Currently reading: Tesla Model 3 Performance: Musk announces more specs of future M3 rival

Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Model 3 variant is claimed to 'beat anything in its class on track'

Tesla boss Elon Musk has revealed more specifications for a 155mph all-wheel-drive Performance version of the Model 3 designed to rival the BMW M3.

Musk has backed claims that the new car will “beat anything in its class on the track” by stating that it will feature sports suspension that lowers it by 10mm and larger brakes.

First drive: Autocar's verdict on the Tesla Model 3

The South African-born Tesla boss had already confirmed that the Performance variant will use a powertrain layout similar to the dual-motor Model 3, suggesting it will have a motor to drive each axle.

Opting for the Model 3 dual-motor car would add $5000 [£3800] to the $35,000 [£26,650] starting price of the entry-level Model 3 in the US, Musk said, and would allow the car to reach 0-60mph in 4.5sec, with a 140mph top speed and 310-mile driving range.

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Musk added that the Performance version will surpass these statistics because it will be capable of doing 0-60mph in 3.5sec, with a top speed of 155mph, yet still offer the same range from a fully charged battery. He did not disclose battery capacity or the power output of the motors, but said the Performance variant would cost $78,000 [£59,400] and could include all options aside from the Autopilot system.

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The driving feel of the two dual-motor models was described by Musk as “amazing". He noted the cost of the Performance version was similar to the M3, but claimed it was “15% quicker and with better handling. Will beat anything in its class on the track”.

The standard Model 3, which Autocar tested recently, has a 140mph top speed and a 0-62mph time of 5.1sec from a rear-mounted single motor, which produces around 271bhp. The entry-level Model 3 has a 220-mile US combined driving cycle range, which increases to 310 miles with an optional 75kWh long-range battery.

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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paulbb 21 May 2018

Attn: Mr. James Attwood

>> The South African..

My ancestors came from east africa all those years ago but you aint calling me african mate, you will get a slap for saying that.

typos1 13 July 2018

paulbb wrote:

paulbb wrote:

>> The South African..

My ancestors came from east africa all those years ago but you aint calling me african mate, you will get a slap for saying that.

EVERYONE'S ancestors came from Africa !!

paulbb 21 May 2018

Attn: Mr. James Attwood

>> The South African..

My ancestors came from east africa all those years but you aint calling me african mate, you will get a slap for saying that.

Sonic 21 May 2018

coolboy wrote:

coolboy wrote:

they would be spending a lot more time caring for decent service on fixing & providing parts for their car fleet. What I see is a company just focussed on churning out-of-the-door unfinished cars and any small hit on the road will set you without car for weeks & months. Just ask current TESLA owners worldwide.

Umm...

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/electrek.co/2017/12/21/tesla-tsla-tops-customer-satisfaction-survey-auto-industry/

coolboy 21 May 2018

surveys

Sonic mate, I have VERY bad news for you:

1-I do not wasted any time clicking to access your posted link, as I do not allow my brain to be washed with other people`s crap talk&actions

2-TOYOTA also scores high in any survey held worlwide and has an image set high everywere, guess what Brits choose as definitive choice for the covoted White-Van-appliance post: not TOYOTA...

3-If you care so much about "surveys" and allow well your brain to be washed, then try "survey" real TESLA owners/users on TESLA MOTORS CLUB forum... you will be SHOCKED!

TESLA greats: crap CPO program, AUTOPILOT deployment time/implementation, crap spare parts availability, crap build quality-price wise what their cars cost, the list is never ending...

... well, at least they have a place unmatched (by now): there`s no one apart from TESLA with electric cars that can travel 400km at motorway speeds, sitting 4 adults and luggage that cost between 70 to 90k GBP.

Sonic 21 May 2018

coolboy wrote:

coolboy wrote:

Sonic mate, I have VERY bad news for you:

1-I do not wasted any time clicking to access your posted link, as I do not allow my brain to be washed with other people`s crap talk&actions

2-TOYOTA also scores high in any survey held worlwide and has an image set high everywere, guess what Brits choose as definitive choice for the covoted White-Van-appliance post: not TOYOTA...

3-If you care so much about "surveys" and allow well your brain to be washed, then try "survey" real TESLA owners/users on TESLA MOTORS CLUB forum... you will be SHOCKED!

TESLA greats: crap CPO program, AUTOPILOT deployment time/implementation, crap spare parts availability, crap build quality-price wise what their cars cost, the list is never ending...

... well, at least they have a place unmatched (by now): there`s no one apart from TESLA with electric cars that can travel 400km at motorway speeds, sitting 4 adults and luggage that cost between 70 to 90k GBP.

That was a very long, shouty post. I stopped reading after your first point I'm afraid. You need to do more research. And yes, there can be many faults with Tesla cars (especially with their early builds). The progress they're making is still remarkable, and build quality is improving greatly.

Citytiger 14 July 2018

Sonic wrote:

Sonic wrote:
coolboy wrote:

they would be spending a lot more time caring for decent service on fixing & providing parts for their car fleet. What I see is a company just focussed on churning out-of-the-door unfinished cars and any small hit on the road will set you without car for weeks & months. Just ask current TESLA owners worldwide.

 

Umm... https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/electrek.co/2017/12/21/tesla-tsla-tops-customer-satisfaction-survey-auto-industry/

Thats America ffs, cars top satisfaction surveys if they can fit a bucket sized coke in the cup holders, the fact Chrysler came 4th should tell you all you need to know, the same Chysler that is pulling out of Europe because its products are garbage.