Tesla Motors changes its lineup more frequently than I replace my soiled bed sheets and, with the Model 3 fast approaching, it’s tweaking things yet again. This time the manufacturer is getting rid of the rear-wheel drive variant of the Model S 75, leaving the all-wheel version as the new base-trim — presumably to make room between its $74,500 price tag and the $35,000 Model 3.
This move also streamlines production, as eliminating the RWD car results in the Model S being an exclusively AWD build. However, that doesn’t mean the upscale sedan will be slim on options. Tesla has claimed the Model S will maintain gobs of premium features, unimaginable on the Model 3, for a grand total of 1,500 possible configurations. Do you need that much choice? Probably not. But you have to differentiate yourself from the plebs in the more-common EV somehow — apparently, superior size, speed, and free access to the company’s charging network isn’t enough.
According to Electrek, the rear-drive Model S will remain available for the rest of 2017. After that, Tesla has indicated it will be ending production to ramp-up assembly of the Model 3.
Don’t get too comfortable with the new lineup, though. Electrek also noticed Tesla has brought back its 85 kWh battery pack on a handful of brand new Model X 75Ds sold in Norway. While that’s no guarantee the automaker will upsize the power source in its flagship vehicles, it would make sense since the production version of the Model 3 is expected to have a comparable range to the larger sedan. Meanwhile, future installments of the Model 3 using an upsized battery are likely to surpass the current Model S and X’s effective area of operation — and nobody is going to want to pay a premium for enhanced range anxiety.
Tesla previously offered the Model S 60 with a software-restricted 75 kWh battery, so it might try something similar with the 75 or replace it with the the Model S 85 — but that’s a purely speculation. All we know for sure is that the previously discontinued 85 kWh battery pack has cropped up again and Tesla isn’t interested in talking about it.
[Image: Tesla Motors]
“eliminating the RWD car results in the Model S being an exclusively AWD build”
Yuk. I guess that’s one way to maintain the exclusivity of the Model S.
I know a guy that bought a 75 RWD back in April. One of the last?
you mean the model 3 that’s supposed to be in production but little to no information exists about it yet?
http://insideevs.com/?s=model+3
Yes, that one.
You’re either trolling, or not looking, but I think I know which.
+1
How long is it going to take before you can configure one on the Tesla site? Or is this going to be like ordering a car in the soviet days – no options and you take whatever color they make?
Friday is when the first deliveries occur at the product launch party.
I expect the configurator to go online a few hours after the event is over.
Some folks have managed to trick the Tesla website into revealing a different configurator. Based on these peeks, for the Model 3 we are expecting several packages to be made available, not the “build your own” configurator that has been available to date.
“No options and you take whatever color they make?”
That would be a manual Accord order.
I work with two guys who have a deposit on a Model 3. Tesla has told them nothing. They have no idea what they will be able to buy, and the only “information” right now is internet speculation.
You’re link provides nothing about:
1) Official range and battery options, and range based on those options
2) Official performance numbers for acceleration, braking, handling
3) Official, OFFICIAL base price, and OFFICIAL pricing for options
I still can’t configure and price a Model 3 on the Tesla site.
The $35,000 and 215 mile claims are just that, claims – there is nothing out there that says a base configuration Model 3 is $35,000, click here to buy in this configuration with this range, oh, you might have to wait two years — but here is the price and here is what you get and here is the performance/range information.
It doesn’t exist – which is insane given hundreds are being delivered this month. Heck, not even one of those customers have come forward and said, “hey, I paid, XXX and here is my Mulroney.”
Yeah, it’s pretty frustrating to people with reservations.
My only point was that there is plenty of info, but almost nothing official.
Given Tesla’s typical MO, the official data is probably changing daily. Heck, even this story about the Model S 75 RWD is evidence of their constant tweaking.
lighten up Francis. It was meant to be light-hearted.
Fair enough. Sometimes, even *I* can make jokes about Tesla. :)
“…1,500 possible configurations. Do you need that much choice? Probably not. But you have to differentiate yourself from the plebs in the more-common EV somehow.”
I’m pretty certain Tesla isn’t the first to offer more options on its flagship product than its more pedestrian offerings, so forgive me if I just can’t get too outraged over this.
10 colours x 5 wheel choices x 5 interior colours x 2 sunroof/no sunroof x 3 infotainment variables = 1500 build choices.
Am I supposed to hate Tesla more now that it has 1500 options?
The big issue will be how much the 3 cannibalizes S sales. I expect the size of 3 is more attractive to many customers looking for a easier to park commuter car, but I also expect the margins will be lower for Tesla on the cheaper 3, which is a problem since they are still not making profits on the S or X.
They do make a profit on the X and S. They may not be making a profit as a company, but they do make a profit on the indivdual cars. Still, it’s going to be tight with the 3 and I suspect they won’t be making a profit on those cars initially. It’ll be tough ramping up production too.
The company has two products (currently) and the company loses money – this means the products are not profitable enough to pay for company overhead, which means they aren’t profitable.
You need to revisit Microeconomics 101.
Variable Costs and Fixed Costs are at play.
If you can sell a product for more than your variable cost, which they can, you will produce and sell as possible regardless of your fixed costs.
Their problem is volume. Solve the issue of volume, and fixed costs get paid for.
Garrett, I respectfully suggest it is you that needs to check that Econ book. In the short-term a firm with adequate credit or cash on hand can survive by only covering variable costs, but eventually they have to cover the fixed or they will run out cash and go bankrupt. The problem for Tesla is that haven’t made a profit in 10 years, and only survive because of subsidies and the low expectation of investors in an era of .1% bond returns. The S and X haven’t generated enough profit to pay for the development costs of those models or the 3 or the needed expansion in manufacturing and sales/service capabilities – simply covering variable costs is not profitability. If subsidies are reduced or interest rates rise, Tesla is done.
I bet actually finding a $35K model 3 will be like finding a unicorn. My guess is you are looking at $45-50K for any model you can actually purchase.
For perspective, the average transaction price for a car today is ~$34k.
If Tesla expects to capture the ‘average’ market, they need to stay close to that number. Mr Musk has said he expects the average Model 3 to go for $42k.
Additionally, the Federal $7500 subsidy will still be available for early Model 3 buyers, plus some state subsidies, which suddenly makes the $42k price taste better.
If the car I want goes into the $45-50k range, I’ll probably back out. I’m not buying their car because I want a Tesla; I’m buying their car because I want an affordable EV with a nationwide charging network. Today, nobody else has that.
I’m just still giddy like a school boy to be helping people buy $75,000+ luxury cars. Heaven knows that’s the demographic that needs the most assistance.
Why is it that when you ask a Tesla owner for a ride they look at you like you kicked their cat (note: assuming they are cat people)? You didn’t turn down that government hand-out, the least you could do is give people a ride every so often.
Perhaps you should ask a Leaf owner for a ride. They got the same government handout, but they’re not as snobby.
Not only that, they’re going to get rid of the 75kw battery soon. Some “75kw” cars have started shipping with 85kw batteries.