Who Should Worry? Tesla Claims Performance Version Of The Model 3 Will Be Available Next Year

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has revealed that a Model 3 Performance variant will be launched in the middle of next year, as long as the brand can cater for the high level of demand it has experienced for the new electric BMW 3 Series rival so far.

In a tweet, Musk said the "focus now is on getting out of Model 3 production hell". But he explained that adding more versions now would push the brand "deeper in hell" - suggesting it would delay the Performance's launch until output was comfortably meeting demand.

He refrained from revealing more about the Model 3 Performance's potential, but the hot version is expected to stick to Tesla's usual range-topping formula of using a dual-motor, four-wheel drive powertrain. The Model 3 is more than 400kg lighter than the Model S, so it could become the brand's quickest car.

MDarringer - 8/1/2017 8:55:50 AM

+6 Boost

Teslas can be fast because electric motors can deliver full torque from a dead stop, but not a single soul would point to the Model S as a canyon carver.

HenryN - 8/1/2017 10:27:20 AM

-4 Boost

Matt drives a Mustang V6, he wouldn't know what "canyon carver" is. How 'bout you Bob, you drive a Ford Granada ?

MDarringer - 8/1/2017 7:36:16 PM

+2 Boost

@HenryN You need to pay more attention. My Mustang is a GT350. I have butchered Miatas and GT86s around the track in a V6 Mustang however.

SanJoseDriver - 8/1/2017 11:23:53 AM

-4 Boost

BMW M3, Audi RS4, Lexus ISF, etc. The Model 3 Performance edition should be a 3 second 0-60 car with great handling, AWD, 300+ miles of range.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/1/2017 2:39:38 PM

-5 Boost

BMW, Mercedes and Audi definitely care. All of the Model S and Model 3 sales are conquest sales that take away units from these brands. Much like McLaren came in and took sales out of the hands of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche. There will be 2-3 years of pain until they have comparable offerings. But Tesla will have to deliver the units and they will need to be equal in build quality to the high standard set by this segment.

TomM - 8/1/2017 4:15:31 PM

+4 Boost

Nonsense - THe Model 3 has turned out to be a really really expensive entry level compact car(Civic, corolla) competitor with a poor interior. It will not compete with the real premiums in the minds of those who want a premium car.

I would assume the "performance" version would be even more expensive. Again - this model MUST make it - or the company goes belly up - but I have heard more criticism of the interior than anything else about it.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/1/2017 5:41:26 PM

-4 Boost

I think some posters are expecting quilted leather upholstery in their vehicles for them to be seen as having a "nice" interior circa 1985. This is minimalist style with Swedish sensibility as an inspiration. What you touch is leather, wood and metal. But it is all kept at a minimum. The buyers knew (from the Model S interior) what they were likely getting and lined up anyway. There is no gauge cluster which is the oddest design feature, but I am sure some will enjoy the clean unclutter view out the windshield.

TomM - 8/1/2017 7:29:55 PM

+8 Boost

The Saturn came out with its instruments in a pod above the center console - and it was a "Feature" that was almost universally hated. THat TEsla would attempt tp revive this "Feature" is ignoring History - and those who ignore History are destined to repeat it.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/1/2017 7:48:02 PM

-4 Boost

TomM The Toyota Prius has had a similar dash design for many years and it has not hurt sales. Times have changed... Tesla will sell every Model 3 it can make if they are not plagued with mfg glitches and software bugs. I am sure there will be some, but if dealt with via an over the air patch, all will be well.

supermoto - 8/2/2017 12:23:40 AM

+6 Boost

Take the fastest Tesla you want to a track and it will get embarrased by any other car (actually the Tesla cannot even complete a single lap without going into protection mode). The massive weight of the batteries means that the cars are not competitive at braking or turning.

A Model S P100D is 4,951 lbs. A Model X P100D is 5,377 lbs. What a joke.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/2/2017 12:38:51 PM

0 Boost

Supermoto - I think the Bentley GTC and Porsche Panamera are both heavier than the Model S P100D and it can walk away from both. I think it can do a full lap as well. Not that any of the aforementioned cars are track tools.

supermoto - 8/2/2017 1:52:18 PM

+3 Boost

A Panamera Turbo just set a Nurburgring lap record for sedans at 7:38 - a stunning achievement, faster than a Ferrari 430 Scuderia and the same as a Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.

No Tesla has even made it even close to top 100 lap times for production cars. They are slow, slow, slow in anything but a straight line.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/2/2017 6:25:44 PM

+1 Boost

Supermoto. That is indeed a fact. That Panamera Turbo had a race seat, roll cage and for some reason stickers over the front and rear lights. I have no idea why.
It is an extremely fast, capable and heavy 4 passenger car. A similar factory supported effort by Tesla on the Nurburgring for the Model S P100D would certainly be interesting.