Tesla reveals a new Model 3 Performance with more horsepower and faster acceleration

On the cusp of what’s expected to be a very not-good earnings report, Tesla decided to shuffle its search results a bit with the reveal of the 2024 Model 3 Performance, with a specially tuned chassis and a 2.9 second 0–60 mph acceleration time.

Interestingly, Tesla did not give this updated Model 3 the “Plaid” performance badge, which, so far, it has reserved for its more premium vehicles, the Model S and Model X. For the Model 3, it’s sticking to Performance.

The performance trim of the company’s top-selling electric sedan will get 510 horsepower and 741 Nm of torque — a step above the 470 horsepower that was achievable in the 2019 performance trim — and can hit a top speed of 163 mph.

Of course, Tesla is subtracting rollout time when calculating that 0–60 time. The company pulled a similar trick when it said that the Model S Plaid could hit 60 mph in under two seconds back in 2021.

The fourth generation version of Tesla’s performance drive unit ekes out improvements over the previous performance model in continuous power (22 percent), peak power (32 percent), and peak torque (16 percent) — “all with lower energy consumption,” the company says.

The Model 3 Performance will perch on forged and staggered 20” wheels, as well as Pirelli P Zero 4 tires. Tesla promises “[b]etter traction out of corners while limiting traction control interventions,” as well as “better comfort, lower rolling resistance, and increased range.” Tesla estimates 296 miles on a full charge, less than the refreshed 2024 Model 3’s estimated top range of 341 miles — but take that with a grain of salt.

Tesla is also rolling out version 3 of its Track Mode software feature, which the company says integrates motor controls, suspension controls, powertrain cooling, and the company’s Vehicle Dynamics Controller under a single, unified system.

There’s a new adaptive damping system that adjusts to driver and road inputs “in real time” to improve handling and comfort. Tesla says the damping will improve over time through software updates.

Tesla tweaked the exterior to squeeze more aerodynamics out of the EV, with a 5 percent reduced drag, 36 percent lift reduction, and 55 percent improvement in front-to-rear lift balance compared to the previous Model 3 Performance.

Lastly, the performance Model 3 will feature new sport seats, which will assumedly be similar to the ones featured in the Model S Plaid.