Ford electric Mustang hint during Tesla Model Y launch

The Tesla Model Y launched on March completes Tesla chief executive Elon Musk’s aim of the range spelling S3XY.

He did try for the name Model E but couldn’t get it because Ford already had it.

And Ford also pipped the Model Y party by slotting a picture of a blue Mustang pony symbol in as tweet with the message “Hold your horses” during a delay in the Y unveil livestreaming.

That’s understood to refer to Ford’s upcoming electric Mustang-inspired crossover which media speculate may be named the Mach E and have 480km range like the Model Y. The Mach E is expected to be revealed in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Tesla Model Y mid-sized SUV’s delivery is expected to start in autumn 2020, with the standard range due in early to mid-2021

Further details released by Tesla include the EV coming in four models, starting at US$39,000 for the standard range, increasing for the long range, dual-motor all-wheel drive and performance variants.

The standard battery option will have 370km range, while the long-range version can do 480km on a single charge.

Designed for maximum versatility and safety, Tesla says the Model Y is spacious enough to carry seven adults and their gear and offers leading range, superior performance, and the most advanced technology.

The high-efficiency powertrain and ultra-responsive motors will provide 0-96.5km/h acceleration 3.5 seconds and a top speed of up to 240km/h, with excellent handling for any road condition.

A panoramic glass roof and high seating adds to the sense of spaciousness and offers an expansive view from every seat.

The front trunk and split-folding second-row seats provide a total 1.9 cubic metres of storage space. Like the Model 3, the Model Y requires no keys, but instead connects to a smartphone for seamless entry and exit, with a single 15-inch touchscreen interface inside for all of the car’s controls.

Model Y also connects with the Tesla Mobile app for easy-to-access features like remote unlock, summon, remote pre-conditioning, location tracking, speed limit mode, and more.

Its low centre of gravity, rigid body structure and large crumple zones provide plenty of protection.

Aerodynamic design and leading battery technology make it highly-efficient in terms of energy usage, providing better range with less energy than many other EVs on the market, Tesla says.

Model Y is also compatible with the Supercharger network of more than 12,000 Superchargers in 36 countries, as well as Tesla’s new V3 Superchargers.

Musk believes the Model Y will outsell more than Tesla’s other three brands combined.

The Model 3 fleet will get an increase in power through an over-the-air firmware update in March, giving the performance model a 10km/h speed increase.

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