We've been saying for some time now that the Tesla Model 3 will be revealed to the world this coming March, a few short weeks from now. Like most, we assumed the event would be similar to the design debuts of the Model S and Model X – a big, blow-out affair with an open bar and an actual, physical vehicle driving out onto a stage to the cheers and delight of the assembled Tesla faithful. And maybe, just maybe, it would share some semblance with a certain sheeted styling buck spotted in the design studio. Perhaps we assumed too much.
Obviously, that scenario is a little difficult to accept, so we turned to Tesla's communications department for further clarification. Unfortunately, their response wasn't especially illuminating, stating that it's best to quote Musk about the situation and, "we don't have any additional information at this time." Fair enough, though frustrating.
Despite the ambiguity, we remain fairly confident that the California automaker will follow the pattern established with previous product introductions, and present a physical, probably operational, sedan. And though much of the basic information about the 3 has been previously released; it will cost $35,000 before incentives, it will be 20-percent smaller than the Model S – approximately the size of a BMW 3 series – and hewn mostly from steel, with a base version able to range for 200 miles or so, we imagine Musk will have a few extra details to add for dramatic effect.
Don't expect to see the Model Y crossover, based on the Model 3 platform, to make a simultaneous debut. That rumor has been stamped out by Tesla already. Also, don't look for the launch to happen at the Geneva Motor Show. It will most likely take place at its Design Studio in Hawthorne, California.
Of course, if none of this happens and, instead, we get a power point presentation, don't say we didn't warn you. You can watch video of Musk's complete appearance above. Despite some of the shaky cam, there is enough interesting information given throughout to make it worth watching - or listening, at least. To hear the brief bit of dialogue involving the Model 3, skip ahead to the 14:30 mark.
CEO Elon Musk was recently asked, "When will we see pictures as Model 3?" during an appearance at a packed Tesla store in Chambourcy, France, on the outskirts of Paris. He replied, "The first pictures of Model 3 will be end of March," going on to add, "I'm being a little coy here. We're not going to show everything about Model 3 until a lot closer to production time." This has been taken by some to mean that the upcoming reveal, the most important in the automaker's history, will be limited to an illustration of a sedan, after which the company will begin taking deposits. Ok, then."We're not going to show everything about Model 3 until a lot closer to production time." - Elon Musk
Obviously, that scenario is a little difficult to accept, so we turned to Tesla's communications department for further clarification. Unfortunately, their response wasn't especially illuminating, stating that it's best to quote Musk about the situation and, "we don't have any additional information at this time." Fair enough, though frustrating.
Despite the ambiguity, we remain fairly confident that the California automaker will follow the pattern established with previous product introductions, and present a physical, probably operational, sedan. And though much of the basic information about the 3 has been previously released; it will cost $35,000 before incentives, it will be 20-percent smaller than the Model S – approximately the size of a BMW 3 series – and hewn mostly from steel, with a base version able to range for 200 miles or so, we imagine Musk will have a few extra details to add for dramatic effect.
Don't expect to see the Model Y crossover, based on the Model 3 platform, to make a simultaneous debut. That rumor has been stamped out by Tesla already. Also, don't look for the launch to happen at the Geneva Motor Show. It will most likely take place at its Design Studio in Hawthorne, California.
Of course, if none of this happens and, instead, we get a power point presentation, don't say we didn't warn you. You can watch video of Musk's complete appearance above. Despite some of the shaky cam, there is enough interesting information given throughout to make it worth watching - or listening, at least. To hear the brief bit of dialogue involving the Model 3, skip ahead to the 14:30 mark.
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