Tesla has confirmed that its entry-level Model 3 electric sedan will be unveiled on March 31st, dashing hopes of seeing the car at the Geneva Motor Show.

The automaker confirmed the news in a letter to customers and shareholders discussing Tesla’s fourth quarter financial results.

Beyond revealing the model’s release date, the letter says that the Model 3 is on schedule for production and deliveries to commence in late 2017.

While we’ll be getting our first look at the 3-Series rival in about six weeks, previous statements from chief executive Elon Musk confirm that the car won’t be revealed in full with technical specifications unlikely to be announced “until a lot closer to production time”.

Nevertheless, the publication of images of the Model 3 on March 31 should get pre-orders flowing before customers and then the press, are offered additional details about the car.

So far, we know that the new model will utilise batteries produced by Tesla’s gigafactory and before tax incentives, is tipped to start from under $40,000. Design wise, we can expect it to share many elements with the Model S and Model X.

Renderings via RM Design

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