Tesla Model 3 aero details

[Vman455]

Over the weekend, I stopped in at the Manhattan Tesla store where they had a Model 3 on display.



LED headlights, multiple-reflector type like Honda uses rather than projectors like the Prius Prime, Acuras, etc.:



Adjustable shutters in the lower grill:



The front wheel air curtains have a large, visible inlet, similar to the new Chevrolet Silverado:



Rear diffuser:



There's a strake on either side just inboard of the rear wheels:



The front wheel air dams are small and more rounded than other manufacturers':



It looks like it should have been a hatchback:



The trunk was quite large, but the opening is on the small side.



I quite like the interior; it's simple and clean.



My brother put a deposit down the day they became available and should have his car later this year.

[Daox]

Nice going over! Thanks.

[MetroMPG]

OK car.

Nothing a little cardboard & duct tape can't improve!

[NeilBlanchard]

The Model 3 is the lowest Cd (or is tied for the lowest Cd) of any car sold today. And the detail not shown on that car, is the aero wheels:

[MetroMPG]

The Model S had an aero wheel option as well, which made a significant improvement on highway efficiency.

Tesla ended up cancelling the option because hardly anyone wanted it.

You can lead a fashion-conscious horse to unusual-looking water...

[Daschicken]

I just saw my first model 3 a few days ago.

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

The Model S had an aero wheel option as well, which made a significant improvement on highway efficiency.

Tesla ended up cancelling the option because hardly anyone wanted it.

You can lead a fashion-conscious horse to unusual-looking water...

Cool to hear about aero wheels making a difference. I wonder if Tesla is ever going to go the tall and thin wheel route like the BMW i3.

I’m really loving that horse quote. That may or may not be ending up in my signature. Unfortunately it is prime real estate, so stuff will have to go.

[Magician]

My neighbor just bought a Tesla model 3... he's going to let me drive it!

[NeilBlanchard]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

The Model S had an aero wheel option as well, which made a significant improvement on highway efficiency.

Tesla ended up cancelling the option because hardly anyone wanted it.

You can lead a fashion-conscious horse to unusual-looking water...

The aero wheels are standard on the Model 3, so you have to pay extra to lose range.

Narrow wheels would be a bridge too far on a Tesla, I think. They have way too much performance to work well with narrow tires. I think the stock Michelin tires are low rolling resistance.

[Magician]

I think most city slickers aren’t too worried about range... Tesla seems to have what’s needed and why my neighbor saved up for it.

[MetroMPG]

Magician - post back once you've had a chance to try it!

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

The aero wheels are standard on the Model 3, so you have to pay extra to lose range.

Wonderful!