While Tesla says the dual-motor version of the Model 3 won’t be available until late 2018, at least one such vehicle has been spotted in the wild.
Tesla podcaster Ryan McCaffrey posted a photo to Twitter that shows a Model 3 with VIN 5YJ3E1EB3JF008370. The red Model 3 with 19-inch Sport Wheels also had manufacturer plates.
I spotted #8370 in the wild this weekend in San Francisco. It's red with 19" Sport wheels, if you're curious. 😁 pic.twitter.com/BME2A4UCwF
— Ryan McCaffrey (@DMC_Ryan) February 28, 2018
That particular VIN was registered on January 20. And the dual-motor designation can be deciphered using a document Tesla sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Digit 8 indicates the Motor/Drive Unit.
- Digit 8: Motor/Drive Unit
1= Single Motor – Standard
3= Single Motor – Performance
2 = Dual Motor (standard)
4 = Dual Motor (performance)
A= Single Motor – Standard
B= Dual Motor – Standard
The Model 3 spotted by McCaffrey appears to be a standard, non-performance dual-motor car. And, it provides some hope for reservation holders that the all-wheel-drive Model 3 will soon be available for delivery.
Photo: Wikipedia (not the red Model 3 spotted by McCaffrey)