Do we know for sure the white car(s) are production rather than just RCs? BTW, those aeros look really good on a white car.
Wait so if this is a production car, doesn't that mean the white paint and aero wheels are 100% confirmed?
More info on the white cars here: Model 3 RC sightings Not 100% sure they are production, just guessing it is possible.
The white with aero wheels can't possibly be a production car. Look at the panel gaps between front bumper and passenger headlight. The mismatch is really pronounced.
I honestly haven't. I'm in Scotland and it's still a bit of a novelty seeing a Tesla. I still tap my wife and shout "Tesla" when we drive by one on the road. My neighbour has a Model S but I haven't inspected it. It's only since the RC's have been photographed that I've become aware of Tesla's production quality issues. I've got a BMW just now so hope that I'm not in for a massive disappointment with Tesla quality and customer service. My Model 3 will likely be Q3 / Q4 2018 and by then it might even be worth waiting another 6-12 months for a BMW, Volvo or VW EV car. I am really supportive of Tesla though and having reserved on April 1st 2016 I really hope it's a great car.
I smile at this. I've purchased two Teslas and can't wait to be free of all ICE driving. ICEvs just seem so bad in comparison now to me. Maybe my previous BMWs have had better "panel alignment" - I don't know, and I don't care, honestly. I repeat: I don't care, because a Tesla's drivetrain and overall experience overwhelmingly bests anything else I've ever had. Full disclosure, I worked at a 3rd party BMW repair shop in college.
Still not sure if it is an RC or a production model... More pictures here: Another Model 3 spotted in Bakersfield, CA! You can see the VIN: 5YJ3E1EAXHF000316 Number 316 already? 5YJ-Tesla WMI 5YJ3-Model 3 Line 5YJ3E-Body Type (E=4 door sedan) 5YJ3E1-Restraint System 1 ( Seatbelt/airbag configuration ) 5YJ3E1E-Fuel Type (Electric) 5YJ3E1EA-Motor/Drive Unit (A=Single, B=Dual) 5YJ3E1EAX-Check digit 5YJ3E1EAXH-Year (H=2017) 5YJ3E1EAXHF-Fremont Plant
The marker writing on the red tape on the wiper-lever ("FRC 3") is self explanatory, isn't it? Franks Racing Car 3. (... Or perhaps "First Real Car 3" !?)
I am not really expecting to see any other production models until after the first employee customers get theirs. Tesla isn't going to be driving around cars that are meant to be sold. And it would seem a waste to use a production model for testing that could otherwise be sold, when they still have all those RCs to do testing on.
Could it be that the part (steering wheel / stalk) is "From release candidate 3"? There's also a "FRC 3"-label down at the passenger side fog light...
No need to guess, here's the VIN decoder Tesla submitted to the NHTSA back in May. https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/mid/home/displayfile/33802