Model 3 RC sightings

[smak]

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.

I really want auto folding mirrors, because who remembers to fold them? I don't think I even knew I could do it manually for the first few years I had my car.

 

[arnis]

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

Appears that BMWUSA sells 5-series starting on 18" and 3-series starting on 17".
Both an inch bigger than in rest of the world.

Appears big rims is an American thing
Well majority of 5-series (like 2011-2016) have 17". Stock (extremely popular) rims on stock (non-metallic white) color with stock trim and no options looks like this:

 

[dsvick]

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

Yes, but they would still be spending money to ship a car over there to just sit in a showroom.

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

They'd have to crush them anyway as soon as there were drivable test cars available they would no longer need the one sitting the showroom taking up space.

 

[erthquake]

Yes, but they would still be spending money to ship a car over there to just sit in a showroom.

They'd have to crush them anyway as soon as there were drivable test cars available they would no longer need the one sitting the showroom taking up space.

If it brings in just one additional Model S/X sale, the cost to ship that Model 3 RC is more than compensated.

 

[Waiting4M3]

Appears that BMWUSA sells 5-series starting on 18" and 3-series starting on 17".
Both an inch bigger than in rest of the world.

Appears big rims is an American thing
....

Yeah, go big or go home. It's 'murica! And it's not just cars:

 

[ecarfan]

Thanks, I missed the white 3 in the background.

Here is the picture with all three cars:

 

[ecarfan]

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.

And then place a reservation for...

 

[Garlan Garner]

I'm on my 5th annual 50th birthday

Nice.

 

[stopcrazypp]

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

Yeah, I was hoping base would have 17s partly because of tire cost. But it seems the market prefers larger wheels (at least in US), so I guess Tesla went this way.

 

[erthquake]

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

I would also think production versions would have the battery capacity badge on the trunk.

 

[Chris L]

I would also think production versions would have the battery capacity badge on the trunk.

Unless the Model 3 has been optimized for, and be available only with one battery size (Like pretty much all other EVs, except Tesla)

 

[Garlan Garner]

I would also think production versions would have the battery capacity badge on the trunk.

Same here.

 

[22522]

Here is the picture with all three cars:

What is that in front of the steering wheel?

 

[JeffK]

What is that in front of the steering wheel?View attachment 233180

A piece of paper or receipt.

 

[Garlan Garner]

What is that in front of the steering wheel?View attachment 233180

This is the first time I'm seeing that mesh plastic ( grill ) on the bottom of the front fascia. I thought it was a blank space.

 

[Garlan Garner]

What is that in front of the steering wheel?View attachment 233180

That's a speeding ticket for going 0-60 in 2.8 seconds.

 

[jsrawa]

This is the first time I'm seeing that mesh plastic ( grill ) on the bottom of the front fascia. I thought it was a blank space.

This really jumped out at me in this photo too, maybe I just never noticed it...

 

[Garlan Garner]

This really jumped out at me in this photo too, maybe I just never noticed it...

Indeed. I don't think there has ever been a photo taken from that vantage point. Hmmmm. Interesting

 

[JeffK]

Indeed. I don't think there has ever been a photo taken from that vantage point. Hmmmm. Interesting

There're quite a few... now that you've noticed you can't help but see it.

You don't want stuff messing with the radiator.

 

[Garlan Garner]

There're quite a few... now that you've noticed you can't help but see it.

That actually looks different. It looks like a hole with something behind the front fascia. It doesn't look like a mesh contraption.