Model 3 Dimensions

[Jays200]

From the video post #12, page 1

Michelin 235/35ZR20 Pilot Super Sport
AU$599
MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport Performance Car Tyres | Michelin Tyres Australia

Daimeter 26.5" (673.1mm)
Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35R20

Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35R20 Tire Specs
Size Diameter Width Tread Depth Tread Width Rim Range Load Range Max Load Max psi Weight Revs/Mile
235/35ZR20 26.5" 9.5" 10/32" NA 8-9.5" NA NA NA 22 lbs 784

 

[ryanjm]

I can confirm that the driveable prototypes at the event had 20-inch wheels. I specifically looked before I got my test ride.

 

[pr0teu5]

Just for fun I scaled the the same Wheelbase as the Model S. Interesting that the back doors line up quite well, front door is a fair bit bigger on the Model 3. Doing this I get ~183" length to go with the 116.5" WB.

That's really interesting as it confirms that the Model 3 has a relatively long wheelbase in a relatively short car. It is indeed very different, but it is a good solution for interior room weight and aerodynamics.

 

[ggnykk]

Just for fun I scaled the the same Wheelbase as the Model S. Interesting that the back doors line up quite well, front door is a fair bit bigger on the Model 3. Doing this I get ~183" length to go with the 116.5" WB.

Can you do another one with Model 3 scaled at 111 inch wheel base? The Audi A4, BMW 3, Mercedes C class range from 110.7 to 111.8 inch in wheel base. So most likely, Model 3 would be in the 111 inch range since Elon repeatedly said Model 3 is competing with those German big 3 cars. Thanks

 

[Snowdog]

Can you do another one with Model 3 scaled at 111 inch wheel base? The Audi A4, BMW 3, Mercedes C class range from 110.7 to 111.8 inch in wheel base. So most likely, Model 3 would be in the 111 inch range since Elon repeatedly said Model 3 is competing with those German big 3 cars. Thanks

Judging by all the extrapolating done before, I really can't see the WB being under 114", and I really think it is more likely that it will be right around 116", but the overall length should be around 3 series sedan, ~182".

 

[ggnykk]

Judging by all the extrapolating done before, I really can't see the WB being under 114", and I really think it is more likely that it will be right around 116", but the overall length should be around 3 series sedan, ~182".

I really doubt it is 114 or 116 inch for Model 3 wheel base. Why would Tesla design a car that is half the price and has the same wheel base length as Model S which has 116.5 wheel base?? In absolute best case, Model 3 would be at 112 inch at best, just to beat out Mercedes C at 111.8 inch.

 

[Cebe]

True, but wheelbase drives the maximum battery size, right? If it's going to look similar to the Model S/X platform. So it would make sense to keep the wheelbase as long as possible. Messes with the turning radius somewhat, but otherwise should be good...

 

[ZBB]

Keeping the wheelbase about the same also means the battery pack dimensions can be similar. Might keep hopes alive for battery swap opportunities… Imagine a P100L Model 3!

 

[lklundin]

Keeping the wheelbase about the same also means the battery pack dimensions can be similar. Might keep hopes alive for battery swap opportunities… Imagine a P100L Model 3!

It is completely reasonable to expect the option for a battery upgrade on your Model 3.

But its battery will surely not be interchangeable with that of the Model S/X.

 

[WarpedOne]

In absolute best case, Model 3 would be at 112 inch at best, just to beat out Mercedes C at 111.8 inch.

This would be a loss, not a beat.
Longer wheelbase means less maneuverability but more legroom. As they moved the front seats a bit forward, they might end with shorter wheelbase and good legroom still.

 

[Snowdog]

This would be a loss, not a beat.
Longer wheelbase means less maneuverability but more legroom. As they moved the front seats a bit forward, they might end with shorter wheelbase and good legroom still.

I agree. I was looking forward to a smaller, more maneuverable Tesla. The same WB as the Model S, means it will still drive like its a large sedan.

 

[Lunarx]

I agree. I was looking forward to a smaller, more maneuverable Tesla. The same WB as the Model S, means it will still drive like its a large sedan.

It is as heavy as a Large Sedan,
Perhaps Rear Wheel Steer will be an Option.
I don't think a larger wheelbase will hurt the handling, except in an AutoCross type of situation.
A 4000lb car is probably better off, with a large wheelbase for improved stability.

 

[Snowdog]

Why would weight increase the need for stability?

116.5" WB is luxo-barge territory. Fine for highway cruising, but not exactly nimble.

My current car has ~92" WB. It's nimble, not unstable.

 

[millsje]

OK, I stopped by the BMW website and snagged this image of the 3-Series dimensions:
View attachment 170234

I also found this photo of the Model ☰ Prototype at the Motor Trend website:
View attachment 170235

And then I combined the two for this result:
View attachment 170236

What say ye?

Found on a picture to blow up the tires are 235/35R20. Based on this, looks like the car is around 140"?

 

[millsje]

Perhaps this helps?

235/35/r20 found it on one of the pictures that I could blow up

 

[millsje]

OK, I stopped by the BMW website and snagged this image of the 3-Series dimensions:
View attachment 170234

I also found this photo of the Model ☰ Prototype at the Motor Trend website:
View attachment 170235

And then I combined the two for this result:
View attachment 170236

What say ye?

Sorry, not 140, but should be closer to 155", makes more sense

 

[gregincal]

I'm sorry but I agree with the people who say those renderings are totally off. There is no way the Model 3 is several inches shorter than a 3 series. In fact sedan heights are pretty uniform, so you should have a far more accurate result just scaling then so they have the same height. The Model 3 is much longer than shown here, and I think you'll find it to be around 180".

 

[R.S]

I did some calculations of the life pictures on the streets, deviding the cars size by the the entire tire size. I came up with something like 185 inches, based on the 26.5" diameter. I could be off by some 5 inches, but it would fit into the 3 series- A4 category and with that video overlap.
Strangely the wheelbase would be almost the same size as the Model S, but that would make sense, because they could still fit a relatively big battery, even though the space where they would have to fit it in has become narrower, since they would have to keep the frame strength probably the same.

 

[Snowdog]

I am thinking(from previous extrapolations) the Model 3 will be very close to the BMW 3 sedan, so about 182".

I overlaid the line drawing of a BMW 3:

It looks like wheels moved toward outside, bigger/roomier passenger compartment, bigger doors for the Model 3.

 

[rv1458]

This analysis seems to line up with my impressions from the reveal pictures and videos as well the in the wild pictures/videos: http://seekingalpha.com/article/3962789-tesla-model-3-love-first-sight?page=2

Feature Actual Predicted
Wheel/Tire Size 20" - 235/35ZR20 20" - 265/35R20
Wheelbase 114.6" (scaled) 114.6"
Length 168.5" (scaled) 182.5" (BMW 3 Series)
Height 54.5" (scaled) 52.5" (4" < Model S)