Tesla has taken the wraps off the Model 3 performance. The new Tesla packs a lot of performance with its electric drivetrain. It gets some mind-boggling numbers, style upgrades and upgraded wheels. Will it get Tesla out of its rough patch in 2024?
The model 3 performance gets an insane 510 bhp of power and 742 Nm of torque. This helps it climb from 0-97 km/h in a mere 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 262 km/h. The drive unit powering this madness is the Performance 4DU, which gives it more power, torque and efficiency than ever. Expect it to get 22% more continuous power, 32% more peak power and 16% more peak power delivery. This makes it 0.6 seconds faster than the previous generation in the 0-97 km/h acceleration and a power bump of 60 bhp.
The increase in performance can be attributed to the improved equipment, most notably the upgraded 20-inch wheels and Pirelli P ZERO 4 performance tyres specially made for Tesla. These increase the car's ground contact with much grippier rubber while reducing rolling resistance to improve efficiency.
If you thought the Model 3 performance has become less efficient, you are wrong. Tesla has managed to achieve a 2% increase in the efficiency of its EVs. However, the increased efficiency cannot balance out the performance as it now has an estimated 476 miles of range, which is way less than the 499 km range of its predecessor. One saving grace is the Supercharger network that can charge it for up to 228 km of range in 15 minutes of charge.
With all the performances apart, the Model 3 Performance also stands out in terms of its looks. As soon as you lay eyes on it, you will notice a newly designed front and back. It now has a front splitter, a spoiler, and a diffuser at the rear. It is not only good to look at but also has functional benefits like 5% reduced drag, 36% reduced lift, and 55% improvement in the front-to-rear life balance.
Once you enter the cabin, you will be greeted by sporty seats that improve your sitting position. They are comfortable, too, with 12-way adjustment, heating, and cooling. You also get carbon fibre bits that remind you more of sports cars than a standard Tesla EV.
Tesla has made changes to the chassis so that it can handle the increased power and speed without any hassle. It has an all-new adaptive damping system that is controlled by the brand's self-developed software. This allows real-time tweaks to the ride and handling with three modes: Standard, Sport, and Track.
Tesla has changed the AWD system to equip the rear-biased Performance 4DU rear motor. This helps with better cornering, faster drive out of the corners, and improved weight distribution. Tesla says the brakes are "track-ready" for the car to stop smoothly.
Tesla intends to deliver it by May-June 2024. It will cost about 52,990 (Rs 44.15 Lakhs) in the USA. We are not sure if Tesla will bring it to India. Still, it might be an excellent option to sell in India as it crosses the Rs 29.18 Lakh limit set by the government for new foreign players. It would also give solid competition to the recently launched BYD Seal, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6.
