DUAL-MOTOR, AWD TESLA MODEL 3 CONFIRMED BY CONFIGURATOR

With less mass than the Model S, the Tesla Model 3 has some serious sporting potential- and that would be especially true if the car was offered with the same dual-motor, AWD setup found in the ludicrously fast Model S. Tesla hasn’t officially confirmed that a hi-po Model 3 is coming, of course, but one intrepid Redditor found this image, above, which depicts a Model 3 fitted with two motors that are handily highlighted in red.

The image was found lurking in the HTML code of the recently updated (invitation-only) Tesla configurator. And, while several users have posted screen grabs showing a dual motor option listed that’s now shown as arriving “Spring ’18,” this seems to be the first photographic evidence that the car is actually, like, for-real going to happen. It’s not the only evidence an all-wheel drive Model 3 is coming soon, though.

Model 3 VINs@Model3VINs

#Tesla registered 19 dual motor #Model3 VINs. VINs 8370-8388. Thanks to @DavidA_Rev9 for the find. https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?vin=5YJ3E1EB0JF008388#vin …

3:24 PM - Jan 20, 2018

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Of course, this is all speculation and hearsay based on an online configurator (read: toy) released by a company that had promised to deliver 20,000 Model 3s in December alone but barely managed to build 2,000 in all of 2017, so- yeah. Grain of salt and all that.

Despite any lingering Tesla negativity I may harbor, however, there is no denying that a dual-motor Tesla Model 3 will be super, stupid fast. Maybe I’ll get Chris DeMorro to come back for a test drive? We’ll see- until then, you know where the comments are. Let us know what you think!

Source | Images: Reddit, via Car Throttle.

Kia Soul e-AWD Teased Before Chicago Debut

At this year’s Chicago Auto Show, Kia will pull back the veil on an as-yet-unnamed e-AWD concept based on the Soul crossover. The press release says the concept will have an “advanced and capable” electric all-wheel drive system and that it will be a “bold off-roader” allowing for the ultimate in urban escapism.

Beyond that, all we have is a close-up of the front quarter of this Kia concept, which has some aesthetic changes like blacked-out body cladding, red-trimmed wheels, and what looks like some chunk fog lights on the front bumper. An electric version called the Soul EV just went on sale here in the states, though I have a feeling this will be an electric AWD system that supports a more conventional drivetrain.

An all-wheel drive option for the Soul would definitely boost its appeal, and depending on how the e-AWD system is setup, it could result in much better fuel economy too. While I’m of the opinion that all-wheel drive is more a crutch than a necessity in most places and situations, the fact remains that it’s a popular feature with many buyers. I know people who won’t even consider non-AWD vehicle, because they’ve become so reliant on them, and now is a great time to get on the electrification train.

Is the Kia e-AWD concept more than just a concept though? Is Kia testing the waters, or planning on actually producing this option? Those answers will have to wait for the Chicago Auto Show.