Model 3 Mule Sightings

[AnxietyRanger]

What I don't understand is if the TM3 spotted a couple of weeks ago is the release model, why wouldn't Elon run some minimal camo on it like the MX above? I think the recent pictures are very close to the final product, but I still think that Elon has some surprises in store for us in July. They will not be drastic from a design standpoint. They will be subtle but significant (no not HUD) perhaps like a minor rework of the trunk. I still don't think we have seen the final interior.

I think the answer to this is very, very simple. The only thing Tesla camoed on the Model X - basically - was the nose.

Why?

Because the nosecone-less nose was a big statement they had a reason to keep a bit secret.

They have no such reason with a minimally altered Model 3 that was otherwise fully seen a year ago.

Speculation of course, but IMO likely.

 

[Fiver]

Um, no. They had some stuffing and vinyl wrap disguising the nose, but underneath the car was manufactured with the exact nose that was in the final car (you can easily see the "mustache"). Disguising a mule is totally different from manufacturing a final candidate that is not in fact final.

That's the point I was getting at. They were hiding the final X from us right up to the reveal, and it was obviously being hidden with all the camo... Compared that to the 3's we've seen, so far I haven't seen any dramatic camo on them. They don't seem to be hiding much of anything on the 3's driving around.

 

[ohmman]

The only thing Tesla camoed on the Model X - basically - was the nose.

Agreed, mostly. I'd argue that the large windshield was also mostly camouflaged, and that it's a pretty unique piece of the design.

I was on the side of "this is the final X" in those discussions as well. And I'll put myself out there to say "what we're seeing is the final 3."

 

[Fiver]

I learned my lesson during the X mule era. I won't declare the 3 final until it's shipping to customers.


/edit But the ones being tested on public roads look final to me IMO.

 

[AnxietyRanger]

Agreed, mostly. I'd argue that the large windshield was also mostly camouflaged, and that it's a pretty unique piece of the design.

I was on the side of "this is the final X" in those discussions as well. And I'll put myself out there to say "what we're seeing is the final 3."

You are right about that clarification, the big windshield was camoed at least for a good long while - perhaps not quite to the end, though, because we managed to see its tint and speculate on it having electric adjustability ala Mercedes, but yes, you have a point.

Every time I see my Model X in the sun I get reminded of that speculation when I see the slightly purple tint. Alas, that was one speculation where the optimism about Tesla's interior design got the better of some of us - your's truly included.

As for is this the final Model 3? Well, like I said with Model X, there is a chance that it is not. But now, for me too this time around, that chance seems pretty much 0.

 

[stopcrazypp]

What I don't understand is if the TM3 spotted a couple of weeks ago is the release model, why wouldn't Elon run some minimal camo on it like the MX above? I think the recent pictures are very close to the final product, but I still think that Elon has some surprises in store for us in July. They will not be drastic from a design standpoint. They will be subtle but significant (no not HUD) perhaps like a minor rework of the trunk. I still don't think we have seen the final interior.

The answer seems quite obvious. Whatever changes Tesla made to the Model 3 nose (if at all) are so subtle that we are still arguing over if it happened. This is different from Model X where the nose was a substantial change (nose cone is gone).

 

[MorrisonHiker]

The answer seems quite obvious. Whatever changes Tesla made to the Model 3 nose (if at all) are so subtle that we are still arguing over if it happened. This is different from Model X where the nose was a substantial change (nose cone is gone).

Maybe the Model 3 nose now looks like the refreshed Model S nose. They could be "hiding in plain sight" and just have a Model S badge on them.

 

[MountainRatMat]

Whats up with the lack of mules the past week or so. You'd think as they produce more, we'd see more of them on the road.

Marketing genius. I think they purposely timed the mule sightings to increase hype. Tesla is a smart company.

 

[Thomas Edison]

Whats up with the lack of mules the past week or so. You'd think as they produce more, we'd see more of them on the road.

They canceled the model 3 because they couldn't get the battery cheap enough to sell it at 35k starting price.
Might as well cancel your reservations people.

 

[sports4eva115]

Signature red Model 3?????

 

[JeffK]

Signature red Model 3?????

I'm more interested in the ghost people, perhaps this is after AI takes over and eliminates the human race...

 

[S3XY]

I don't think we'll see any significant physical changes other than the steering wheel. But there is plenty of unknown information that could be a surprise such as range or charging speed.

 

[JeffK]

I don't think we'll see any significant physical changes other than the steering wheel. But there is plenty of unknown information that could be a surprise such as range or charging speed.

It'd be great if the basic AWD model that is around 3.8 seconds 0-60 mph besting the BMW M3 without even being the performance model.

Perhaps that's wishful thinking...

 

[kingjamez]

Signature red Model 3?????

Is that a raised section in front of the steering wheel?

 

[JeffK]

Is that a raised section in front of the steering wheel?

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!

This is what happens when you're too lazy to make a proper Model 3 model.

 

[Mergoscia]

The changes I would like to see happening are quite different. Because I am different. My right hand is a bit handicaped, so individual fingers cannot be controlled very good in detail. That is a bit annoying with knobs, keyboards and buttons on screens. When I want to touch a button in a touchscreen I often touch the wrong one or I cannot press it hard enough.
So I would like a software update to full voice controlled centerscreen in the Model 3. Today I asked Elon if that would be possible.

 

[Mergoscia]

It'd be great if the basic AWD model that is around 3.8 seconds 0-60 mph besting the BMW M3 without even being the performance model.

Perhaps that's wishful thinking...

I think for the basic AWD it is indeed wishfull thinking. The P75D or P75D should do those numbers easely.

 

[Whistle2Whine]

Is that a raised section in front of the steering wheel?

Glad I'm not crazy. Mainly, I'm thinking about how good this car looks in the red on what I'm guessing are 20-inch black Turbines. I'll have my P75DL like that, please, thanks.

 

[JeffK]

I think for the basic AWD it is indeed wishfull thinking. The P75D or P75D should do those numbers easely.

It'd be an awesome snub to BMW though

 

[Mergoscia]

It'd be an awesome snub to BMW though

Yes and also to every BMW individual who wants to beat cars in accelaration. Hope they don't get mad and draw a gun on you.