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
Also Known as the Tesla Model 3 Bankrupt Edition
Everyone is hating on Tesla, they just can’t accept change. Tesla is amazing, along with SpaceX!
Its just funny that they say they will make a sports car that will out perform everything in the segment on the track when they tried it with the model s and it couldnt even finish a lap of the ring
Sorry,but so far the only amazing about Tesla is the debt levels
I know that financial debt has been best friends with Tesla for a while, but just stand back, stop hating and realise that their cars are beautiful, spacious, unique and half a second to 62mph than any of their rivals. Go away Tesla haters
Sure, it’s fast. But the model 3 is a piece of shit compared to other cars in the segment quality wise.
Who is GOING to be buying this
Lets see if it can make it around the nurburgring without running out of battery like the model s lmao
faster tesla; faster tesla goes into debt
Yeah but you could by uninsured 10 E46 M3’s or 1 insured E46 M3 for the price!
I just don´t get it…
“About same as BMW M3, but 15% quicker & with better handling. Will beat anything in its class on the track.”
Why would you say such things before the car actually proves any of this.
“Will beat anything in its class on the track”. Damn, this is a pretty serious statement right there. If the car lives up to that - nice. If not I smell a potential backfire.
Is it just me or is tesla announcing new models everytime they get into some sort of trouble ?
Honestly, I do not care. Electric motors are easy to make. I made one in 5th grade.