► Tesla turns up the dial on the Model 3
► 454bhp and a 2.9-second 0-60mph time
► Plus, prices start from less than £60,000!
Tesla has revealed an updated version of the Model 3 Performance – a sportier, faster variant of its popular electric car. Designed to bring improved dynamics across the board, the new Model 3 Performance benefits from a power bump, but also gets a range of chassis, suspension and even tyre tweaks to make use of it. In many ways, it’s the Plaid-by-any-other-name that the original Model 3 Performance was supposed to be.
So, what’s different?
The key change here is an increase in power, thanks to a new performance drive unit Tesla is calling the Performance 4DU. In Tesla’s US home market, the result is a 32% increase in peak power and 16% increase in peak torque delivery over the previous model translating to 503bhp. It’ll do 0-60mph in just 2.9 seconds now, while top speed is rated at 163mph.
Tesla’s European, Middle Eastern and African customers will be slightly short-changed, however. A spokesperson for the brand told CAR magazine that cars delivered to these regions will only produce 454bhp. Somehow, though, the EMEA Model 3 Performance’s 0-60mph time and top speed will remain the same. Plus, efficiency has gone up by around 2% across the board.
Suspension
To help control the extra poke, Tesla has given the Performance a new adaptive damping system. It’s designed to improve handling depending on the mode selected: Standard offers the most comfort with the most adaption, while Sport improves the speed of damping and steering response.
Finally, Track mode keeps offers the tightest body control – and it also dials back the adaption to make handling more predictable. It’s the third-generation version of Tesla’s Track mode, and it’s seen further tweaks around everything from ABS tuning to braking regeneration to make the Model 3 a better track car than before.
As you’d expect, the use of software in the Model 3 Performance’s new driving modes means that they can be updated via over the air.
What about the styling changes?
The Performance Model 3 differentiates itself form the rest of the line up with new front and rear bumpers as well as a new front and rear diffuser. Combined, Tesla says the new components result in 5% less drag and a 55% improvement in front-to-rear lift balance.
The Performance gets new Sports seats designed to offer more support when driving in a more spirited fashion, but they keep the heating and ventilation functions of the other trims. The sportier Model 3 also gets new, quieter Acoustic glass.
When can I have one?
Very soon. Tesla reckons it’ll be able to start delivering the first Model 3 Performances before the middle of the year. Prices are also expected to start from £59,990, which is staggering value for money considering the amount of poke on offer. To put that into perspective, the BMW M3 CS (which is a limited-run and similarly focused petrol sports saloon) will set you back more than £115,000.