Photo: @niccruzpatane via X
Tesla accidentally revealed some of the updated Model 3 Performance specifications through its online configurator in the UK. Although these are not guaranteed to be the final specifications, they offer a glimpse into what to expect from the most powerful Model 3 ever produced.
Tesla Model 3 Performance's launch is imminent, as hinted by many reports in the past month. The EV maker even held a media event in Malibu on April 1, inviting journalists and influencers to test the refreshed Performance model. That was the best occasion to see the design changes brought by the sportiest variant of the electric sedan.
Later, European homologation documents confirmed some of the key details of the upcoming Model 3 Performance. These include the 261-kph (162-mph) top speed and the 528 km (328 miles) WLTP range. The documents also revealed the maximum power of the Model 3 Performance, which is 618 horsepower. The figure aligns with a previous leak from a Korean Ministry of Environment filing.
However, the most interesting information about the upcoming Performance trim comes from Tesla itself. The EV maker changed its UK website in preparation for the official launch. This allowed people who follow these changes to dig out exciting details.
As expected, the website confirms that the sportiest Model 3 will still be named Model 3 Performance, despite speculations that Tesla might opt for Model 3 Ludicrous instead. This is also what certification documents in Europe revealed earlier. According to info shared on the German TFF forum, the word "Ludicrous" is not mentioned in the European homologation documents. So, the Performance moniker will remain in place until Tesla offers an even more extreme Model 3 variant.
Tesla Design Studio in the UK also contains information about the power level of the refreshed model, although it is far less than expected. According to the website's code, the "all-new high performance drive units deliver more than combined 500 horsepower." The key word here is "more," because even the previous Model 3 Performance delivered 527 horsepower.
The refreshed Model 3 Performance will still be the most powerful Model 3 ever, as confirmed by the leak. This means it should have a lot more than 500 horsepower to live up to this claim. It wouldn't be the first time website code reveals toned-down specs because carmakers know that customers love to be pleasantly surprised. The Rivian R2 specifications and price were also leaked via website code only to prove better in the official release.
The UK configurator doesn't reveal the 0-60 acceleration time, although it has a placeholder. However, based on information shared after the Malibu media event on April 1, this should be around 2.9 seconds. For reference, the original Model 3 Performance needed 3.1 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 kph) from a standstill.
Although the UK leak disappoints in numbers, it is more than satisfying in literature. We learned that the new Model 3 Performance will feature a high-performance brake system offering enhanced pedal feel and improved heat management. The rumored adaptive suspension is also confirmed, with "bespoke chassis and suspension hardware tuned to provide an intuitive, razor-sharp response to driver inputs."
The Model 3 Performance will get Track Model V3 with an "all-new calibration for the powertrain and adaptive suspension to give you more authority behind the wheel." The driver will be able to customize handling balance, stability controls, and regenerative braking.
The fact that Tesla added all this information to its website confirms that the Model 3 Performance's official launch is imminent. Speculation indicates that the media embargo will be lifted on the Q1 2024 earnings call day on April 23. Tesla is already shipping RHD Model 3 Performance to the UK market, as revealed in a recent fly-by video from China.
Later, European homologation documents confirmed some of the key details of the upcoming Model 3 Performance. These include the 261-kph (162-mph) top speed and the 528 km (328 miles) WLTP range. The documents also revealed the maximum power of the Model 3 Performance, which is 618 horsepower. The figure aligns with a previous leak from a Korean Ministry of Environment filing.
However, the most interesting information about the upcoming Performance trim comes from Tesla itself. The EV maker changed its UK website in preparation for the official launch. This allowed people who follow these changes to dig out exciting details.
As expected, the website confirms that the sportiest Model 3 will still be named Model 3 Performance, despite speculations that Tesla might opt for Model 3 Ludicrous instead. This is also what certification documents in Europe revealed earlier. According to info shared on the German TFF forum, the word "Ludicrous" is not mentioned in the European homologation documents. So, the Performance moniker will remain in place until Tesla offers an even more extreme Model 3 variant.
Tesla Design Studio in the UK also contains information about the power level of the refreshed model, although it is far less than expected. According to the website's code, the "all-new high performance drive units deliver more than combined 500 horsepower." The key word here is "more," because even the previous Model 3 Performance delivered 527 horsepower.
The refreshed Model 3 Performance will still be the most powerful Model 3 ever, as confirmed by the leak. This means it should have a lot more than 500 horsepower to live up to this claim. It wouldn't be the first time website code reveals toned-down specs because carmakers know that customers love to be pleasantly surprised. The Rivian R2 specifications and price were also leaked via website code only to prove better in the official release.
The UK configurator doesn't reveal the 0-60 acceleration time, although it has a placeholder. However, based on information shared after the Malibu media event on April 1, this should be around 2.9 seconds. For reference, the original Model 3 Performance needed 3.1 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 kph) from a standstill.
Although the UK leak disappoints in numbers, it is more than satisfying in literature. We learned that the new Model 3 Performance will feature a high-performance brake system offering enhanced pedal feel and improved heat management. The rumored adaptive suspension is also confirmed, with "bespoke chassis and suspension hardware tuned to provide an intuitive, razor-sharp response to driver inputs."
The Model 3 Performance will get Track Model V3 with an "all-new calibration for the powertrain and adaptive suspension to give you more authority behind the wheel." The driver will be able to customize handling balance, stability controls, and regenerative braking.
The fact that Tesla added all this information to its website confirms that the Model 3 Performance's official launch is imminent. Speculation indicates that the media embargo will be lifted on the Q1 2024 earnings call day on April 23. Tesla is already shipping RHD Model 3 Performance to the UK market, as revealed in a recent fly-by video from China.
TONS of new Model 3 Performance details were revealed in the Great Britain Model 3 configurator source code. “Welcome to the Most Powerful Model 3 Ever”
— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) April 17, 2024
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