We await the day something isn’t announced on Twitter.
While Tesla may only just be getting to grips with the production issues that have beleaguered the Model 3 since commencement, it seems the company is optimistic regarding the addition of posher, plusher, and more complex variants to the lineup in the near future.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to a tweet recently on the subject, when posed with the question of the future availability of a dual-motor all-wheel drive Model 3. The Model 3 is Tesla’s smallest and most affordable model and at present, is available only with a choice of battery capacity (though only ‘Long Range’ models are being built at the moment), with power going exclusively to the rear wheels.
Previously, we’d been told that an all-wheel drive Model 3 would arrive sometime in 2018, though now we have a more definite timeline.
“We need to achieve 5,000/week with Model 3 [production] before adding complexity that would inhibit production ramp [up]. So, probably July.” — Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla Inc.
With only long-range Model 3s being made presently, with entry-level models (with shorter electric ranges) not yet having commenced production, it’s possible that the headline US$35k Model 3 will go into production at about the same time as the all-wheel drive variant (which will offer an even-longer range than the present long-range model, inviting the possibility it’ll be called the Longer Range variant).
Options for the Model 3 are also in development, which include (but are not limited to) a white leather cabin. These options are expected to come online shortly after production targets are hit, given that Musk has clearly prioritised hitting 5,000/week before “adding complexity” (and rightfully so).
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