tesla model 3

everyone but those who put a $1,000 deposit on the model 3, tesla’s lower-priced seemed to be unfazed on another delivery delay.

the best, and most important indicator is the stock price: shares have maintained a market value of about $53 billion. throughout 2017 a 5,000 a week production level by the end of year was promised. in november the delivery date was pushed back end of march 2018. and now the delivery date is end of june.

not experienced or fully ramped up for mass production, the fremont, california, auto assembly plant and sparks, nevada, “gigafactory” are having problems. an aside and poorly handled detail is confusion on the roof headliner. the issue is that cars equipped with a $5,000 premium upgrade option are being delivered with a woven textile material in place of the suede-like alcantara headliner detailed in promotional images and in cars supplied to media outlets for test drives. musk’s response to complaints: “as we continue to increase production of model 3 and produce more high quality cars for customers, all model 3 vehicles are being made with the same premium textile headliner found in our flagship model S and model X vehicles, which has always been planned at this stage of production.”

for another $5,000 for what tesla calls “enhanced Autopilot,” you may add semi-autonomous capabilities that will keep the vehicle within the lane, automatically change lanes, self-park once the driver has arrived at their destination, and match speed to traffic conditions.

for buyers who choose to get every upgrade like a premium paint job, 19-inch wheels, and full self-driving capability—which is not yet available, and likely won’t be anytime soon—the price tag will be just shy of $60,000. a base model S, which starts at $69,500.

stay tuned.

[ model 3 specs ]

safety
automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance
eight airbags
electronic stability and traction control

convenience
15″ touchscreen with onboard maps & navigation
wi-fi and lte internet connectivity
keyless entry and remote climate control with app
voice activated controls
60/40 split folding rear seats

standard interior
15” touchscreen display
dual zone climate control system
fm/internet streaming radio
textile seating
center console with open storage and two usb ports

premium upgrades
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

warranty
4 year, 50,000 mile limited vehicle warranty
8 year, 100,000 mile battery warranty (standard)
8 year, 120,000 mile battery warranty (long range)