Despite the fact that the company is still struggling to hit its production goals for ??? Model 3 car, this did not stop the Twitter-loving co-founder, CEO, and product architect of Tesla, Elon Musk, to announce two completely new models, including a high-end Model 3 Performance with a price of $78,000.
The first version is an all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the Model 3, which will feature a second motor on the rear wheels, adds $5,000 to the price, can reach 0-60MPH in 4.5 seconds, has a top speed of 140MPH and still retains the 310-mile range. Most importantly, one motor is optimized for power and one for range, with Musk confirming that the car will drive fine if one motor breaks down, ensuring that you won't be stuck on the side of the road.
The cost of a normal dual motor AWD option is $5k. Range is also 310 miles. Takes 0-60mph to 4.5 sec & top speed to 140 mph.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
Tesla dual motor means there is a motor in front & a motor in rear. One is optimized for power & one for range. Car drives fine even if a motor breaks down. Helps ensure you make it to your destination & don’t get stuck on side of road in potentially unsafe conditions.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is the one that caught the eye of most of the media, as although it raises the price to $78,000 which includes all options - except for the Autopilot, wheels, paint and more, as well as having performance of reaching 0-60MPH in 3.5 sec, 155MPH top speed, and the same 310 mile range, it costs about the same as the BMW M3. Musk was also keen to note that it is 15 percent quicker and has better handling.
Cost of all options, wheels, paint, etc is included (apart from Autopilot). Cost is $78k. About same as BMW M3, but 15% quicker & with better handling. Will beat anything in its class on the track.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
According to our information, Tesla will start taking orders for the new AWD Model 3 as of next month with targeted shipping scheduled in July.
In case you missed it earlier, the company reported a net loss of US $784.6 million in the first quarter with revenue of US $3.4 billion, up from US $3.22 billion in the same quarter last year.
“Even at this stage of the ramp, Model 3 is already on the cusp of becoming the best-selling mid-sized premium sedan in the US, and our deliveries continue to increase”, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and CFO Deepak Ahuja wrote in a letter to investors. “Consumers have clearly shown that electric vehicles are simply more desirable when priced on par with their internal combustion engine competitors while offering better technology, performance and user experience.”
