After the Tesla Model 3 dual motor powertrain design leaked in the latest design studio update, we now get another sign that Tesla is working on releasing the new version of the Model 3.

As we previously reported, VINs are not an ideal way to monitor a production ramp within a small and accurate margin, but it’s a fairly representative way to figure out the general progress.

It gave us good luck at Tesla production numbers before the official release last month.

The VINs are now in the 8,000s, but they are also telling us another interesting thing.

As shown by the Model 3 VIN decoder, the 8th digit represents the type of powertrain and the number 2 means a dual motor.

None had been discovered until now. 19 Model 3 vehicles with dual motor were registered by Tesla with NHTSA in the latest batch of new VINS:

In the latest Model 3 online design studio update, Tesla says that the first Model 3 dual motor deliveries are coming in Spring 2018.

Electrek’s Take

Another thing for fans of all-wheel-drive to get excited about after the first look at the powertrain design yesterday.

Now 19 vehicles is a decent fleet. I would assume that it will be used for testing the production of the new powertrain. We previously reported on Tesla testing Model 3 vehicles with dual motors during the prototype phase, but they are now likely testing them coming out of the production line.

Spring 2018 can mean anything from March to June so it could be coming quite fast. It makes sense since Tesla has been going for higher margin vehicles first with the Long Range battery pack and the dual motor option would be the next logical step in this strategy.

You guys had plenty to say in the comments on the last dual motor post, but I think that the biggest concern was the price, which is a good point.

Tesla has yet to release the price of the dual motor option.

Model S and Model X are now only available with dual motor, but before that was the case, it was a $5,000 option for the Model S.

I wouldn’t necessarily assume that it will be the same thing for the Model 3, but it’s likely going to be in the same ballpark or at least no more than $5,000.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below and answer the poll.

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