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I looked at a torn down Model 3 at NAIAS and I can see where Munro is coming from. Even without weighing the car, it is apparent that there are some items that add weight and add time on the production line.https://twitter.com/nickbunkley/status/989181561122775040 …
One of the first things I noticed is that the front fender support/apron is bolted to the rest of the chassis. This might not seem like a huge deal but it is an example of where hardware will add some extra weight and take extra time to tighten. Sentra apron shown for comparison.pic.twitter.com/9ORfNtMTn2
Another thing that I noticed is that the strut tower appear to be much thicker than necessary for a RWD vehicle so I am assuming that they are building a single chassis that can be used for RWD later on.pic.twitter.com/2stgL161B0
The firewall also already has mounting points and reinforcement for both left-hand drive and right-hand drive which is not uncommon but even though this is a LHD RWD model, the RHD drive mounts appear to be finished too.pic.twitter.com/WBSmFIbKT1
You can see how both RHD and LHD brake booster mounts are visible even though this is an early LHD car.pic.twitter.com/gigPHHjRKq
There are multiple other spots where I saw metal doubled up where it might not necessarily need to be along with spots that were bolted together that could have been bonded or welded. There might be a strategy behind it or they might not be experienced with steel.pic.twitter.com/ltFF5IA1lp
Having the panels built for RHD/LHD and RWD/AWD all at once may make them take a hit on weight for the LHD RWD models now but they might have some sort of strategy to be able to use the firewall/shock towers/etc for each model without having to make changes on the line.
The question is whether these panels are the results of a time crunch and not being able to make a plan to be able to switch between the various models or if they see it as a cost cutting measure because they can use a single part for the entire world without modification.
Almost forgot: there is a copious amount of sealant everywhere. Seems that there might be a weight gain from that as well.pic.twitter.com/PoKY9ECaAE
Can they do this for crash-worthiness?
Possibly
Munro claim is suspect. Model 3 SR weighs only 8 lbs more than BNW 330i, with it's battery and drive unit for sure weighing more than BMW 330i engine, associated components and drivetrain. So M3 body has to be lighter than BMW 330i. Weight claim doesn't seem to add up.
$TSLA
Merger damnit Elon. Give them your secrets and keep the roadster for yourself.
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