Model 3 RC sightings

[Garlan Garner]

Interesting to see the Model 3 parked next to one of it's competitors, the Mercedes C-class. Model 3 comes across as smaller probably because it's not as tall. Hope the Model 3 get's folding mirror like the C-class. They come in handy for tight parking lots like this one.

Interesting also that it looks wider ( if the parking spaces are the same size).

 

[Lloyd]

Do the aero wheels have little Tesla logo spinners in the middle??

 

[favo]

Interesting to see the Model 3 parked next to one of it's competitors, the Mercedes C-class. Model 3 comes across as smaller probably because it's not as tall. Hope the Model 3 get's folding mirror like the C-class. They come in handy for tight parking lots like this one.

The engine compartment on the Mercedes is clearly taller and the windshield is shorter. I'm finding it hard to tell if the roof height is much different due to the perspective. Model 3 should have a very good view out the front, anyhow.

 

[erthquake]

Easy to fix assuming the panels are actually stamped correctly. Since the 3 is using more steel over aluminum, it behaves different in the stamping dies. I assume what we are seeing with the trunk lid is just needing more attention and care to install it better, but I could easily see the shape of that part being tricky to stamp. It's possible those two upper "tabs" spring back some after it is stamped. Designing stamping dies is not always easy.

Assuming the trunk is aluminum like the Model S, Tesla should have a pretty good idea how to handle the tabs. The tabs on the Model S are longer (so I would think trickier) than those on the Model 3.

 

[206er]

Wow, just from that poor comparison shot, Model 3 looks like it has a way more spacious (wider) cabin compared to the narrower Mercedes.

 

[Twiglett]

If you assume that they started from 1 and counted up.

I no longer progressively count my birthdays.....so....even though I've been on this earth around 50 years......I'm having my 15th birthday in a few days.

I'm on my 5th annual 50th birthday

 

[Trips]

The front bumper looks a lot lower than the Mercedes. Over the last 6 years I have learned not to get close to curbs with my Lexus. This looks like some speed bumps could cause issues with scraping.

 

[trils0n]

Model 3 should have a very good view out the front, anyhow.

Agree, that picture makes it abundantly clear how low the dash is. Visibility will be great!

The front bumper looks a lot lower than the Mercedes.

Clearance looks similar to the Prius in front of the black Model 3. Prius rides fairly low (which is generally good for aero).

 

[Waiting4M3]

Why does this bother me so much whenever I see a RC? Is it just my OCD or is anyone else bothered by this fitment issue? Seems most, but not all of the RC's are having fitment issues here.

I know I know..... "You won't care."

-- CintomanView attachment 233109

It also has cables running from the roof to the right side of the trunk, presumably into the trunk, who knows how the cables messed with the trunk closing mechanism, I would worry about it.

 

[Waiting4M3]

Video:
Model 3 Owners Club on Twitter

Teslarati:
First sighting of Tesla Model 3 release candidate in Los Angeles

No kill switch on the dash. I thought all test cars have the kill switch. Does this mean this is a production release?

 

[erthquake]

No kill switch on the dash. I thought all test cars have the kill switch. Does this mean this is a production release?

Good catch. But wouldn't the production release have a plate holder on the front bumper?

 

[dsvick]

@ecarfan i like your swag. If they are not doing it, they should be. Better use of RCs than sending to crusher. One in every country, state, province.

If they're really RCs then that's a lot of money being spent to ship cars all over the world that people wouldn't be able to do much more than sit in.

 

[jonnyg]

No kill switch on the dash. I thought all test cars have the kill switch. Does this mean this is a production release?

IIRC, I think a few have had the kill switch button down closer to where the cup holders and stuff are. Can't remember if those were earlier or later ones.

 

[erthquake]

If they're really RCs then that's a lot of money being spent to ship cars all over the world that people wouldn't be able to do much more than sit in.

They probably batch them with Model S/X shipments, minimizing shipping costs.

 

[tomas]

If they're really RCs then that's a lot of money being spent to ship cars all over the world that people wouldn't be able to do much more than sit in.

Less than cost to destroy and immeasurable marketing value IMO. This appears to be one sexy car... all who have seen in the flesh say better than pix. I suspect showroom presence would retain most of the 400k reservations and create huge further backlog

 

[arnis]

235/45/R18 cost something like 150-200€ piece here.
More expensive than more regular 225/55/17 BMW 5-series comes with as standard,
though thankfully not a lot. I was afraid of more than a third of extra cost.
Sidewall is 5% smaller. On the edge... for bumpy roads.

 

[JeffK]

Why does this bother me so much whenever I see a RC? Is it just my OCD or is anyone else bothered by this fitment issue? Seems most, but not all of the RC's are having fitment issues here.

I know I know..... "You won't care."

-- CintomanView attachment 233109

OMG one led is also dimmer than the others in the top brake light

 

[Waiting4M3]

235/45/R18 cost something like 150-200€ piece here.
More expensive than more regular 225/55/17 BMW 5-series comes with as standard,
though thankfully not a lot. I was afraid of more than a third of extra cost.
Sidewall is 5% smaller. On the edge... for bumpy roads.

Here in the US the base BMW 530i has options of 245/45/18 or 245/40/19

Pretty much all 2017 BMW 3-series run 225/45/18, and most 2017 Audi A4s run 245/40/18

Tesla's sidewall should be slightly larger than both, and tire width is in between the two.

At Goodyear's website, the Kelly Edge HP (45k mi) model has the following prices per tire

BMW 225/45/18: $136
Audi 245/40/18: $143
Model 3: 235/45/18: $130

the 225/55/17 is much cheaper at $81 for the same model, but I haven't see any 5-series with 17" tires on them

 

[Zaphod]

Assuming the trunk is aluminum like the Model S, Tesla should have a pretty good idea how to handle the tabs. The tabs on the Model S are longer (so I would think trickier) than those on the Model 3.

Not sure if I would assume that though. But you are right, it could possibly aluminum. However, if you look at the S hatch lid, it is a complete frame with opening for the window, since it's a hatchback. So sheet with hole in the middle. The 3 is a trunk lid with "tabs" off the main sheet. Will perform very differently when stamped.

 

[Zaphod]

Good catch. But wouldn't the production release have a plate holder on the front bumper?

Not necessarily. Depends on how they decide to do it. The current S comes with it installed, but can be removed fairly easily. However, the X does not come with it installed and is left up to the service centers to install if needed/desired.