Earlier this week we learned that Consumer Reports could not recommend the Tesla Model 3 for one main reason: poor stopping distance. Simply put, the Model 3's braking was slower than a full-size pickup truck. Coming to a standstill from 60 mph should not require 152 feet for a vehicle this size. The Ford F-150, by comparison, has a stopping distance of about 7 feet less. Tesla CEO Elon Musk quickly acknowledged the issue, though he did add that Consumer Reports had tested an early build Model 3. But that shouldn't matter.

He wrote on Twitter that it "Looks like this (the braking issue) can be fixed with a firmware update. With further refinement, we can improve braking distance beyond initial specs." Musk also said Tesla will release this update in a few days. Consumer Reports' director of automotive testing, Jake Fisher, is all too happy to retest the Model 3 once this has been done. "If Tesla can update the brakes over the air – an industry first – we'd be happy to retest our Model 3." Musk is probably very anxious for CR to conduct a retest because the announcement of the Model 3's disappointing results hurt Tesla's stock. On Tuesday, according to Reuters, it fell by 3.3 percent.

What a difference 24 hours makes. With Model 3 production now in full swing, Musk and crew can't afford more bad news, hence the quick response to CR's findings and, hopefully, a successful retest.