Connect with us

News

Tesla will produce AWD Model 3 Performance before dual-motor only version

Published

on

Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla would be prioritizing the production of the AWD Model 3 Performance over the regular dual-motor variant of the compact electric car.

In an update on Monday, Musk responded to one of his Twitter followers who inquired if Tesla would only produce the AWD Model 3 Performance in July. According to Musk, rolling out the Performance version before the regular AWD variant would ensure that the company does not incur negative margins on the Model 3.

Musk’s emphasis on the company’s profitability has been particularly notable during the past few months. Back in April, Musk responded to an article from The Economist which predicted that Tesla would need to raise $2.5-$3 billion this year. According to Musk’s response, Tesla would not need to raise any money this year because the company would be profitable in the third or fourth quarter. Musk reiterated this statement during Tesla’s Q1 2018 earnings call.

Advertisement

As a means to achieve profitability, Tesla needs to optimize the production of the Model 3. In a tweet earlier this month, Musk noted that Tesla is prioritizing the Model 3’s higher-priced versions in order to smooth out cash flow and achieve target cost. Musk further added that if Tesla opted to jump immediately to the production of the Model 3’s $35,000 standard-range RWD variant, Tesla would “ lose money and die.”

Back in April, Elon Musk stated that the AWD dual-motor version of the Model would start production in July. Musk also noted that the white seats option — a popular configuration for the Model S and Model X — would probably be available for the compact electric car around the same time. Musk stated, however, that Tesla would have to hit a steady production rate of 5,000 Model 3 per week before it could start offering new options to reservation holders.

These new options ultimately got revealed this May, when Musk opened orders for the Model 3’s Performance and AWD versions. The two new variants are pricier than the first production long-range RWD Model 3, with the long-term AWD option costing an additional $5,000 and the Performance variant costing $78,000 with all options except Autopilot. A batch of configuration invites for the vehicles went out last week.

Advertisement

The two vehicles provide better performance over the RWD Model 3, with the AWD version having a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The Performance Model 3, which automatically comes with AWD, is a whole new beast, with a top speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Musk further stated that the Model 3 Performance would be 15% faster than a BMW M3 on a track.

For now, Model 3 reservation holders who would like to purchase the regular AWD variant would have to wait a little bit more before their vehicles are manufactured. By July, however, the auto world would see exactly how the most powerful Model 3 in Tesla’s lineup compares to its competitors.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

Advertisement
Comments

News

Elon Musk confirms Tesla FSD V14.2 will see widespread rollout

Musk shared the news in a post on social media platform X.

Published

on

Credit: Whole Mars Catalog/X

Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla will be implementing a wide rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) V14 with the system’s V14.2 update. Musk shared the news in a post on social media platform X. 

FSD V14.1.2 earns strong praise from testers

Musk’s comment came as a response to Tesla owner and longtime FSD tester AI DRIVR, who noted that it might be time to release Full Self-Driving to the fleet because V14.1.2 has already become very refined.

“95% of the indecisive lane changes and braking have been fixed in FSD 14.1.2. I haven’t touched my steering wheel in two days. I think it’s time, Tesla AI,” the longtime FSD tester wrote

AI DRIVR’s comment received quite a bit of support from fellow Tesla drivers, some of whom noted that the improvements that were implemented in V14.1.2 are substantial. Others also agreed that it’s time for FSD to see a wide release.

In his reply to the FSD tester, CEO Elon Musk noted that FSD V14’s wide release would happen with V14.2. “14.2 for widespread use,” Musk wrote in his reply

Advertisement

Mad Max mode makes headlines

One of the key features that was introduced with FSD’s current iteration is Mad Max mode, which allows for higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than the previous “Hurry” mode. Videos and social media posts from FSD testers have shown the system deftly handling complex traffic, merging seamlessly, and maintaining an assertive but safe driving behavior with Mad Max mode engaged.

Tesla AI head Ashok Elluswamy recently noted in a post on X that Mad Max mode was built to handle congested daytime traffic, making it extremely useful for drivers who tend to find themselves in heavy roads during their daily commutes. With Musk now hinting that FSD V14.2 will go on wide release, it might only be a matter of time before the larger Tesla fleet gets to experience the notable improvements of FSD’s V14 update.

Continue Reading

News

Multiple Tesla Cybercab units spotted at Giga Texas crash test facility

The vehicles were covered, but one could easily recognize the Cybercab’s sleek lines and compact size.

Published

on

Credit: @JoeTegtmeyer/X

It appears that Tesla is ramping up its activities surrounding the development and likely initial production of the Cybercab at Giga Texas. This was, at least, hinted at in a recent drone flyover of the massive electric vehicle production facility in Austin. 

Cybercab sightings fuel speculations

As observed by longtime Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer, Tesla had several covered Cybercab units outside the facility’s crash testing facility at the time of his recent flyover. The vehicles were covered, but one could easily recognize the Cybercab’s sleek lines and compact size. Tegtmeyer also observed during his flyover that production of the Model Y Standard seems to be hitting its pace.

The drone operator noted that the seven covered Cybercabs might be older prototypes being decommissioned or new units awaiting crash tests. Either scenario points to a ramp-up in Cybercab activity at Giga Texas, however. “In either case, this is another datapoint indicating production is getting closer to happening,” Tegtmeyer wrote on X, highlighting that the autonomous two-seaters were quite exciting to see.

Cybercab production targets

This latest sighting follows reports of renewed Cybercab appearances at both the Fremont Factory and Giga Texas. A test unit was recently spotted driving on Giga Texas’ South River Road. Another Cybercab, seen at Tesla’s Fremont Factory, appeared to be manually driven, suggesting that the vehicle’s current prototypes may still be produced with temporary steering controls.

The Tesla Cybercab is designed to be the company’s highest-volume vehicle, with CEO Elon Musk estimating that the autonomous two-seater should see an annual production rate of about 2 million units per year. To accomplish this, Tesla will be building the Cybercab using its “Unboxed” process, which should help the vehicle’s production line achieve outputs that are more akin to consumer electronics production lines.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Elon Musk

Teslas in the Boring Co. Vegas Loop are about to get a big change

Elon Musk has a big update for Teslas that operate within the Boring Company’s Vegas Loop.

Published

on

the boring company's vegas loop entrance
(Credit: Sam Morris, LVCVA/Las Vegas News Bureau)

Tesla vehicles operating in the Boring Company’s Vegas Loop are about to get a big change, CEO Elon Musk said.

In Las Vegas, the Boring Company operates the Vegas Loop, an underground tunnel system that uses Teslas to drop people off at various hotspots on the strip. It’s been active for a few years now and is expanding to other resorts, hotels, and destinations.

Currently, there are stops at three resorts: Westgate, the Encore, and Resorts World. However, there will eventually be “over 100 stations and span over 68 miles of tunnel,” the Vegas Loop website says.

The Loop utilizes Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to send passengers to their desired destinations. They are currently driven using the Full Self-Driving suite, but they also have safety drivers in each vehicle to ensure safety.

Tesla Cybertruck rides are crucial for Vegas Loop expansion to airport

Tesla and the Boring Company have been working to remove drivers from the vehicles used in the Loop, but now, it appears there is a set timeline to have them out, according to CEO Elon Musk:

Musk says the Boring Co. will no longer rely on safety drivers within the Teslas for operation. Instead, Tesla will look to remove the safety drivers from the cars within the next month or two, a similar timeline for what Musk believes the Robotaxi platform will look like in Austin.

In Texas, as Robotaxi continues to operate as it has since June, there are still safety monitors within the car who sit in the passenger’s seat. They are there to ensure a safe experience for riders.

When the route takes the vehicle on the highway, safety monitors move into the driver’s seat.

However, Tesla wants to be able to remove safety monitors from its vehicles in Austin by the end of the year, Musk has said recently.

In early September, Musk said that the safety monitors are “just there for the first few months to be extra safe.” He then added that there “should be no safety driver by end of year.”

Continue Reading

Trending