To Be Calimquim

On this day, July 28, 2017, Elon Musk handed off the first 30 units of Model 3 to their new owners.  As part of Tesla’s “master plan”, the Model 3 launch comes after successful launches of the Model S and Model X.  The Model 3 is intended to be Tesla’s mass market car, with the cost of the standard model starting at $35,000 (before incentives).

In my opinion, since Tesla is the “in” thing for electric vehicles, the lower price point will definitely appeal to those driver who cannot afford the Model S or Model X, which can start around $70,000 (with no upgrades).  However, since Tesla a relatively new automaker, their quality and maintenance services will be severely constrained as more and more people own Tesla’s.

People, like myself, who came to expect superior quality from Japanese and German automakers as standard, may be in for a shock if the Model 3 they purchase doesn’t live up to the hype.

Here are the Model 3 specs as they were provided on launch day:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Price – $35,000

Standard Battery

• Range: 220 miles (EPA estimated)
• Supercharging rate: 130 miles of range per 30 minutes
• Home charging rate: 30 miles of range per hour (240V outlet, 32A)
• Deliveries begin: Fall 2017

Performance

• 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
• Top speed: 130 mph

Interior

• 15” touchscreen display
• Dual zone climate control system
• FM/Internet streaming radio
• Textile seating
• Front Center console with open storage and two USB ports

Convenience

• Onboard maps and navigation
• Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity
• Keyless entry and remote climate control using the Tesla app
• Voice activated controls
• Bluetooth hands-free calling and media streaming
• 60/40 split folding rear seat to maximize cargo options
• Back-up camera
• Auto dimming rear-view mirror
• One-touch power windows throughout
• Power-adjustable side mirrors
• 12-volt power outlet

Safety

• Full LED exterior lighting
• Seven cameras, forward radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors enabling active safety technologies
• including collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking
• Six front row and two side curtain airbags
• Three-point safety belts with belt-reminders for driver and four passengers
• Two LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments in second row
• Electronic stability and traction control
• Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic parking brake
• Child safety locks
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Warranty

• Vehicle: 4 year, 50,000 mile limited warranty
• Battery warranty: 8 year, 100,000 mile (120,000 mile with Long Range Battery)

OPTIONS

Long Range Battery – $9,000

• Range: 310 miles
• Supercharging rate: 170 miles of range per 30 minutes
• Home charging rate: 37 miles of range per hour (240V outlet, 40A)
• 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
• Top speed: 140 mph
• Deliveries begin: July 2017

Paint

• Solid Black: Standard
• Midnight Silver Metallic: $1,000
• Deep Blue Metallic: $1,000
• Silver Metallic: $1,000
• Pearl White Multi-Coat: $1,000
• Red Multi-Coat: $1,000

Wheels

• 18” Aero: Standard
• 19” Sport: $1,500

Premium Upgrades Package – $5,000 Upgraded interior with additional features and premium materials.

• Premium heated seating and cabin materials throughout, including open pore wood décor and two rear USBs
• 12-way, power adjustable front seats, steering column and side mirrors, with custom driver profiles
• Premium audio system with more power, tweeters, surround speakers and subwoofer
• Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
• Auto dimming, power folding, heated side mirrors
• LED fog lamps
• Center console with covered storage and docking for two smartphones

Enhanced Autopilot – $5,000 Model 3 will match speed to traffic conditions, keep within a lane, automatically change lanes, transition from one freeway to another, exit the freeway and self-park at your destination.

Additional features will roll out over time through software updates.

Full Self-Driving Capability – $3,000 (requires Enhanced Autopilot) In the future, Model 3 will be capable of conducting trips with no action required by the person in the driver’s seat.

This feature is dependent upon extensive software validation and regulatory approval, which may vary by jurisdiction.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions & Weight

• Length: 184.8”
• Width: 76.1” (72.8” with mirrors folded)
• Height: 56.8”
• Wheelbase: 113.2”
• Track (wheel center): 62.2” front and rear
• Ground clearance: 5.5”
• Head room, standard: 39.6” front row, 37.7” second row
• Head room, glass roof: 40.3” front row, 37.7” second row
• Leg room: 42.7” front row, 35.2” second row
• Shoulder room: 56.3” front row, 54.0” second row
• Hip room: 53.4” front row, 52.4” second row
• Seating capacity: 5 adults
• Luggage capacity: 15 cubic feet
• Curb weight:
  • 3549 lbs. (Model 3)
  • 3814 lbs. (Model 3 Long Range)
• Weight distribution:
  • 47% front, 53% rear (Model 3)
  • 48% front, 52% rear (Model 3 Long Range)

Body

• Hybrid steel/aluminum body
• Drag coefficient of 0.23

Chassis

• Double wishbone, virtual steer axis front suspension with coil over twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
• Independent multi-link rear suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
• Variable ratio, speed sensitive electronic power steering
• Electromechanically boosted four wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution
• 18” Aero or 19” Sport wheels with all-season tires

Standard Accessories

• 240 volt NEMA 14-50 adapter
• 120 volt NEMA 5-15 adapter
• J1772 public charging adapter
• 20 foot mobile connector with storage bag

Here is a gallery of interior pics of the Model 3:

Read more about Tesla here.