The Tesla Model 3 is about to get a whole lot faster. The $78,000 performance edition of the company’s cheapest-ever electric car, announced in May, is making its way to consumers soon. On Friday, the company shared an impressive video of the car undertaking skidpad testing, demonstrating its impressively cool prowess.
The performance edition packs a powerful punch. CEO Elon Musk promised buyers the car will perform 15 percent faster than the BMW M3, with much improved handling. It offers the same 310-mile range as the long-range version, but with a top speed of 155mph compared to the 140mph of the aforementioned model, with a 0-60mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds rather than 5.1 seconds. The car is the first to offer both black and white interiors, with carbon fiber spoiler and 20-inch performance wheels replacing the base model “Aero” wheels.
Perhaps most exciting about this new edition is the dual-motor configuration, also available as a $5,000 option for non-performance editions. The rear wheel drive is replaced with an AC induction front motor designed for power, backed with a partial permanent, switched reluctance magnet rear motor that provides better range. The two motors work a lot like the ones found in the Model S and X, switching seamlessly while also offering the ability to drive on one if the other fails.
As a premium version of the Model 3, the asking price comes with a number of extras. All options, wheels and paint changes are included as part of the price, meaning users won’t have to shell out an extra $1,000 just to change from the standard black paint. Tesla is also choosing the highest-rated motors with double the burn in process to ensure a higher output, a key benefit over the dual configuration on a standard edition. The price does not, however, include Autopilot.
While the company has started taking orders for both performance edition and dual motors, the company does not expect to reach volume production until September.
If the track is anything to go by, it should be an impressive run.
