The $78k Tesla Model 3 Performance Will Do 0-60mph In 3.5s
Be afraid, BMW M3, be very afraid: there’s a Performance version of the Tesla Model 3 coming, and it’s going to be rather brisk.
In a series of Tweets on Sunday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the incoming Model 3 derivative and mentioned a few tantalising statistics. Ready? We’re looking at 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 155mph and a range of 310 miles.
Cost of all options, wheels, paint, etc is included (apart from Autopilot). Cost is $78k. About same as BMW M3, but 15% quicker & with better handling. Will beat anything in its class on the track.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
It’ll cost $78,000, which Musk claims is “about the same” as BMW’s M3. The starting MSRP of the M3 in the USA is actually $66,500, but we’re guessing Musk is comparing spec-for-spec - the Performance Model 3 will have all options included. It’ll “beat anything in its class on track,” he says.
The car will have a dual-motor powertrain, but if you want such a setup without M3/Mercedes-AMG C63-bothering performance, there will also be a $5000 dual-motor option for the regular Model 3. That car also has a 310 mile range, will complete the 0-60mph sprint in a more modest (but still impressive) 4.5 seconds, and top out at 140mph.
Cost of normal dual motor AWD option is $5k. Range is also 310 miles. Takes 0-60mph to 4.5 sec & top speed to 140 mph.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
Tesla dual motor means there is a motor in front & a motor in rear. One is optimized for power & one for range. Car drives fine even if a motor breaks down. Helps ensure you make it to your destination & don’t get stuck on side of road in potentially unsafe conditions.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
Our inner cynic can’t help but question the timing of the announcement, coming just days after another high-profile accident resulting from Autopilot misuse and a few weeks after Tesla reported huge Q1 losses. Like last week’s Model X pulling a Boeing 787 stunt, it’s a handy distraction. But, there’s no denying that this faster Model 3 has the potential to be an intriguing left-field alternative to the usual German compact super saloon options.
Just think of the YouTube drag race potential…
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Income the drag races…
income the production issues
Next gen M3 is coming out next year with M X-Drive. Be scared musk.
But can it do this?
No but they let you crash in autopilot though.
No. No it can’t.
Old joke new meme
Best comment lmao
And Tesla will do 0 to bankrupt in 3.0 seconds!
Who on earth is he trying to fool
“Faster than anything in the class” i bet the germans, the Koreans, the italians(in unreliability of course) and the Americans are laughing their rear ends off right now. Aside from the fact that by the time it gets here it’ll be as irrelevant as a 2015 M3 performance wise i dont believe he could have gotten that whale around any corner faster than a double decker bus.
That’s not how this meme works ffs
A bmw is still faster as it actually comes off the production line
LMAO
They are making an other version of a car they struggle producing?
“will beat anything on track” Yeah. Try 2 laps on the Nordschleife in a row. overheats away
If the batteries still have juice left. The model S did’nt even make 1 lap.
And why i want 0-60 in 3.5 secs if the model 3 is designed to go A/B/C? the acceleration so far is a publicity stunt
Honestly, even tho I agree with most points against Tesla I have to disagree on this. The Focus is designed to go A-B yet we still have the Focus RS