'Driving feel is amazing': Elon Musk teases new specifications for upcoming Model 3 versions
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk gave a status update to his company's upcoming dual-motor all-wheel drive and performance version of the Model 3.
- Musk said that the new Model 3's "driving feel is amazing."
- Musk also said he was aiming to release the new configurations on Friday.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk gave a status update to his company's upcoming dual-motor all-wheel drive and performance version of the Model 3 on Saturday.
"Working on Model 3 dual motor all-wheel drive & performance versions," Musk said on Twitter. "Driving feel is amazing."
Musk added that he was "aiming to release config" on Friday evening.
The new variants have been highly anticipated for Tesla enthusiasts who have held off on purchasing a Model 3. Prospective Model 3 buyers have been limited to one configuration, a long-range version with rear-wheel drive, that started at $49,000.
Musk announced the company would allow orders for the new variants earlier in May, and said it would start production in July. He added that certain features, such as an air suspension, would not come until 2019.
Ever since Tesla was beset with production issues, the company has streamlined the process so that it runs 24 hours-per-day each day of the week, with the exception of general assembly, according to the company's first-quarter earnings call.
Tesla added it was looking at producing 5,000 Model 3s per week by late June, meeting its goal that was originally set for the end of 2017.
The Model 3, which starts at $35,000, is Tesla's first mass-market vehicle and was designed to broaden the company's customer base beyond the luxury segment. The vehicle has generally received positive reviews, but some have criticized its build quality.
Mark Matousek contributed reporting.