,000 Model 3 in March 2016 in theverge.com
Saw this article which may add more insight to when. Article indicates that first deliveries may start late 2017.�
May 7, 2015
dgpcolorado
Interesting news. I have been hoping that I could get a Model 3 by 2018. Still might make it, assuming that I can get a decent spot in the order queue.�
May 7, 2015
Kevin Harney Yes if by a decent spot you mean one of the first 100. LOL :biggrin:�
May 7, 2015
dgpcolorado Well, the goal is to make the Model 3 a mass market car so I assume that production numbers will be fairly high once they start. But, yes, if production is delayed to late 2018 then you could be right...�
May 15, 2015
Red Sage Once again, I am not so sure if you guys are Hater-Ade swilling Naysayers or Seriously Defeatist former Tesla Enthusiasts. I prefer to look at this through Optimist Red colored lenses...
2017 means 2017. Period. Initial deliveries will be in North America -- US and Canada. Deliveries to Europe will follow, but no later than Q1 2018 for first arrivals. Right hand drive territories will have to wait a bit, but nowhere near as long as UK, HK, JP, and AUS Customers had to wait for Model S.
Have a little faith. Elon always gets by with a little hello from his friends.
The Tesla Gigafactory is ahead of schedule. Thus, Tesla Model ? is on schedule. Tesla Motors cannot afford to have the Gigafactory sitting idle without cars to receive battery packs.�
May 16, 2015
tga If I were a real cynic, I'd argue that the power wall allows the Model 3 to be late, by giving Tesla other avenues to sell gigafactory output. Maybe its introduction is an indication that Tesla is concerned the Model 3 may be late.
Obviously I hope I'm wrong!�
May 16, 2015
Fiver Also that factory is going to slowly ramp up. Maybe a 1/8 of it comes online as the schedule, and as it's built out it's capacity and number of production lines increases. Say there is only one type of battery line open when it first starts up. That line maybe only goes the car use, or perhaps one of the two home storage battery types (the two home storage batts are different chemistries from each other, and also different from the cars). I'm sure the accounting wizards at Tesla know what division needs priority to bring money into the company and that division will get the first line at the factory set up for it.�
May 16, 2015
Red Sage Of the expected 50 gigawatt annual capacity for the Gigafactory, 15 gigawatt has been slated for stationary storage from the outset. This is not a case of choosing one application over the other. Each will be fully served.�
May 16, 2015
Model 3 You got a point here... But I think it not correct. What I believe is happening is that earlier Panasonic had trouble with producing cells fast enough to supply Tesla, and Tesla was slowed down for lack of battery cells. Lately I have not heard anything about that. So it seems like Panasonic is now (or expected soon to) producing cells faster then Tesla can consume them on cars. But Tesla still needs them to keep the production on top - so they will not have another slowdown when they start the Model X line(s) later this year.
... and in addition: As we all know, when the GF is in full production it is planed to produce 35GWh of battery storage for the cars, and still import 15GWh of cells from Panasonic in Asia. For Panasonic to be willing to invest enough in the production at the GF, they need to see that there still is a marked for this 15GWh. If not they may not be willing to produce more then 20GWh at the GF, to make sure they can sell all the cells that they do produce in their existing factories.
That's what I believe is the reason for this announcement by Tesla now. But I may be wrong... But I hope not�
May 16, 2015
Fiver That place is massive. They won't build it out 100% and then just flip a switch and magically start producing at those numbers. They won't hit 100% projected numbers until 2020 at the earliest. So as construction continues, and area's are completed, they will ramp it up section by section. The types of batteries that are needed in priority (or profit) will get made first. The won't have even capacity for each cell type right off the bat. They will start producing a single kind, then another and so on and so on (and adding capacity to those lines as they go until they hit 2020 projected capacity.�
May 17, 2015
dlinkeg Supposed to be in March of 2016, according to the latest reports in May of 2015. This could be optimistic, but with battery efficiency projections coming within 5% of expectations for the Model 3, it is VERY possible that it will be available by the end of 2017. Yes, I know that every other Tesla has been delivered substantially later than first announcements guaranteed, but I would rather receive a vehicle which has been perfected before delivery, rather than what passes for quality control in Detroit (fix it when enough owners are injured or dead).
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May 21, 2015
Red Sage jstack6: No. General Motors has never taken a car from concept to production in under three years. The Cadillac Converj Concept was shown five years before the Cadillac ELR arrived. Chevrolet showed two completely different concepts for the Bolt within six months of each other. GM's own press release says nothing about a release date for the Bolt, only that it was presented to gauge interest and noting which Michigan facility would build it. If a Bolt arrives prior to 2017, it will have a tiny battery pack and a gasoline engine.�
May 21, 2015
EVNow LOL.
I don't understand why some Tesla fans are so against the idea of Bolt being a real vehicle.�
May 21, 2015
brianman I think you're misinterpreting. I think just about everyone at TMC would love for real competitors to exist -- in reality, in the near-term. Sadly, the track record suggests that's incredibly unlikely.�
May 21, 2015
EVNow No I'm not misinterpreting.
The track record of news outlets in telling us what the future plans of BIG 3 are is excellent. Detroit leaks like a sieve. Yet, some what to hang on to "official statements" and post ridiculous statements like Bolt will be a hybrid.�
May 21, 2015
gregincal Still, there is a big difference between being "against it" and being skeptical it will live up to expectations. I will change my tune when there is even one actual release that I don't find to be extremely disappointing compared to the initial hype.�
May 21, 2015
EVNow May be my expectations of Bolt aren't too high (near 200 mile EPA range, $40k, low volumes). I see no reason to think GM can't deliver on this - esp. given what LG has been saying for years.
BTW, I'd be surprised if Tesla does deliver on the expectations EM sets - $35k, 2017 delivery, "real world" 200+ miles.�
May 25, 2015
Red Sage Just as there are Tesla Naysayers, I have taken the role of Traditional Automobile Manufacturers Naysayer, in regard to the notion of their actually bringing viable, long range, fully electric, performance cars to the market at affordable prices, if indeed at all. It isn't that they can't do it. I firmly believe that they won't.
I know that GM showed one car in September 2014 that they called 'BOLT' and that they showed something entirely different in January 2015 that was called 'BOLT'.
I know that the Cadillac ELR did not reach the market until five years after the Cadillac Converj concept was first unveiled.
I know that the Pontiac Banshee was never built, but that a few pieces of plastic bodywork were added to the Firebird around five years later.
I know that GM created multiple alternative drivetrains for their EV1 program and that only one of those was fully electric.
I know that traditional automobile manufacturers in general, and GM in particular, tend to be very slow about bringing concepts to market. GM has never brought a car from concept to market in less than three years. Not once. There is no reason to expect a fully electric BOLT will arrive in less than two calendar years -- January 2015 to October 2016.�
May 25, 2015
EVNow The Bolt I know about is the one from NAIAS. What is the September one ? The NAIAS one is the same as the one they showed at the focus group, from where the news was leaked but then deleted in insideevs.
I don't go by what GM says - but by what grape vain says. Ofcourse GM has been talking about a long range EV for a couple of years now. No need to assume until they showed the concept they haven't worked on the car. Various industry comments say the Bolt is a lot more ready than just a tradeshow concept.
In any case it is hyprocritical to site GM timing problems of the past and ignore well known Tesla problems.
Anyway, we are going OT, I'll stop with this.�
May 31, 2015
Breezy They didn't show a "Bolt" in September. Somebody edited a photo of the Chevrolet Tru 140S concept.
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Jun 1, 2015
Red Sage Gotcha. It was one heck of a Photoshop job then... Because it used the same BOLT logo and lighting bolt icon... Both on the vehicle and surrounding displays. I do wish that articles that include such images would be more forthcoming about what is an edit, and what is an actual concept car...�
Jun 1, 2015
WarpedOne Wrong reasoning.
Model 3 may be late, but it won't be late for the same reasons X was late.
Model 3 has a whole different role and meaning for the company and future. Model X is/was a side-kick. Just becase they could and had resources to do it while they were ramping up Model S and solving the problems that poped up. Model X was there for people to work on something while they wait on their next urgent Model S problem to fix.
Model X will have its own production ramping problems but because it will share so many things with Model S those problems will be rarer and smaller. And people (engineers et. al.) will have more time to focus on Model 3. The roles may even turn - the focus now being on Model 3 and any Model S/X problems may have to wait for some hands to become idle.
Model 3 will be delayed if battery price does not fall low enough. That is a single highest risk factor.�
Jun 3, 2015
guillaumef The Model 3 will be late. However, I do appreciate that tardiness Tesla has gotten used to. The product will only be better, so I will enjoy it more when I'll get my hand on it.�
Jun 10, 2015
MassModel3 The Model S was Tesla's first foray into a mass production car. No surprise it was late. The Model X is a vehicle that is suffering severe feature creep as Elon keeps his promise of recipients not being disappointed in the final product.
But Elon's also indicated that the Model 3 will not suffer feature creep throughout the design and build process. I'm convinced the base model will be on time, but I also think that the version Tesla lovers really want will be months later. But you can't call it late when it's just another (better) version.�
Jun 10, 2015
ecarfan Elon's drive to make every Tesla model better also caused delays in the launch date of the Roadster and the S, but they were worth the wait. I'm sure he's effecting the X launch in the same way. It will be worth the wait.
With the Model 3 I believe he realizes that the long term success of Tesla depends on the 3 not being excessively delayed (and I understand his compensation package also depends on the 3 meeting certain timeframes) so my bet is on the 3 launching in 2017 and not later.�
Jun 10, 2015
electracity I'm optimistic that the model 3 will be released in 2017.
The reason the model X may not have been released is that Tesla was production constrained. There's no reason to release the X if it doesn't add to total unit sales. So they did AWD, and the P85D. Now they have the proper AWD chassis for an SUV.
A thousand cars a week is not much for a car company. But a thousand cars a week is a big effort for a company that was essentially hand building cars five years ago. Going from Roadster to today is probably a lot harder than going from today to 5000 cars a week.�
Jun 11, 2015
Buckeye2320 For those of you waiting on the Model 3, would you be disappointed if the Model 3 looked like a Mazda 6?
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Jun 11, 2015
WarpedOne Yes, to much design gimmicks, too much lines going everywhere.�
Jun 11, 2015
electracity I think it will look like the mazda 6/ BMW 3 series. While the Bolt is interesting, it is yet another weirdmobile EV. Tesla can't do that and sell a lot of cars, IMO. It needs to be more of a classic sport sedan appropriate for 2017. While that choice is not daring, the look doesn't need to stand out.
I think it is important that the dash is more integrated and cockpit like than the current model S. The "we stuck a LCD display in there!" look of the current model S may look old in 2017.
The electric drive and the cockpit/software are the "wow" differentiators. The Model 3's exterior just needs to be competent, IMO.
I assume the model X has a v2 dash. I assume the model S will get a v2 dash. I hope the model X starts with a v2 dash, if that works financially.�
Jun 17, 2015
Red Sage If by 'cockpit' you mean wrapped in a cocoon, surrounded on all sides, with a longitudinal dividing barrier wall between front seat passengers, and no room for sneakers that are sized beyond men's US 10 in the foot well -- then I certainly hope not.�
Jun 17, 2015
purplewalt Kinda agree, but I believe the either of the current BMW's 4 door sedans being the 3 Series or the 4 Series Gran Coupe (better looking) will be more appropriate than the Mazda 6 coupe'.
There probably is a real need to have adequate/appropriate headroom for rear seat passengers for a mid-priced car ($35K).
The sleek slope of the rear roof line of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe could be trimmed and hemmed to be a nice aerodynamic mid-size 5-door sedan.
Now that would be a nice complement to the Model S and Tesla line.�
Jun 18, 2015
electracity No, I think the instrument cluster and the touchscreen are a bit dated. I don't like the air vent in between. If there is not going to be a HUD, I would like the cluster to be a bit bigger.
Thinking about it, a nicely configurable HUD with navigation would probably be my first choice. The HUD I've seen doesn't display full navigation, just a route line so that turns are obvious.
It would be interesting for the HUD to point out vehicles and people the radar sees at night and in bad weather.
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The point of a coupe is a cramped rear seat for exterior aesthetics.�
Jun 18, 2015
Red Sage Wait... What?!? Dated when? 2199? It's the most advanced, configurable, informative instrument cluster on the automotive market!
Then why not just say you want a HUD? I believe that like other technologies that Tesla Motors has been criticized for not having 'like everyone else', the company's engineers don't want to implement a HUD unless it serves an actual purpose and is demonstrably better than any other.
No. That's the point of 2+2 coupes... Or any other motor vehicles designed for a family of four where no one stands over 4'-8"... Or people who have a desperate need to transport multiple double amputees.
A proper coup� can transport four people who stand around 6'-2" in reasonable comfort. And it doesn't have a B-pillar. Or framed windows on the doors. But no one has built one since, like, 1978 or something. That's why I would love to see a Tesla coup� with falcon wing doors. Whether Model S or Model ?, I'd buy it!�
Jun 18, 2015
guillaumef It's Elon we're talking about. It'll stand out (in a good way), trust me...�
Jun 19, 2015
aarons23 I hope we get the chance to see what it will look like in March and Tesla doesn't push that back. Do you guys think we will be able to preorder the car then or wait until 2017 sometime?�
Jun 19, 2015
JohnSnowNW I'm not that knowledgeable about the timeline of these things, but the Model 3 is already in the full-scale clay model stage. So, I imagine barring some massive redesign of the vehicle, they should have no problem with the March reveal.
No idea about the time-frame of things after that.�
Jun 19, 2015
EVNow I guess you don't go out much. You can probably see half a dozen Bolt like models in any number of countries.�
Jun 19, 2015
Red Sage I'm not sure where I intended to post this, but here it is, anyway:
If General Motors were serious about the Chevrolet Bolt (they aren't), it could be a competitor on the worldwide stage against cars like the Corolla, Focus, Civic, and Golf, either alongside (as Fiesta is to the Focus) or instead of the Cruze.
The worldwide appeal of the Golf is overlooked in the US. It sold only 33,675 units here in 2014. That placed Golf as the #58 best in passenger cars, and #117 overall.
Yet, the Golf sold 951,642 units worldwide in 2014, for a #3 spot. To put this in perspective, the #1 Camry and #2 Accord passenger cars in the US were instead #6 and #15 respectively on the worldwide stage. Further, the #1 overall vehicle in the US was again the F-Series pickups -- but they came up #4 behind Golf in 2014 worldwide sales.
So, yeah... Smaller vehicles are much more popular everywhere but the US. I'm sure Tesla Motors is aware of this. And right now, they don't care. And I don't blame them. Because there is nothing Tesla can do about it.
Attempting to develop a direct competitor to Corolla, Focus, or Golf at this point would be disastrous for Tesla Motors. Just as disastrous as attacking Accord and Camry. Every bit as disastrous as taking on the F-150. Why? Because Tesla Motors does not yet have the capital, the capacity, or the corporate presence to produce electric vehicles of those types in sufficient quantities to overcome the expense that would be incurred.
Their current strategy is correct. Go after the BMW 3-Series because it leads a clearly defined market segment with worldwide annual sales that Tesla Motors may be able to match and surpass within the next five years. Sorted.�
Jun 19, 2015
MassModel3 True, but when Tim Urban (waitbutwhy.com) did his walk through, he said the clay model they had was different on the left and right halves as they evaluated characteristics of each. "Von Holzhausen showed me a full-size clay car that was simultaneously testing two different possible designs for the upcoming Model 3 by making the two halves of the model different."
So yes, it sounds very much like we'll get a glimpse of it in March. That timeline should be easy to hit when they're building clay models this far out.�
Jun 19, 2015
brianman Envious of Tim Urbon on this one. Sneak previews of stuff like this would be well worth the Signature premium back when and have no direct financial cost to Tesla. Yes, I know that ship has sailed; just sayin'.�
Jun 22, 2015
Asymmetry For the love of God dont make it look like a Prius. I want this to be my next car but I don't want to sink $60K (AUD) into a eyesore, like every other EV including the hideous BMW attempts.�
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