What Secrets Are Behind Tesla's Model 3? Bloomberg Takes Some Guesses

Tesla Motors Inc TSLA is expected to unveil its much-awaited Model 3 on March 31. Elon Musk will reveal only the prototype of Model 3, which won't officially go on sale until late 2017.

Following are some of the guesses Bloomberg has made about the Model 3.

What Can We Expect?

Size: The report said, "The Model 3 will be about 20 percent smaller than the Model S, or roughly the size of an Audi A4. The A4 is a five-seater that feels a bit roomier than some of its rivals in the compact luxury category."

Appearance: Regarding the look, Bloomberg said, "Tesla may have given a clue with the invitations, which feature pictures of the Model S, the Model X, and a silhouette in place of the Model 3. As some Tesla watchers have pointed out, the silhouette is a perfect match for the Model S."

Driving Range: "Tesla promises a range of at least 200 miles per charge."

"If it offers the same 60 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery pack planned for the 2017 Chevy Bolt, its range could beat that mile-marker considerably, based on the Model 3's small size and the performance of other, larger Teslas. It's even conceivable that Tesla could meet its 200-mile goal with a cheaper 50 kWh pack," Bloomberg reported.

Related Link: Audi Exec: Tesla "Did Everything Right"

Autonomous Driving Capabilities: According to the report, "The Model 3 will probably come equipped with sensors for autonomous driving, even if Tesla will require additional fees to activate them."

Warranty: The sedan is expected to have a warranty "similar to that for the Model S." According to Tesla, "[T]he 85 kWh Model S, our most popular model by far, now has an 8 year, infinite mile warranty on both the battery pack and drive unit. There is also no limit on the number of owners during the warranty period."

Reservations: In a blog post, Tesla said reservations for Model 3 begins on March 31 worldwide. The cost of a reservation is approximately $1,000. Customers can book a Model 3 by visiting their nearest Tesla store when it opens on March 31st. They can also to make a reservation online at Tesla.com when the unveil begins at 8:30 p.m. PT.

Tesla noted that Model 3 production is scheduled to begin in late 2017.

"When production begins, we will begin deliveries in North America starting on the West Coast, moving east. As we continue to ramp production, we will begin deliveries in Europe, APAC and right-hand drive markets," the company shared.

"It is not possible to ship to all regions simultaneously because regulators in each part of the world have slightly different production requirements. Staggering deliveries in this way also allows us to provide the best possible customer experience."

Image Credit: Joe Mabel [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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