While Tesla has previously confirmed that the entry-level Model 3 will debut in March, the company has now told Auto Express that we won't see the car in all its glory next month.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said that the Model 3 will enjoy a staggered debut like the Model X SUV with pictures being released well before technical specifications about the car are given.
“The first pictures of the Model 3 will be end of March. I'm being a little coy here, we're not gonna show everything about the Model 3 until tons closer to production time,” Musk said.
With this mind, we may only see a pre-production Model 3 next month before the car is unveiled and detailed in full by the end of the year, ahead of its 2017 production date.
At this stage, it's been confirmed that the model will be Tesla's first car to utilise batteries produced by its gigafactory. By using in-house batteries, the electric automaker hopes the Model 3 will cost around $35,000 in base spec.
Designed to rival the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Model 3 will be available in a number of guises just like the Model S and Model X. In range-topping guise, performance to rival the BMW M3 could be achievable.
Renderings via RM Design