Pre-Game Show: The Tesla Model 3 is coming, here's everything you need to know

In anticipation of tonight's launch event for the Tesla Model 3, I wanted to do a quick "pre-game show" leading into the event. This is, after all, the Superbowl of Tesla events. First off, be sure to watch Elon Musk and his team officially announce details about the production Model 3 and hand over the first few (well, 30) cars to company employees tonight at 8:45pm PST / 11:45pm EST. Expect a delay as it may take time for the event to get going. The event will be live-streamed on Tesla’s website, likely on the home page, their Model 3 page, or possibly on the "Events and Presentations" section on the Investor Relations page.

Above: Tesla Model 3 fraternal twins (Image: Teslarati via Revo_7 on Reddit)

The event should be a really fun party — similar to the reveal event we attended last year. Already, CEO Elon Musk created some buzz with a quick teaser at the venue last night.

Above: Elon Musk teases the Model 3 (Instagam: elonmusk)

If you haven't checked out your reservation page on Tesla's website — you do have a reservation, right? — you'll notice that they've changed the Model 3 image and updated it from the pre-production prototype to the official production version. It looks stunning.

Above: An image of the production Model 3 in blue (Source: Tesla)

Where has the Model 3 been spotted most recently? Of all places, it was spotted in New Zealand. According to Ecotricity, "There is definitely one, possibly two, Tesla Model 3s in New Zealand… and it’s been snow testing in a not so secret location here." Check it out...

Above: Tesla Model 3 snow testing in New Zealand (Youtube: Ecotricity NZ)

What news is cropping up on social media and the forums? Lots of speculation about vehicle range, key cards vs. key fobs, VIN number analysis, etc. Certainly some intriguing theories based on folks dissecting the code on Tesla's website — but, at this point, we'll know in a few hours, better to wait for the official answers. The infographic below provides a more concrete glimpse into some of the key facts we currently have about the Model 3.

Above: Here's what to expect with the Tesla Model 3 (Image: Financial Times)

However, we do know (at least, we assume) that the base price for the Model 3 should come in at $35,000. According to Electrek, with incentives, some early reservation holders in California could even get the car for ~$25,000. That hasn't stopped some from arguing that the car shouldn't be considered mass market — we were just interviewed in the Washington Post and made our case regarding the audience of buyers we're forecasting for the Model 3.

Above: Teslarati spotted this gorgeous red Model 3 spotted at Tesla's Service Center on Centinela in Los Angeles (Youtube: Teslarati)

But the big news is still to come. Be sure to check back in with us for our "post-game show" for the complete recap. And if you'd like to get some more in-depth analysis, I'll be participating in a special webinar discussing the Model 3 with CleanTechnica's Zach Shahan and Kyle Field tomorrow morning, July 29th at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST. Best sure to check it out on Zoom (register for free here) or watch it livestreamed on CleanTechnica's Facebook page.

Above: Excited to talk Model 3 with the CleanTechnica's Zach Shahan and Kyle Field tomorrow morning post-event (Source: CleanTechnica)

In any event, we'll be reporting back with the big news afterwards, feel free to check back in for more later on. Until then, it's important to reflect on the long journey that Tesla has taken to get to this point. So we'll leave you with this video to help get you nostalgic (and excited) for the launch event coming shortly.

Above: The culmination of over a decade of careful strategic planning to achieve Elon Musk’s goal — to accelerate humanity’s transition to sustainable energy and bring us the vaunted Tesla Model 3 (Youtube: Wired)

Okay... time to drink some coffee and stay up late watching automotive history being made once again. For all of you who currently own a Roadster, Model S, Model X, or TSLA stock — you helped make this moment possible. Kudos to you and let's all join together to help make the Tesla Model 3 the best-selling car going into 2018!