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Tesla releases new video of a near-final Model 3, but Musk says car is overhyped

Published Mar 24th, 2017 12:51PM EDT
Tesla Model 3 Release
Image: Tesla

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Tesla’s Model 3 will undoubtedly be an interesting and compelling car, but it’s not going to be the world-beater that some Tesla fans might otherwise believe. In an effort to temper such over-sized expectations, Elon Musk this morning published a series of tweets stating that the Model 3 will not introduce features and technologies more advanced than what is currently available on the Model S.

In an effort to build some intrigue as well, Musk also released a video showcasing a release candidate of the Model 3 going on its first ever drive.

Musk first tweet reads:

While this may seem like common sense, it was a smart move for Musk to chime in on the matter like he id. For a variety of reasons, much of the speculation surrounding the Model 3 has been amplified to such an extent as to create almost unrealistic expectations around the car. As a prime example, consider this: because the Model 3 that Tesla unveiled last year lacked a traditional instrument cluster, many Tesla enthusiasts began speculating that the shipping Model 3 would feature an advanced HUD that would put the Model S’ dashboard to shame.

Consequently, a narrative soon emerged claiming that the Model 3 would introduce new features and technologies that would ultimately show up in subsequent versions of the Model S. The reality, though, is quite the opposite. The Model S is Tesla’s flagship car and Model S features will trickle down to the Model 3, not the other way around.

Not mincing words, Musk proceeded to state that the Model 3 would be a lesser version of the Model S in every conceivable way, save of course for price.

So there you have it. And as one Twitter user cleverly summed up, you might want to think of the Model 3 as something akin to Apple’s iPhone SE.

As for the aforementioned video, you can check out the rather uneventful footage below.

Currently, Tesla maintains that deliveries of the Model 3 will begin, as initially promised, later this year. If all goes according to plan, Tesla is hoping to ship upwards of 100,000 vehicles to reservation holders before 2018.

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.