The Tesla Model 3 is a mid-size, all-electric premium sedan and, at the same time, the first car of the California company Tesla, Inc. aimed at the “mass market”… Its target audience is well-off people (regardless of gender and age) who want a stylish, dynamic and modern vehicle, but also pay special attention to environmental issues…
At a special event in California, which was held on March 31, 2016, the American manufacturer of electric cars Tesla Motors put on display the prototype of its “younger” model called Model 3… Almost a year and a half after the world debut, the car finally became serial – its official presentation, accompanied by the announcement of final specifications and prices, was organized at the company’s own factory, located in Fremont (California).
Externally, the Tesla Model 3 is a slightly “shrunken” copy of the Model S, but is actually a sedan rather than a hatchback. The electric car looks nice and sporty, and its identity is added by the formidable front end, completely devoid of grille, with LED headlights.
In profile the “American” shows dynamic and harmonious proportions, and the design of the rear with beautiful lights and a powerful bumper does not disappoint.
This is a sedan of the medium size category, which has the following overall dimensions: its length is 4694 mm, width is 1849 mm (with the side mirrors – 1933 mm), and height does not exceed 1443 mm. The wheelbase of the electric car has 2875 mm, and its ground clearance is 140 mm. In an equipped form four-door weighs from 1609 to 1730 kg, depending on the modification.
The Tesla Model 3 cabin is completely minimalistic – there are no customary gauges or any analog keys, and all functions (“driver” data, navigation, “microclimate” control and everything else) is controlled by a 15.4-inch screen of the infotainment system, set in the center of the front panel. There are no buttons on the three-spoke “oval” steering wheel – there are only two joysticks for thumbs, designed to engage the basic settings of the media system.
Inside the electric car exceptionally high quality materials are used, and everything is assembled in good faith. Tesla Model 3 interior is designed in such a way as to provide the maximum amount of space for five adults and provide a free landing for all occupants without exception.
The front seats are equipped with ergonomic seats with developed side support rollers, optimal firmness of the filling and sufficient adjustment range. Rear passengers are provided with a comfortable sofa with a clever profile and a folding armrest in the central part. For luggage transportation, the electric car has two cargo compartments at once – in the front and in the rear. Their total volume is 435 liters according to the American EPA methodology.
Specifications:
Several rear-wheel drive modifications are announced for the Tesla Model 3 to choose from (all-wheel drive versions will also appear in the future):
The standard sedan is equipped with a 235 horsepower electric motor and a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This car takes 5.6 seconds to hit the second ‘hundred’, reaches a maximum speed of 209 km/h and can overcome at least 354 km on a single charge. In an hour the batteries are recharged from a regular outlet for 48 km, and from the Supercharger terminal for half an hour – for 209 km.
The electric car with the Long Range package boasts batteries of increased volume – 85 kW (although this information is still preliminary). This four-door can go from a place to 97 km/h in 5.1 seconds, pick up 225 km/h at the limit, and with a fully “filled tank” can cover a distance of 499 km. “Saturation” of the batteries from the household network is done at a speed of 59 km per hour, and from the Supercharger station – 274 km in half an hour.
Like the “older Esca”, this car is designed around a flat storage unit made of aluminum, to which the body and subframes made of steel and “winged metal” are attached.
The chassis of the Tesla Model 3 is completely independent: there is a double wishbone architecture in the front, and a “multi-lever” in the back. An air suspension will be offered for an extra charge for the electric car. “The electric sedan comes with ventilated disc brakes, a steering system with rack-and-pinion steering and electric power steering with variable characteristics.