Tesla Tweaks the Model 3! Hot Performance Version Incoming
Courtesy of @BooDev
If you were starting to get bored with the Tesla Model 3, I have news for you. It appears good old Elon has been busy under the hood and given his favorite little EV a bit of a nip and tuck. The Performance model, in particular, has been given the red-eye treatment, and I have to admit – it looks like they've actually done something properly exciting this time.
Now, some of you will remember my previous musings on the Model 3 Performance. Let's just say I wasn't exactly singing Tesla's praises. It was fast, sure, but so is my mother-in-law after a glass of sherry. No, the problem was that it handled like a shopping cart on ice skates.
This time, however, the Tesla boffins seem to be making an effort. According to some sneaky leaks hidden deep within the code of their UK website (yes, the website – who knew you could find car specs there?) it looks like we have a whole pile of tweaks coming down the pipe.
Courtesy of @BooDev
First up, that dual-motor setup. They're claiming a total of "more than 500" horsepower. Okay, so that's about as precise as trying to herd cats. Previous leaks suggest the front motor pushes out 150 kW (201 hp), while the all-new rear unit chimes in with an additional 303 kW (406 hp). It doesn’t mean that we’re looking at a 600 hp Model 3, different gearing will result with a slightly lower combined output. But we are damn close.
Of course, with more power comes the need for better control, and finally, it looks like Tesla might get it. They're bragging about "all-new adaptive damping" and something called "Track Mode V3". Translation? The suspension might actually work this time. Imagine, a Model 3 that could go around a corner without feeling like it wants to kill you. Revolutionary.
Courtesy of @BooDev
Oh, and they've added some shiny new wheels and a bigger spoiler. Because, of course, the main reason you weren't buying a Model 3 Performance was that it didn't look enough like a spaceship.
So, ready to break the piggy bank and sign your life away? Well, hang on a second, friend. Remember, it's still a Tesla. That means you can expect a price tag high enough to make you reconsider the cost of higher education, a range that'll disappear faster than your trust in Elon's promises, and build quality so questionable, you might have better luck with a DIY kit from the dollar store. But if you’re willing to overlook those niggles, you’ll end up with an electric sedan that’s as quick as the best performance cars out there. A car with acceleration that'll leave you wanting nothing more.
If you're the type who likes your cars fast, if a little bit wonky, this updated Model 3 Performance might just be the thing to tickle your fancy. Let's just hope their "in-house software" is better at controlling the suspension than it is at opening the garage door.
Seriously though - a mini Plaid from Tesla? I bet it’ll be a hoot, a proper giggle and grin machine that will perfectly deal with its everyday school run duties and occasional blast down the local racetrack. This Model 3 may as well be the perfect car many of us dreamt about for a very long time. A proper sleeper, without mad wings and giant lip spoilers. Underrated, unassuming and ready to kick ass at the slightest prod of the right foot. As long as it handles corners and stops on a dime - I’m game!
