New Car Reveal/How I Would Buy It - 2021 Tesla Model Y

Tesla's Model Y seeks to broaden the brand's appeal even more to the masses in a SUV body style that's proven to be irresistible to buyers nowadays.

Here it is! The 2021 Model Y, Tesla’s new crossover based on the Model 3. It honestly looks exactly how I figured it would – a Model 3 and Model X mashup. The long-range Model Y will have range of 300 miles, and a Performance version will do 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds. As with the Model 3, the Model Y’s long-range model will come out first, and start at $47,000. A dual-motor AWD version will start at $51,000 and the Performance version at $60,000. A standard range Model Y with 230 miles of range won’t be available until 2021, but will have a starting price of $39,000.   

Elon Musk expects that the Model Y will achieve top safety marks across the board, just like the Model 3. What’s more notable is that the Model Y will offer optional third row seating for $3,000, bringing max seating capacity to seven passengers. This will be Tesla’s second mass market vehicle, and is a key entry in a market crazy over crossovers. Naturally, it offers more room and utility than the $35,000 Model 3. Going off of past Tesla production trends, I’d expect we won’t see the $39,000 Model Y until nearly 2022 realistically. Perhaps this realization and the Model Y’s derivative CUV styling is what contributed to Tesla’s stock dropping the day after the crossover’s reveal... Despite this, I do like it quite a bit.   

For My Money...

The only models that can be configured right now on Tesla's site are Long-Range and Performance Model Ys.

You can already build your Model Y on Tesla’s site and deposit $2,500 to reserve one. For my money, I’d get a Long-Range Dual Motor AWD Model Y with Solid Black paint (the only color you don’t have to pay for – just like on the Model 3), 18-inch Aero wheels, premium Black/White Interior, five-passenger seating, and Autopilot. The total estimated price after savings is $50,700, and incentives vary by state. But remember: Tesla’s federal rebate is now halved and will continue to decline.   

God willing, I get my Master’s degree in Marketing in late 2020 and my lease on my Compass is ending in 2021, so hmmm... Let’s see where Tesla and the market stand at that point and the Model Y may be an option. Are you excited for Tesla’s new model? Are you tired of SUVs, electric or not? I get a feeling the game is only going to get more ‘shocking’ as time goes on.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

SPOTTED x3 - Trucks & SUVs

SPOTTED x3! The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 High Country, an entire fleet of 2020 Ford Explorers, and the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Responses to the styling of the 2020 Silverado HD has been mixed, but it still has its 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 capable of towing up to 35,500 pounds. Capability is what matters most, right? The Explorers were XLT, Limited, and ST trims. And the Aviator picture is extra blurry because a snow storm started right as it was driving by. But nonetheless, it’s an even more stunning design in motion than sitting still.

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2021 Tesla Model Y Live Reveal!

From this angle, it looks as if the Model Y will adopt the Model X's silhouette. Whether or not it retains the signature "falcon wing doors" we'll see.

The 2021 Tesla Model Y reveal is tonight, 8 pm Pacific time. A new teaser video was released today as well. You can register for Tesla updates and watch live here: https://livestream.tesla.com/

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

ICYMI - Sedan Edition

ICYMI: The Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Volt are all officially discontinued. Ford extended Fusion production through part of 2020, and GM did the same for the Impala and CT6.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did You Know: With the introduction of the Model Y next week on the 14th, Tesla’s vehicle lineup will officially be “Semi S3XY”.

Tesla (Semi)

Model (S)

Model (3)

Model (X)

Model (Y)

Elon Musk wanted to used “Model E” for the Model 3 initially, but that name is trademarked by Ford already.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

How I Would Buy It – 2019 Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 is the most important Tesla vehicle to date - and now finally available for $35,000. However, we will see what impact the upcoming Model Y CUV will have in a market that's crazy over crossovers.

I interrupt your regularly scheduled day for a special “How I Would Buy It” segment – Tesla has announced that the Model 3 Standard Range is now available. This is the $35,000 version of the Model 3 that has long been promised. Elon Musk’s vision was for cars to one day be charged by solar panels and powered by electricity alone. Being the smallest of the current Teslas, the Model 3 is a very key model for the company in accomplishing that goal, but its price has still been outside the range of “affordable” for many shoppers. So, what do you sacrifice when you get a “base model” Model 3?

What Do You Get?

Shown: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Mid or Long Range; Standard Range Interior w/Cloth Seats

A Standard Range Tesla Model 3 comes in two flavors: Standard Range and Standard Range Plus. The regular Standard Range model officially starts at $36,200 with destination and has a range of 220 miles. Standard features vs. other Model 3s are a manual adjusting steering wheel, cloth seats, and a more basic dashboard – though you still get the giant touch screen. The Standard Range Plus version costs an extra $2,000 and adds 20 miles of range for a total of 240 miles, an extra 10 MPH to the top speed for a total of 140 MPH and cuts the 0-60 time by 0.3 seconds for a time of 5.3 seconds. You also get an upgraded interior with heated front seats, leatherette seats, upgraded audio, and LED fog lights. All Standard Range models are Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). The Plus version is a worthwhile upgrade, I say.

For My Money…

If my money were on the line, I’d get the Model 3 Standard Range Plus version with Solid Black paint, 18-inch Aero Wheels, the Black and White partial premium interior, and Autopilot.

Note that any color besides black on the Model 3 will cost you extra – between $1,500 and $2,500 extra to be exact. There’s also only a few colors to choose from – black, grey, blue, white, and red. The black/white interior adds $1,000 vs. all-black, and 19-inch sport rims are available for an extra $1,500.

Adding Autopilot or Full-Self Driving Capability after delivery jacks up the cost of those options significantly, but I feel Autopilot alone for $3,000 will be enough for most people. Ditto the 240-mile range. My drive to work every day is 6 miles, 12 miles round trip. I could charge up once, maybe twice a week basically before going any long-distance places or back home to see family. Given this, a Standard Range Plus Model 3 might be in my future… The federal rebate is now $3,750 for Teslas, and other EV rebates vary by state. This likely won’t increase or be renewed soon, as Congress is currently fighting over the boarder wall and not EV credits. The estimated price for the one I built was $41,000 before rebates, with a two week delivery time (I would take that last part with a BOTTLE of salt given Tesla's history and the fact that Model 3 is officially the best-selling luxury car in the U.S. now).

In the Pipeline

The Model Y will cost slightly more than a Model 3. You could say 

Tesla's lineup will officially be "S3XY" once the Model Y releases.

Tesla says that the Model Y crossover, based on the Model 3, will be revealed March 14^th, 2019. Are you excited for the next vehicle in Tesla’s lineup? I’m quite interested myself in seeing where its pricing and performance falls, especially since the Standard Range Model 3 is a rather decent value with rebates and when comparing its range with some other EVs. Tesla is continuing to redefine the auto industry.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Ford's Panther platform underpinned the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis. It was first introduced in 1978 and used all the way until 2011 when these cars ended production!

Did you know: The Ford Crown Victoria, and by extension the Mercury Grand Marquis, were the last cars to have cassette players... in 2011. From what I remember, you could also get a CD player and premium audio as well, but that single feature alone I think really dates these cars and the platform they ride on! But still a classic! My grandfather had a couple of Grand Marquis.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.