DogeDesigner responded to Musk’s tweet with some concept art they designed, stating, “A Tesla Robovan will be lit.”
To which Musk responded, “Not bad! It is high time that the future looked like the future. Same goes for fashion.”
Shibetoshi Nakamoto, the founder of Dogecoin, chimed in, “duuude. that would be the coolest thing to take on a camping / glamping trip ~”
Musk added fuel to the speculation by responding with, “Maybe with an optional solar power canopy that extends both sides of the van, tripling roof area.”
Many Tesla customers have been patiently waiting for updates on the highly anticipated Roadster and the Tesla Semi, so Tesla certainly has enough to keep them busy.
Musk stated in an interview with Tesla Owners Silicon Valley that it will begin Cybertruck production around the middle of 2023. Musk also added that the design has been finalized.
Tesla has received 1 million+ reservations for the highly anticipated Cybertruck. The ongoing chip shortage that Tesla is faced with is putting immense pressure on the automaker, as well as many other manufacturers.
In addition to the Roadster and Cybertruck, Musk is also adding a humanoid robot to the mix. Tesla certainly has a lot of moving pieces right now, so if Tesla is seriously about a configurable van, it may be a while before we see a prototype version.
Unless of course if Tesla's Robotaxi is the configurable Robovan? It's anyone's guess at this point, but there are certainly some interesting possibilities.
Elon hints a configurable van design
@cb_doge/Twitter
Not bad!
It is high time that the future looked like the future.
Today, Tesla published its 2024 Q1 report, showing revenue of $21.3 billion, 9 percent lower than the same period last year and a total GAAP gross margin of 17.4%, down 19.1% in Q1 2023.
The company teased its upcoming Robotaxi and its next-generation platform saying its “purpose-built Robotaxi product will continue to pursue a revolutionary ‘unboxed’ manufacturing strategy”.
Tesla mentioned that it suffered “numerous challenges“ during the first quarter including the Red Sea conflict and the arson attack on its GigaFactory in Berlin and the ramp-up of the updated Model 3. Earlier today Tesla officially announced its new Model 3 Performance model.
Accelerating the Launch of its Next-Gen Model
The company said it will accelerate the launch of new models including its upcoming “$25k,” next-gen vehicle. Tesla stated:
“We have updated our future vehicle line-up to accelerate the launch of new models ahead of our previously communicated start of production in the second half of 2025. These new vehicles, including more affordable models, will utilize aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms, and will be able to be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle line-up.”
When it comes to layoffs, Tesla says it undertook “a cost-cutting exercise to increase operational efficiency” adding it is “focused on profitable growth” by “leveraging existing factories and production lines to introduce new and more affordable products”.
“The future is not only electric, but also autonomous. We believe scaled autonomy is only possible with data from millions of vehicles and an immense AI training cluster. We have, and continue to expand, both. To make FSD (Supervised) 5 more accessible, we reduced the price of subscription to $99/month and the purchase price to $8,000 in the US.”
Robotaxi
Tesla also revealed that its Robotaxi will now differ from its next-gen vehicle. Although Tesla will follow more traditional processes for producing its more affordable vehicle, Tesla says the Robotaxi will still follow the new, more efficient, “unboxing” manufacturing strategy. This comes just days after Musk said the Robotaxi will essentially be its next-gen model without a steering wheel.
Tesla’s quarter-end cash, cash equivalents and investments were $26.9 billion.
Earlier today, Tesla launched officially the highly expected Model 3 Performance with deliveries starting in May. The new version starts at $45,490 (after applying the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit).
In recent weeks, the company has been reducing prices in its primary markets, including China and the United States. The initiative followed the recent introduction of lower and even 0% interest financing programs in certain markets.
At the time of this writing, Tesla stock is currently trading 7 percent higher at $145 per share.
Today, a few hours before releasing their first quarter financial results, Tesla launched the highly anticipated Model 3 Performance. The new version starts at $45,490 (after applying the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit) and deliveries are scheduled to start in May.
With 510 horsepower and a top speed of 163 mph, the new Performance variant brings an improved sound system, a re-designed interior featuring more comfortable rear seats with some features coming directly from the recently revamped Model 3. Tesla also says that the new Performance model has “significantly less” road and wind noise thanks to the rear spoiler and changes to the front bumper.
“The front and rear fascias, rear diffuser and carbon fiber spoiler work together to help reduce drag and improve lift balance at high speeds”
Tesla’s most powerful Model 3 ever is now cheaper than the Model 3 Long Range after the federal tax credit. The Model 3 Performance model is the only Model 3 variant that is eligible for the government incentive.
Performance
The new Performance model comes with 20
While the new Performance model is largely based on the recently revamped Model 3, while including design changes to the front and rear diffuser, as well as the addition of a rear spoiler. In terms of performance, the model announced today offers a 22% increase in continuous power, a 32% increase in peak power, and an additional 16% of peak torque. The Performance model now has 500 hp and includes a “performance” motor that’s unique to the Performance model.
0-60 mph in 2.9 510 hp / 741 Nm 163 mph top speed — Performance-tuned chassis Same quiet & comfortable cabin plus bespoke chassis hardware for improved stiffness and higher performance baseline.
The new Model 3 Performance is capable of going 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the previous incarnation. It didn’t take long for Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk to comment on X stating that the Model 3 Performance is “quicker than a Porsche 911.”
Specs of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance
Track Mode V3
The new Model 3 Performance is equipped with an updated Track Mode, v3, that features an all-new calibration for the powertrain and adaptive suspension.
Tesla's Track Mode V3
Range
The Model 3 Performance has an EPA range of 296 miles (476km) on a single charge, an increase of 10 miles (16km) when compared to the previous version while being slightly lower than the Long Range variant.
Rear Display
As seen in the revamped version of the Model 3, Tesla is also bringing the rear 8” touchscreen with climate controls, Bluetooth connectivity and entertainment for the rear passengers. With Tesla update 2024.14, Tesla is improving the rear screen by adding trip information, time and temperature information to the top of the display.
Exterior view of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance
All-new Adaptive Suspension
According to Tesla, the new adaptive dampening system adjusts to driver and road input in real-time. While the new Model 3 already included suspension improvements over the previous generation, the Performance model takes it one step further.
New Seats
The new model includes the new Sport Seats that we’ve seen in spy shots before. Although the new model is officially named “Performance,” the sport seats feature the Ludicrous badge. The seats include improved side and cushion bolsters to help keep you in an ideal driving position
The new Sport seats feature the Ludicrous badge
Deliveries
The model just went up for sale a few hours ago, but orders placed minutes after the launch show an estimated delivery of May/June 2024 in the United States. In Canada, where the Model 3 Performance starts at CA $69,990, the estimated delivery is currently slated for June/July.
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