Photo: Tesla
When asked on Twitter if the Smart Air Suspension is coming for the Model 3, as Elon Musk claimed last year on the social networking platform, the head honcho of Tesla replied the obvious. The optional system is due to hit the configurator “in about six months or so,” exclusively to the dual-motor AWD variant.
Now offered as standard even on the rear-wheel-drive Model S 75, Smart Air Suspension used to retail at $3,000 when it was an optional extra. In the Model 3 Dual Motor, chances are the feature will be priced at $2,500 unless Tesla goes all out and offers the air suspension from the get-go.
In regard to timing, March 2018 appears to be the soonest Smart Air Suspension will be made available for the Model 3. Be it the regular battery or the Long Range variant, the Model 3 currently produced comes with double wishbone suspension with coil-over twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar up front. At the rear, there's an independent multi-link setup, also augmented by twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.
The setup sounds right and - if we’re to believe the people who have test driven the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 – also feels right. Although a bit on the firm side of ride quality, one motoring publication highlights that the Alfa Romeo Giulia sports sedan “feels like a wet sponge by comparison.” High praise, which is why air suspension and AWD should make things even better.
As it’s the case with the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 will lower itself closer to the ground when driven on the highway, all in the name of improving aerodynamic efficiency. Thanks to the voodoo magic known as GPS tagging, the “Smart” in “Smart Air Suspension” can automatically raise the ride height when driving over speed bumps or when entering a driveway.
If all goes according to plan and mastermind Elon Musk can sort out the production hell that's known as Model 3, then 2019 will see the introduction of a similarly-sized crossover bearing the name of Model Y.
In regard to timing, March 2018 appears to be the soonest Smart Air Suspension will be made available for the Model 3. Be it the regular battery or the Long Range variant, the Model 3 currently produced comes with double wishbone suspension with coil-over twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar up front. At the rear, there's an independent multi-link setup, also augmented by twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.
The setup sounds right and - if we’re to believe the people who have test driven the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 – also feels right. Although a bit on the firm side of ride quality, one motoring publication highlights that the Alfa Romeo Giulia sports sedan “feels like a wet sponge by comparison.” High praise, which is why air suspension and AWD should make things even better.
As it’s the case with the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 will lower itself closer to the ground when driven on the highway, all in the name of improving aerodynamic efficiency. Thanks to the voodoo magic known as GPS tagging, the “Smart” in “Smart Air Suspension” can automatically raise the ride height when driving over speed bumps or when entering a driveway.
If all goes according to plan and mastermind Elon Musk can sort out the production hell that's known as Model 3, then 2019 will see the introduction of a similarly-sized crossover bearing the name of Model Y.
In about six months or so. Linked to dual motor config.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2017
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