Nice find. I wonder if that is the same silver Model 3 that was shown at the 2016 reveal or a new one. Looks the same, but no way to know for sure.
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SpiceWare
Member
It probably is, as I do not see any evidence that the trunk opening is modified...
... and I think it is better to see it here, as you have better video controls:
This video really shows how tiny the hood is. It slopes down very aggressively. I still think it looks stubby, especially with how bulbous the back is.
Thomas Edison
Active Member
I think that's a rocket stopped in the "rocket only" lane.
True. It has a much smaller front end than most other cars.
But that's in large part because it doesn't need a large engine compartment. So you can get more cabin passenger space, better visibility, and (I'm guessing) better aerodynamics with this type of shape.
Function > Form, I say.
(And most people think it still looks good anyway. So, bonus.)
Right. I think they needed to do that to maximize battery and the passenger compartment, right? The battery sits between the back & front wheels (i.e., the wheelbase), so the shorter the hood, the more batteries they can fit (within a fixed car length).
Bokonon
Title-customizing Member
Yep, I posted a link to your Instagram post in the Model 3 Mules thread.It's real. Video is from yesterday
Glad everyone is enjoying the video. That is the Hyperloop outside of our location/Space X/ Tesla. The Model 3 was running up and down the street for quite awhile.
3Victoria
Active Member
Thanks for the video. Next time however could one of you fake an injury in the middle of the road so you can some interior shots when it stops?
SUV wasn't following just happened to be there. The 3 was driving up and down the road circling back into the office park and then back out. We got relatively close but there were at least 3 people inside so could not get a clear view of the interior
Thanks for the video. Next time however could one of you fake an injury in the middle of the road so you can some interior shots when it stops?
Costumes have been ordered
WileyTheMan
Peanut Gallery Member
plankeye
That Vegan EV Guy
Bokonon
Title-customizing Member
Kinda sounds like they were trying to run the battery down, and/or run the odometer up. One of my pet theories is that the silver prototype is actually the "70D mule" for "testing third-generation systems" (per Electrek's source here), so it wouldn't surprise me to see them put some wear-and-tear on it by giving out rides to Tesla/SpaceX employees.
Let us know if you see it doing more laps over the coming days...
That could be done much more efficiently on the Fremont factory test track, a controlled environment with no risk of getting hit by other vehicles and no exposure to the public.
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