Video Gives Impression That Track Day With The Tesla Model 3 Is A Mixed Bag Of Good And Bad

How good a track car does a Tesla Model 3 make? It has several crucial traits sought after by the engineering teams behind any real performance car, such as a low center of gravity, sharp throttle response, and it doesn't tow much aerodynamic drag, but it does have at least one serious weakness when taken to the track: weight.

All Tesla Model 3s weigh somewhere in the upper 3,000-pound range, and with a driver, the heaviest will eclipse the two ton mark. Anyone who has even heard of Lotus founder Colin Chapman knows of the famous "simply, and add lightness" mantra, and the Model 3's hefty curb weight stands in the way of it being a competent track day toy.
 

skytop - 5/18/2018 2:51:09 PM

+1 Boost

While on the track, was the Model 3 autonomous track mode activated?

Tiberius1701A - 5/18/2018 5:54:15 PM

+1 Boost

All Tesla's handle like pigs. The average Elonmobile owner hasn't a clue on how to drive a performance car.

vdiv - 5/19/2018 4:59:02 AM

+2 Boost

The average anymobile owner doesn't have a clue on how to drive a performance car. Should they?

MDarringer - 5/19/2018 9:42:11 AM

-1 Boost

You can tell by how the driver is sawing the wheel that the front wheels were losing traction through the curves.

SanJoseDriver - 5/20/2018 7:05:51 PM

+1 Boost

Compared to their pier cars, think most pros would disagree. A Porsche will handle better than a Model S, but a P100D will out-handle a 7-series.

TomM - 5/19/2018 6:18:35 AM

+2 Boost

The TESLA 3 - nor the original Model S - were not produced for Racing on Tracks - they don't make much money that way. AS noted - ALL evs produced have a liability in the placement of heavy battery packs - and will never truly be go carts. However - people have actually raced lots of vehicles that were worse - so it takes all kinds.

mre30 - 5/19/2018 1:36:36 PM

0 Boost

Let's match it up with a Chevy Cruze and a BMW 330i and see how the Tesla compares.

My money is it handles closer to the Cruze than the 330i based on the 'sawing' in that video.

mre30 - 5/19/2018 1:45:34 PM

0 Boost

I am getting a 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car' Top Gear flashback.

LOL - the guy was so proud when he passed the 27 year old Mazda Miata in his Model 3!

MDarringer - 5/19/2018 2:06:17 PM

-1 Boost

Let's not tell him the Miata was putting along.

SanJoseDriver - 5/20/2018 7:08:08 PM

+1 Boost

Let's see how the performance version of the Model 3 does. It is being benchmarked against the M3 and supposedly is faster, handles better, and is suited for the track (upgraded brakes, wheels, etc.). The downside.... $78,000 price tag fully loaded (similar to a M3).