The Tesla Model 3 Thread

Tesla now offers to retrofit your Model 3 with a powered liftgate

One of the main complaints about the older Model 3s - the ones manufactured before 2021 - is how heavy the liftgate is, which relies on simple pneumatic extenders. And Tesla didn't offer a powered liftgate at the time either. As a result, opening and closing the trunk is an inconvenience to most and a real challenge for some.

Now, Tesla is finally offering to retrofit your Model 3 with a powered liftgate for $800 at your local service center. And that includes the parts and labor.



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Tesla reaches 5 million cars sold milestone

Five million: it's a number most of us can hardly fathom, especially when we're talking about cars. Yet, Tesla, the Silicon Valley darling, managed to hit this jaw-dropping milestone yesterday. By September 17, 2023, Tesla rolled out its five-millionth electric car. A feat that, two decades ago, might've sounded like a fever dream in the automotive world.

Let’s rewind the clock a bit. Founded in 2003, Tesla was met with equal parts excitement and skepticism. Few could have predicted the disruptive impact this electric car start-up would have on the automotive industry. Fifteen years ago, they unveiled their first creation – the original Roadster. The Roadster could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, a testament to the unexpected power an electric vehicle could wield

Reaching their first million cars took a solid 12 years, a timeline ending in March 2020. But then, something remarkable happened. The pace accelerated – almost mirroring the thrilling 0-60mph times of their vehicles. The second million appeared within 18 months. Eleven months later, the third million was achieved, and the fourth, well, that only took a swift seven months.

Doing some quick math (and a bit of eyebrow-raising), the four-millionth Tesla graced our roads just over six months ago. Talk about getting faster at getting faster!


 
Facelifted Tesla Model 3 Performance to feature new electric motor

In the electrifying world of Tesla, silence never seems to linger too long. Just a few weeks after unveiling the updated Model 3, the innovative automaker is reportedly back with a surprise up its sleeve - the facelifted Model 3 Performance, slated to boast a new electric motor, the 5D1.

For those not in the Tesla know, the Performance model is the range-topping variant of the Model 3. The company, however, played coy, revealing no details about this powerhouse during the initial refreshed Model 3 announcement. The rumors began in earnest when documents surfaced on the Tesla Fahrer Und Freunde forum, indicating that this new model is set to receive a fresh motor, identified by the "T" designation in the VIN.

Diving deeper into the electric motor jargon, while the Long Range model operates on the 3D3/3D7 electric motor combo, the forthcoming Performance model will be equipped with a 3D3/5D1 configuration. Now, Tesla remains tight-lipped about the specifics of this new setup, but the rumor mill is churning with whispers of the 5D1 motor employing a carbon sleeve rotor to withstand the amplified performance - just like in the Model S Plaid.

Let's talk numbers for a moment. The previous Model 3 Performance boasts an impressive output of 513 horsepower. Recently surfaced specifications of Chinese Model 3+ reveal dual-motor setup pumping out 443 hp (331 kW) which actually is less than 498 hp (366 kW) of the new Model 3 LR destined for Europe. The inclusion of the 5D1 motor suggests we might be seeing a more powerful Model 3 this time around, in line with its larger Plaid siblings.


 
After missing sales targets Tesla cuts price of Model 3 and Model Y in the US

As autumn leaves drop in the US, so do the prices of Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y. Tesla's response to missing its delivery target in Q3 it to discount its two most sought-after models in its home market.

The Model 3 now flaunts a starting price of €36,330 for its Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant - a drop from its earlier price of €37,500. Those itching for the extra zest of the Model 3 Long Range can now secure it for €42,860, down from its initial €44,020 tag. The Model 3 Performance now stands at €47,520, while it previously called for €49,610.

 
Slow Sales Mean More Tesla Discounts

The Tesla Model Y sedan and Model Y crossover are both getting price cuts.

Tesla has once again cut prices of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover amid the electric vehicle price war we’re currently in the midst of. The move comes just days after third-quarter deliveries for the Austin, Texas-based automaker missed the goals they were expecting to hit.

According to Reuters, the latest cuts come in an effort to bolster delivery. The automaker wants to deliver a record 476,000 vehicles in the final three months of the year. It’s a piece of a puzzle that aims to hand over 1.8 million vehicles in total this year. That’s definitely a tall order.

The standard Model 3 now starts at $38,990 – $1,250 cheaper than before. Meanwhile, Model Y long-range variants dropped to $48,480 – a $2,000 difference. That means it’s actually cheaper than the previous entry-level Model Y standard range it just killed off. Reuters reports that Tesla also cut prices on its higher-end variants of both vehicles.

Overall, the outlet says that standard Model 3 prices have come down about 17 percent since the start of the year. During that same period, Model Y long-range variants have seen an over 26 percent drop in price.

 
Tesla offers to wrap up your car in new colors

In a bid to offer Tesla enthusiasts a little more personalization, Tesla is now offering vehicle wraps for the Model 3 and Model Y. But does this move from Elon Musk’s company truly electrify the aesthetics of these cars or simply puts a premium price on an old idea?

For those new to the concept, wraps allow car owners to change their vehicle's appearance without a repaint. These wraps not only jazz up your car's exterior but also shield the original paint from unsavory scratches and weather-related damage. They've been particularly alluring to Tesla owners as their vehicles come in very limited paint options.

It's no accident we've seen a slew of companies specialize in Tesla wrapping like Unplugged Performance, TSportline, and RPM Tesla. While Tesla did dip its toes in the wrap market in China, this new venture marks its foray into the US market.


 
Volvo EX30 vs Volvo XC40 vs Zeekr X vs Smart #3 vs Tesla Model 3 vs Kia Niro vs Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs VW ID 3 vs MG 4 - Autogefühl

 
The rhinoplasty on the new model 3 paid off. That front end looks amazing now. I never liked it much before.

Really looking forward to what the facelifted Model-Y will look like.
 
The new £39,990 Tesla Model 3 is now available in the UK

There are now only two Teslas that you can buy in RHD. Here’s the updated version of one of them

Back at the start of September we brought you news about the updated Tesla Model 3 with its sharp new look, fancy new interior and improved range.

We have more news, for this upgraded Model 3 is now available to order in the UK, with deliveries set to start in January 2024. This is mostly news because nothing is a given with Tesla these days. Heck, earlier this year it announced - completely out of the blue - that the Model S and Model X would no longer be built in right-hand drive.

There’s more, because the fresh 3 will actually be cheaper on our shores than the last one. Tesla’s prices seem to change more often than This Morning's presenting line-up at the moment, but in September the entry level previous Model 3 was £42,990. This new one will start at £39,990.

You can click these blue words to remind yourself of all the updates, but in terms of styling at least the new 3 is leagues ahead of the previous car, no? And with over two million examples sold worldwide, the outgoing version didn’t exactly struggle to sell.

 
Tesla's latest Model 3 officially on sale in China

Tesla announced it has officially started the sales of the updated Model 3 in China, retaining the pre-sale prices from last month. For those out of the loop - RMB 259,900 (€33,100) for the rear-wheel-drive version and RMB 295,900 (€37,700) for its dual-motor all-wheel-drive Long Range counterpart. The price tags are a notch higher than the sedan's earlier basic version.

Now, if you're one of those keen beans ready to park this shiny new toy in your driveway, expect 6-9 weeks of waiting. Certainly not too bad, considering it's very early days.

 
Tesla Model 3 'Highland' now shipping in Europe

The updated Tesla Model 3, also known as 'Highland' has started shipping to buyers in Europe. A lucky few from Germany and the Netherlands have gone on X (formerly Twitter) to boast of their just-arrived Model 3's.

If you go on Tesla's German configurator you'll get a 2 to 6-week estimate for the Model 3 Highland. Meanwhile, potential buyers in the States get the old model with a November shipping estimate. It's unclear when the new Model 3 will become available to US buyers.

The car is also on sale in China and there have been reports of a fleet of new Model 3s being readied for shipment in China, but it appears Germany was first.


 
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