Tesla previously said that Model 3 would be built from steel instead of aluminum, which is easier and cheaper to work with. Unlike aluminum which is quite delicate, steel is more forgiving.
Having built the Roadster, the Model S and the Model X by 2017, building and mass producing the Model 3 should be a breeze for the company.
In addition to these production and experience factors, it should be noted that Tesla Motors operates like a tech company that builds cars than it does an old, lumbering, multi-national manufacturing corporation. It does not require too many studies and circuitous corporate approval to launch new cars. Its vehicles, like today’s gadgets, get software updates over the airwaves.
Once Tesla gains enough manufacturing experience, product development, and mass production would become seamless as well.
Thus, it is not impossible if Tesla would be in time this time around for launching and production schedules for its Model 3 despite not being on time with its previous models.
Another thing going for the Tesla Model 3 is that there is currently a strong demand for affordable and smaller electric cars. So it would really be up to Tesla Motors and its president Elon Musk and their investors to take on the challenge and meet the demand head-on.