Photo: @greentheonly, @omg_tesla, @fidelgrandez01 via X
A picture showing the bucket seats of the upcoming Tesla Model 3 Performance brings the sportiest Model 3 and its features back into focus. According to trustworthy sources, the trial production of the Model 3 Highland Performance is already underway, and the official launch looks just around the corner.
The first rumors about an upgraded Tesla Model 3 Performance surfaced about the same time as the Model 3 Highland, which got people's attention last year. Unlike the original Model 3 Performance, Tesla has more ambitious plans with the refreshed model. Some rumors indicated a significant performance boost akin to a Plaid variant, which is why Plaid/Ludicrous badges have been floating around. If Tesla decides on a Plaid badging, it means the Model 3 will come in a tri-motor configuration for the first time.
However, sane voices indicated that Tesla would not go that far. After all, Project Highland is still a mild refresh of an existing model, not a brand-new platform. It would be prohibitively expensive to design a new powertrain for the Model 3, potentially affecting the costs, price, and energy efficiency. This is why I tend to believe that, although the refreshed M3P will have higher performance, this will not come from an additional motor on the rear axle.
Based on our sources and certification documents in Europe, the refreshed Model 3 Performance will feature an upgraded motor with a carbon sleeve rotor, delivering more power. An adaptive suspension could also be offered for the first time in the history of Model 3. Although the dampers in the Model 3 Highland can react to road conditions, they are not adjustable and rely on mechanical valves to offer an improved ride quality.
Of course, there are many updates, including new brakes to increase stopping power given the more powerful motors and a redesigned rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. Other hardware changes are known in some circles, but people are not allowed to talk about them, so we'll have to wait. On the software front, we should expect an updated Track Mode UI and other refinements aimed at delivering the best track experience without the price burden of a Model S Plaid.
Previous reports indicated that the Model 3 Performance will feature new Sport seats with side bolstering. Thanks to a Tesla fan named Fidel Grandez, now we have the first picture of these seats taken in a garage while the car was parked. Based on the information Grandez shared on social media, the seats featured a Plaid logo. They could be similar to the ones Green (@greentheonly) discovered inside Tesla software last October.
We've already seen Tesla Model 3 Performance prototypes tested on US roads, and trustworthy reports say that the initial production has already begun in North America. Tesla is probably very close to opening the order book for the Performance model. After all, it already stated on its website that the Model 3 Performance qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit.
However, sane voices indicated that Tesla would not go that far. After all, Project Highland is still a mild refresh of an existing model, not a brand-new platform. It would be prohibitively expensive to design a new powertrain for the Model 3, potentially affecting the costs, price, and energy efficiency. This is why I tend to believe that, although the refreshed M3P will have higher performance, this will not come from an additional motor on the rear axle.
Based on our sources and certification documents in Europe, the refreshed Model 3 Performance will feature an upgraded motor with a carbon sleeve rotor, delivering more power. An adaptive suspension could also be offered for the first time in the history of Model 3. Although the dampers in the Model 3 Highland can react to road conditions, they are not adjustable and rely on mechanical valves to offer an improved ride quality.
Of course, there are many updates, including new brakes to increase stopping power given the more powerful motors and a redesigned rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. Other hardware changes are known in some circles, but people are not allowed to talk about them, so we'll have to wait. On the software front, we should expect an updated Track Mode UI and other refinements aimed at delivering the best track experience without the price burden of a Model S Plaid.
Previous reports indicated that the Model 3 Performance will feature new Sport seats with side bolstering. Thanks to a Tesla fan named Fidel Grandez, now we have the first picture of these seats taken in a garage while the car was parked. Based on the information Grandez shared on social media, the seats featured a Plaid logo. They could be similar to the ones Green (@greentheonly) discovered inside Tesla software last October.
We've already seen Tesla Model 3 Performance prototypes tested on US roads, and trustworthy reports say that the initial production has already begun in North America. Tesla is probably very close to opening the order book for the Performance model. After all, it already stated on its website that the Model 3 Performance qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit.
Model 3 Ludicrous/ Plaid upgraded bucketed seats SPOTTED
— Fidel Grandez (@fidelgrandez01) January 16, 2024
Key improvements:
-More bolstering for side support
- Plaid logo
-Different head rest for extra support
Overall great improvement from regular seats!! ?????????@teslaownersSV @Tesla @TeslaMotorsClub #new #tesla pic.twitter.com/3BBVZuTH2v
Google News