When Tesla introduced the Model 3, the Long Range was quoted at 140 miles per hour in terms of top speed. This clip, however, proves that the company underestimated the capability of the Model 3 Long Range, with this example of the breed maxing out at 141.7 mph (228 km/h) on a derestricted strip of the Autobahn.
At the beginning of the top speed run, the car shows 100 kilometers (62 miles) of range left. But accelerating from just under 100 km/h to 228 km/h took its toll on the range, with the Model 3 Long Range showing 83 km left.
Something else that’s interesting about this video is the sound that makes its way into car at this sort of velocity. Tire roar is easily noticeable, seconded by wind noise from the side mirrors and rubber seals. But surprisingly enough, the two men in the vehicle don’t need to raise their voices to understand each other at 228 km/h.
This video isn’t unique considering that other people have managed to bring up the Model 3 Long Range to that speed, down to the very last digit. You could even say that Tesla is consistent about this sort of stuff, which is something that we can’t tell about the ongoing production hell Tesla goes through because of the Model 3.
There’s more performance to be squeezed out of the Model 3, with the dual-motor option coming “probably in July” according to the overpromising Elon Musk, with first deliveries slated for late 2018. Regarding the Performance option, chances are the fastest Model 3 on the lot will roll out after the dual-motor starts production at the Fremont facility in California.
Classified as a mid-size sedan in the U.S. and compact executive sedan (D-segment) in Europe, the Model 3 starts at $35,000 before incentives. Those who place an order today can expect their vehicle to be delivered “in 12 to 18 months.”
Tesla expects to deliver the first units of the Model 3 Standard Battery in late 2018. The dual-motor configuration will be available with both battery options, and as per the automaker’s website, the range doesn’t differ from the rear-wheel-drive models (220 and 310 miles, respectively).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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