SKETCHED OUT: Tesla Has A Secret Weapon In Development — IF It Sees The Light Of Day, Will It Be The Savior Of TSLA?

Easily the most interesting automaker today is Tesla. Whether you're for or against Elon Musk's electric vehicle revolution, one thing is certain: It's been a disrupter for the automotive industry.

From the actual vehicles themselves to the way they're sold, TSLA has changed the industry forever.

And though things seem to be getting worse at the Musk's venture, he really has the world by the tail. Take, for example, when he alluded to a top secret plan. While it seems everyone forgot that a secret must remain such for it to be considered "top secret," Musk received an outpouring of attention. While the master plan didn't seem to move the needle too much for folks, there's all-new confirmation from the company's flamboyant CEO that there exists multiple models.

From what we can discern, it seems that the most critical of Tesla's future models is the Model Y. The Y, if it ever does reach production, would be a purpose-built compact SUV.

Think of it as a BMW X3, Mercedes GLC-Class, Audi Q3 fighter. According to Musk, it would leverage the Model 3's chassis.

...Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk confirmed the existence of the models on Twitter, and explained that they would be built upon existing chassis underpinnings from the Model 3 and the Model X.

He said that the Model Y, which will be a compact SUV, will be based on the Model 3 saloon. The electric cargo van, pick-up and minibus will use the chassis of the Model X...

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mre30 - 8/4/2016 8:49:43 AM

-9 Boost

Tesla has become a theatre of the absurd, much like the Donald Trump campaign.

So, let me understand the statement...

"...The electric cargo van, pick-up and minibus will use the chassis of the Model X..."

The unreliable Model X architecture will underpin vehicles for contractors to use and for other commercial use. Given Tesla's complete lack of independent dealers and (depending on the market) service facilities, when there is the inevitable defect or the commercial vehicle needs repairs, it will have to be flat-bedded to a service center (which ususally entails the vehicle being out of commission for a week or more).

Sure, a contractor can easily be without his/her work vehicle for a week.

Complete absurdity.

MDarringer - 8/4/2016 9:25:14 AM

+1 Boost

So Model X is a nightmare, and Model 3 is totally vapor at this point, oh yeah and we're doing a minivan, and now a Model Y that is going to be a crossover???

Elon's drug addiction is destroying him.

mre30 - 8/4/2016 10:14:06 AM

-2 Boost

Its time for the John Z DeLorean FBI cocaine trafficking bust sting....

TomM - 8/4/2016 9:22:24 PM

+1 Boost

It was not that long ago that virtually everyone was claiming Musk to be a visionary that would change the way cars are sold and serviced forever - and his company would be the model for all others in the business. I vehemently complained that his business model was shortsighted - depended on his having a virtual monopoly - and would break just as soon as other competition entered the arena. I forgot that - they could break the model themselves by product delays and quality concerns. I am sorry - but unless the Model 3 is actually selling in high volumes before the end of this year- I expect that Tesla will run into money problems. ANd another year delay will mortally wound the company if not sooner. Investors won't stand for another stock sale - to raise cash - and they have failed to make a profit on their $80,000 car - I have yet to see how they plan to do so for a $35,000 car.

I know - maybe they could add a center headlight - that moved around as the steering wheel turned to add light to where you were going! I believe that the majority of deposits on the Model 3 - which are "sort of refundable" (The company has to survive for that to happen) - are speculation - people who believe they will be able to resell the cars for a big profit. However - there is a catch - the government subsidies do not extend to another owner- making a resale less desirable - that a direct purchase. We will actually know long before the Model 3 is fully ramped up - whether they have a chance to succeed. I doub't it completely

mre30 - 8/4/2016 11:36:42 PM

0 Boost

Genius! These observations are all exactly correct!

Vette71 - 8/4/2016 2:14:00 PM

+1 Boost

To quote a guy named David Packard, you might have heard of him, years ago as he spoke to a group of execs starting up HP's business computer business, then in trouble, as they laid out their plans; "You guys are running a shitty business and the last thing we need is a BIG shitty business!"