. . . Even some usually supportive analysts and outlets questioned the importance, relevance, and focus of the new 100D versions . . . The general sentiment, in fact, might best be summed by some very old advice: "Stick to your knitting."
In other words, a third round of even-faster-than-before performance versions with six-figure price tags does nothing to move along the car that will likely make or break Tesla Motors: its $35,000, 200-mile Model 3. Tesla explicitly connected those dots in its announcement, noting that, "While the P100D Ludicrous is obviously an expensive vehicle, we want to emphasize that every sale helps pay for the smaller and much more affordable Tesla Model 3 that is in development."
"Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X," the company continued, "we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development."
“A clear and realistic path to profitability and sustainability should be Elon’s first priority," said senior [Kelley Blue Book] analyst Karl Brauer. "This is a distraction and a waste of time and resources.”
“This recent announcement from Tesla is eye-opening," said analyst Mike Harley, his colleague, "but nothing more than headline-grabbing showmanship". . . .
Many suggested that if the company doesn't raise additional funds—perhaps as much as $1 billion, well beyond any incremental sales boost provided by the 100D versions—the pair of new versions won't matter much. . . .
