I think the potential is there to be able to sacrifice range for a more traditional/useful rear body shape. In the Model X, Tesla was still short on battery supply and could not afford to "waste" battery power on a less efficient shape. Now they can give up a little of the M3LR range to make a real SUV, rather than a crossover. Needless to say, there will be no SR version of the MY.
I hope they don't do too many new things compared to M3 so as to keep production simple. I also hope they DON'T offer Falcon Wing Doors, too complicated. I assume it will have a curved style like the MX, but much smaller. The Volvo XC60 is basically the same size as M3/MY, and same customer demographics.
I hope that like the Model 3, the interior of the Y will be slightly smaller but comperable to the X. The X is really pretty small for an SUV already, much smaller and it'll just be a hatchback. -Jim
We just leased a new XC60 for my wife as a placeholder until either the Model Y is available, or the Volvo BEV version of the XC60 is out. We might be a bit optimistic with a 3-year lease, but one can hope.
Model Y will also have 600 mile range. 500 mile Model S soon? Semi with 1 MW battery for $180K What. The. Hell???? What does the 200kWh pack of the new Roadster tell us about future Tesla products?
Other: write response - The Model Y ("Why?") will be the so much wanted M3 with a hatchback instead of the less practical M3 sedan.
I predict that Model Y have approximately the same footprint as a Honda CR-V or Acura RDX. The CUV form factor will allow it to have rear seats that are comfortable for long trips. Model Y will be more important to Tesla’s growth than Model 3.
And it will have strong enough FW doors that it will be able to fly short distances. Also comes with a free unicorn, which will be totally awesome! IMO it will probably be like the X is to the S. -Slightly more bloated body, rest will stay the same. Maybe a bit more aggressive and SUVish looking, than the X. -Tow hook will come and probably AWD standard. -I guess only 5 seats, but a more usable trunk, than the Model 3. -No FW doors, I think they have learned their lesson. -Interior will be a lot like the 3. -Range will also be comparable to today's Model 3 (maybe a bit higher?) but naturally a bit lower than the Model 3 at that point.
Well, you certainly could be right about this but I can also imagine Elon saying "Our Falcon Wing doors on the Model X are one of it's best features, every new customer loves them and now that we've worked out all of the issues on the doors they're extremely reliable!" Maybe.
The Model Y will face more competition, so best price, best range, lowest weight... and best performances, would be more and more crucial. Jaguar I-Pace Faces Off Against Tesla Model X In Drag Race. Who Wins? | CleanTechnica
Oh yes, I remember this video... when they ran the I-Pace against the Model X PPP100D.... Triple performance best available Tesla.... lol.
If it insists on the falcon door shenanagins or derivative thereof I can't think of a better way to jeopardise the whole "Part Deux" plan. Keep it simple is the key, the market wants an electric SUV NOW they don't give a toss about falcon doors.
Was part deux the one where they mention the 2020 supercar? Or was that part treux? 1) Sports car 2) cheaper Sedan 3) even cheaper sedan 4) solar 5)super car
Whilst they could put Falcon Wing doors on the M-Y they need differentiation to the M-X to charge more / keep selling it. e.g. M3 doesn't have as big a battery-option as MS ... ... I can't see M-Y having the Goodies that are currently found in M-X. I don't know how much Tesla wants to be in the rock-bottom-price market. As long as demands exceed supply they are better off pitching at higher-margin ... so they may be way-away from no-frills models; So my guess is "some frills" in the next generation of models, but nothing that encroaches on M-S / M-X.