Model S

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

For the past several months, Tesla and its dynamic founder and CEO Elon Musk have been embroiled with production issues involving the company's most important product to date, the Model 3. The affordable Tesla, in many ways, will either make or break the automaker, and its industry analysts and some activist stockholders are rightly concerned. But here's one very good sign Model 3 production is getting under control. Someone recently asked Musk himself on Twitter for an update on the dual motor and performance Model 3.

It didn't take long for Musk to type a reply: "Tesla will enable orders end of next week for dual motor AWD & performance. Starting production of those in July. Air suspension prob next year." Both Twitter posts are dated May 11. Earlier, Musk said AWD Model 3 production is slated to get underway in July, so it's good to hear he's still able to stick to that schedule. It was also welcoming to learn the also in demand air suspension could arrive as an option beginning next year. Given those updates, it sounds like Model 3 production is, more or less, under control now. If you recall, Musk found himself sleeping at Tesla's California factory due to the time pressures to get that production line moving at full capacity.

But you'd think Musk would not make such further Model 3 declarations if base car production wasn't in order. Or would he? He's known for his commendable but not always achievable goals within the stated timeframe. As of now, we don't know how much AWD and the Model 3 performance trim will cost, but before AWD became standard on the Model S it was a $5,000 feature. Those who are interested in placing an order will likely find out shortly if production will truly get underway in less than two months' time.