- Tesla’s latest Model 3 Performance has an updated design, an improved interior, and an upgraded powertrain.
- The car’s new dual-motor powertrain now has 510 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque.
- Pricing starts at $52,990 and the car has 296 miles of range.
Tesla has unveiled the updated Model 3 Performance, which leverages their “latest manufacturing and engineering capabilities.” The company says the end result is a “perfect, high-performance daily driver.”
Jumping right in, the car features a new performance drive unit that delivers a 22% improvement in continuous power as well as a 32% increase in peak power. Peak torque also climbs 16%, while energy consumption has been reduced by approximately 2%.
More: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Looks Better, Has More Range, And A Nicer Interior
Thanks to these changes, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system has 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 546 lb-ft (741 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.9 second. However, the company noted that’s “with rollout subtracted.”
Tesla also claims the Performance Model 3 has a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h) and delivers a driving range of 296 miles (476 km).
Besides the upgraded powertrain, Tesla said they “built a more capable, performance-oriented chassis.” The company didn’t go into many specifics, but said the car has been equipped with bespoke components that reduce mass and improve stiffness. Among the highlights are “adaptive dampers with hollow damper piston rods, [a] multi-sectioned stabilizer bar, ultra-high strength steel springs, and stiffer suspension top mounts.”
The adaptive dampers adjust in real-time and have three different modes known as Standard, Sport, and Track. Speaking of the latter, Track Mode is now more advanced and “integrates motor controls, suspension controls, powertrain cooling, and Tesla’s Vehicle Dynamics Controller under a single, unified system.”
The company says this delivers a more predictable driving experience with improved accuracy. Tesla also tweaked the stability control settings to allow drivers more freedom to explore the car’s limits.
Other highlights include a more rear-biased torque split, newly standard “track-ready” brake pads, and staggered 20-inch wheels with Tesla-specific Pirelli P Zero 4 performance tires. The latter provide several benefits including a lower rolling resistance and a more comfortable ride.
Performance features aside, the car has an updated design that follows in the footsteps of the standard model. As part of the makeover, the Model 3 Performance has been outfitted with sportier bumpers, a new front splitter, a revised spoiler, and an aggressive diffuser.
These changes not only make the car look better, but they also improve aerodynamics. According to Tesla, drag has been reduced by 5% while lift has been cut by 36%.
Moving inside, the Model 3 Performance has been equipped with new sport seats that have improved bolstering as well as a “deeper, more engaging seating position.” They also have 12-way power adjustment as well as heating and ventilation.
Besides the new seats, the cabin promises to be quieter and more comfortable thanks to acoustic glass as well as improved body baffles and sealing. Tesla said this is part of an end-to-end NVH [Noise, Vibration, and Harshness] treatment for better noise isolation.”
Buyers will also find carbon fiber trim and a 17-speaker audio system. They’re joined by a 15.4-inch infotainment system and an 8-inch display for rear seat passengers.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is currently available to order and deliveries are slated to begin in May or June. Pricing starts at $52,990 before a $1,390 destination fee. However, it’s worth noting the model is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
