So, it's a Thursday night in New York City. It feels like it's 60 or so degrees. And rather than enjoy a nice night with a glass of wine with a cool spring breeze in my hair I am watching Elon Musk discuss the story of Tesla.

It could be worse. I could be listening to another executive blather on about Coda or Terrafugia. But, I digress.

Tesla Model 3

I will be sure to update this once information about the all-new Tesla Model 3 becomes real.

That should happen shortly. Hang in there, Spies!


[EDIT:]

OK, Spies. Here we go! While my connection was in/out, essentially Tesla CEO, Musk, gave a rather brief overview of the Tesla story and it's not-so-secret "master plan." Nothing new there, just a whole lot of recapping the company's well-known vehicles — the Roadster, the Model S, the Model X.

Information is super light on the all-new Model 3. What we did gather:

- Zero to 60 in less than six seconds
- EPA rated range of 215 miles
- About $35,000 BEFORE incentives
- 115,000 orders have been received

After watching the rather short video reveal, it's clear to me that the three flavors of the Model 3 that Musk rolled out are simply running concepts. The interiors are basic and feature a steering wheel and a large screen. The rest of it is merely concept stage, which means they're not featuring production-ready materials or production-ready, well, anything. Except for, maybe, the seats.

The exterior reminds me of the bulbous Model X's greenhouse, which meets a Model S' hind quarters, which meets a Porsche Panamera's front end. If you squint you'll see a smaller Model S.

Considering the success of the S, it doesn't seem like a bad way to move volume. That said, stay tuned for further updates.


Tesla Model 3



































































































Tesla's press release follows:

Model 3

Model 3 is the next logical step of Tesla's "secret master plan" and mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Like every Tesla, Model 3 is engineered to combine range, performance, safety and utility. Smart design maximizes interior space, to comfortably fit 5 adults and all of their gear. Tesla makes fast cars, Model 3 is no exception. The high efficiency electric motor provides zero to 60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds. And when equipped with electric all-wheel drive, Model 3 provides safe and dependable traction in all conditions.

Designed with safety as a priority, Model 3 should be the safest car in its class once testing completes. This, combined with over 200 miles of range while starting at $35,000 before incentives, makes Model 3 an extraordinary mid-size sedan.

Model 3 will begin production in late 2017, ramping Tesla vehicle production to 500,000 vehicles per year.

Full presentation on its way.

TauronB2G - 4/1/2016 12:02:26 AM

+1 Boost

Watched the unveiling. I like the look of the car, but I want to see more of the interior and find out about the true size of it. I'd like to find out more about the larger battery options. I know it will come in time. I just want to know more.
T

cidflekken - 4/1/2016 12:48:49 AM

+1 Boost

115,000 deposits. Holy crap. Though it is refundable.

runninglogan1 - 4/1/2016 1:13:05 AM

+2 Boost

That's a sh*t ton of deposits! Car looks good. I'm betting the interior will evolve more before production starts.

SanJoseDriver - 4/1/2016 1:53:27 AM

+3 Boost

The $35k base price will include autonomous safety features (automatic braking, lane departure warning, blindspot warning, etc.), Supercharging, a sub six second 0-60, and 215+ miles of range. That makes it the best deal of any entry-level luxury car by far.

Agent00R - 4/1/2016 8:40:16 AM

+2 Boost

As of now it seems there may be some confusion as to what is meant by autonomous safety features. My understanding is the car is equipped with the sensors but the equipment will actually be optional.

vdiv - 4/1/2016 10:16:43 AM

+2 Boost

The safety features that come standard will warn you of impeding collision or minimze the impact. The convenience features that come optional will actually have the adaptive cruise control (TACC), autosteer, autopark, etc.

Dexter1 - 4/1/2016 7:29:08 AM

+3 Boost

Look at Audi, Lexus, Cadillac, etc. and it's obvious PEOPLE LIKE GRILLES! I know that Tesla cars don't need them to breathe, but the absence of a grille looks downright weird. Unless Musk intends it to plow through water like the Amphicar, Tesla designers should rethink the front end.

dumpsty - 4/1/2016 9:54:34 AM

+1 Boost

What would a fascia grille add/remove from the "function" of the Model 3?

In the winter, it allow for unneeded cold air to enter the front of the vehicle. In warmer weather, the vehicle would need to constantly cool front-end components. I'm sure that needed cooling throughout the vehicle is added by aerodynamic features such as vents, ports, etc.

vdiv - 4/1/2016 10:18:28 AM

+1 Boost

No, it is not obvious at all that people like grills especially when they are superficial and just collect dirt. Aerodynamics is important and grills are bad for efficiency.

Dexter1 - 4/2/2016 8:21:36 AM

+1 Boost

If you're going to design a car without a grille, it should be designed so that it doesn't LOOK like the grille fell off!

bnilhome - 4/1/2016 8:04:17 AM

+2 Boost

I'm not really digging this design. I'm not sure if it's because of the lack of a grille or the short thick rear, but this looks more Prius/mainstream to me, where the Model S looks more Porche/luxury.

vdiv - 4/1/2016 10:19:26 AM

+2 Boost

That's kind of the point with the Model 3, it is supposed to be mainstream.

bnilhome - 4/1/2016 1:10:26 PM

+1 Boost

When I was referring to mainstream, I was thinking Malibu/Fusion....not the premium/luxury segment such as the 3-series. To me this does remind me more of the camry/optima mainstream.

t_bone - 4/1/2016 8:32:33 AM

0 Boost

This definitely fills a huge missing niche in the market. Too bad it's not out this year!

nguyenvuminh - 4/1/2016 9:33:36 AM

0 Boost

Yeah, I'm not sure whether people will buy this thing without the grill. Throw in the fact that it doesn't come with a manual shift, a V8 Hellcat engine, etc. and this is a no-go. Maybe that's why Tesla isn't releasing it until next year, because they're scared of Hyundai, Lincoln, TVR or whatever else MDarringer is selling these days.

vdiv - 4/1/2016 10:52:27 AM

+2 Boost

You know when you sit inside it as you would when you use it, the lack of a decorative and functionally unnecessary, if not harmful grille will not be something you would be preoccupied with.

MDarringer - 4/1/2016 8:08:36 PM

+1 Boost

More on....that later.

knowitall1985 - 4/1/2016 11:22:57 AM

+2 Boost

They won't get a deposit from me. Thumbs down....

supermoto - 4/1/2016 11:37:51 AM

+3 Boost

It's better looking than the Model X. Should sell really well as long as it's not vaporware.

skytop - 4/1/2016 2:52:17 PM

+1 Boost

The 3 series is 'hoped' to be rolled out in the END OF NEXT YEAR. That is well over 1 1/2 years away. Expect prices increases and further delays.

Other car makers are bringing out highly competent electric vehicles at reasonable prices. Tesla is now far from the only game in town.

MrEE - 4/1/2016 7:22:48 PM

+1 Boost

Future of interiors is looking up. Consider the cost savings by moving to a sign touch display. Though simplicity is working here, are the air vents hiding somewhere?