Your browser does not support JavaScript!

The New Tesla Model 3 Performance: Comprehensive Analysis

GOOVER DAILY REPORT 6/8/2024
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Introduction
  2. Introduction to the New Tesla Model 3 Performance
  3. Technical Specifications
  4. Design and Aerodynamics
  5. Performance Features
  6. Market Comparison
  7. Availability and Options
  8. Glossary
  9. Conclusion
  10. Source Documents

1. Introduction

  • This report examines the latest updates and features of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance, which has become a significant contender in the electric vehicle market, especially among high-performance electric sedans.

2. Introduction to the New Tesla Model 3 Performance

  • 2-1. Overview of the Model 3 Performance

  • The new Tesla Model 3 Performance is designed to rival high-performance electric sports sedans such as the Polestar 2 Performance Pack and the forthcoming electric BMW M3. It retains the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain setup, delivering 460bhp and a 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 163mph. The vehicle incorporates several updates, including increased structural rigidity with uprated springs, new anti-roll bars, and unique bushings for improved dynamics and driver engagement. The addition of adaptive damping and Track Mode V3 enhances the car's performance by adjusting parameters for motors, suspension, powertrain cooling, regenerative braking, and stability systems. The new Model 3 Performance also includes aerodynamic modifications like new front and rear bumpers, improved cooling ducts, a rear diffuser section, and a carbon-fiber lip spoiler. Tesla offers a single 20-inch forged ‘Warp’ wheel option with staggered performance tires. Despite improvements, the new Model 3 Performance has a quoted range of 328 miles (WLTP), which is 12 miles less than its predecessor.

  • 2-2. Launch and Market Position

  • Tesla relaunched the Model 3 Performance eight months after discontinuing the original Performance Edition, following a design refresh of the Model 3 lineup in September 2023. The updated edition features a 22% boost in continuous power, a 32% increase in peak power, and 16% more torque than the outgoing model, alongside improved aerodynamic efficiency. Notably, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance is priced at £59,990 in the UK and $40,490 in the US, making it over £10,000 cheaper than the BMW i4 M50 and offering impressive value given its performance credentials. Deliveries are expected to begin in May 2024. The car's competitive pricing and enhanced performance position it strongly against rivals in the electric high-performance sedan market. It includes minimal customization options like standard wheel choices, two interior colors, and five external paint options, with additional costs for 'Enhanced Autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving Capability'.

3. Technical Specifications

  • 3-1. Power and Performance Metrics

  • The new Tesla Model 3 Performance boasts significant improvements over its predecessor. It features a 22% boost in continuous power, a 32% increase in peak power, and 16% more torque. Elon Musk has stated that the vehicle can achieve a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, making it faster than a Porsche 911. The car is equipped with Tesla's 4th generation drive unit, producing 510 horsepower and 741 Nm (546 pound-feet) of torque. It has a top speed of 163 mph, slightly higher than the discontinued Performance Edition Model 3, which maxed out at 162 mph.

  • 3-2. Drive Unit and Motor Specifications

  • The Model 3 Performance features the new dual motor 'performance drive unit' delivering over 454bhp to all four wheels. This improved motor setup contributes to the car's superior handling and straight-line performance. The adaptive suspension system allows the onboard computer to adjust the suspension stiffness for optimal handling and comfort. The chassis has been stiffened, and the suspension components, including springs, bushings, and stabilizer bars, have been upgraded.

  • 3-3. Range and Efficiency

  • Despite the increased performance, the new Tesla Model 3 Performance is more efficient than the older model, consuming less power while being capable of producing more horsepower. It has an EPA estimated range of 296 miles, which is higher than the standard Model 3 Long Range but lower than the Model 3 Long Range's claimed 341-mile range. In the UK, the official range stands at 328 miles. The vehicle also features 20-inch forged alloy wheels with performance tires and red brake calipers housing new high-performance brake pads.

4. Design and Aerodynamics

  • 4-1. Exterior Design Changes

  • The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance features a variety of exterior design updates. The car now comes with redesigned alloy wheels, Plaid-like badging on the rear bumper, slightly redesigned front and rear fascias, a new rear diffuser, and a carbon fiber spoiler. The car is more aerodynamic than its predecessors, with a claimed 5% reduction in drag. These updates bring the Model 3 Performance in-line with the Model S Plaid in terms of aggressiveness and aerodynamics. The car is also offered in five exterior paint options: Pearl White, Deep Blue Metallic, Solid Black, Ultra Red, and Stealth Grey.

  • 4-2. Aerodynamic Enhancements

  • The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has several aerodynamic enhancements, including new front and rear bumpers with added cooling ducts and a new rear diffuser section. The car also features a carbon fiber lip spoiler. These changes result in a 5% reduction in drag, enhancing the car's overall efficiency and performance. Tesla has also redesigned the 20-inch wheels to improve aerodynamic performance, wrapping them in Pirelli P Zero 4 tires for better traction in tight corners.

  • 4-3. Interior Design and Comfort

  • Inside, the Tesla Model 3 Performance retains its refined and comfortable cabin. The car features more supportive sports seats and carbon fiber trim to distinguish it from other Model 3 variants. Both the front and rear occupants benefit from new ambient lighting fitted throughout the cabin. The car also comes with improved adaptive damping, which enhances ride quality by making the suspension more responsive to road conditions and driver inputs. Although the interior largely remains unchanged, the sportier front seats offer additional comfort, especially on the track.

5. Performance Features

  • 5-1. Chassis Upgrades and Suspension

  • The new Tesla Model 3 Performance features several chassis and suspension upgrades designed to enhance both handling and comfort. The chassis has been stiffened and includes performance springs, dampers, bushings, and stabilizer bars, all contributing to better handling characteristics. The onboard computer can adjust the stiffness of the new adaptive suspension system in different driving scenarios to optimize either handling or comfort. The redesigned 20-inch forged alloy wheels paired with Pirelli P Zero 4 tires provide better traction in tight corners. Additionally, the car features red brake calipers housing new high-performance brake pads.

  • 5-2. Track Mode V3

  • The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance comes with an improved Track Mode, enhancing its usability on racetracks. This feature allows drivers to adjust suspension settings and regenerative braking through the central infotainment screen, optimizing the car's performance for track conditions. The modifications make the Model 3 Performance more responsive to road conditions and driver inputs, thus improving ride quality and driving pleasure on tracks.

  • 5-3. Braking System Improvements

  • A key performance improvement in the new Model 3 Performance is its enhanced braking system. The car is equipped with larger brake rotors, pads, and calipers, providing better braking performance than the standard variants. The enhanced braking system aids in maintaining control during high-speed driving and aggressive braking scenarios, ensuring safety and performance are not compromised.

6. Market Comparison

  • 6-1. Competitors and Rivals

  • The new Tesla Model 3 Performance has been designed to compete directly with other electric sports saloons such as the Polestar 2 Performance Pack and the upcoming electric BMW M3. Additionally, it will face competition from the BMW i4 M50 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The Model 3 Performance aims to draw customers from these well-established and emerging contenders by leveraging its improved dynamics and a range of new features.

  • 6-2. Pricing and Value Proposition

  • The Tesla Model 3 Performance starts at £59,990 in the UK, making it notably cheaper than its major competitor, the BMW i4 M50, which costs over £10,000 more. Despite the lower price, the Model 3 Performance offers significant features such as a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain providing 454-460bhp, adaptive damping, and a range of suspension upgrades. Additional options include 'Enhanced Autopilot' for £3400 and 'Full Self-Driving Capability' for £6800. Buyers can choose from five exterior paint options and two interior colors, with black as the standard.

  • 6-3. Differences from Previous Models

  • The new Tesla Model 3 Performance introduces several enhancements over its predecessor. Key improvements include a slight increase in power to 454-460bhp, a quicker 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 163mph, which is 1mph higher than the previous model. Hardware updates include improved structural rigidity, uprated springs, new anti-roll bars, unique bushings, and adaptive damping. The new chassis and suspension components are designed to enhance dynamics and driver engagement. Moreover, the model includes 'Track Mode V3' for optimized performance settings. Despite the aerodynamic improvements, its quoted range is 328 miles (WLTP), slightly less than the previous version. The interior sees the inclusion of more supportive sports seats, carbon fiber trim, and new ambient lighting.

7. Availability and Options

  • 7-1. Pricing Details

  • Bookings for the refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance have commenced. The base model is priced at $40,490, which is more affordable than the Model 3 Long Range at $42,740. After including state and federal taxes, the final cost ranges between $55,000 to $60,000. The base price includes the Stealth Grey color option, while other color choices come at an additional cost: Pearl White and Deep Blue Metallic are priced at $1,000 each, Solid Black costs $1,500, and Ultra Red is $2,000. The white interior trim is available for an additional $1,500. The Full Self-Driving Capability can be added for $8,000.

  • 7-2. Customization Options

  • The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance offers several customization options. Besides the base Stealth Grey color, other colors include Pearl White ($1,000), Deep Blue Metallic ($1,000), Solid Black ($1,500), and Ultra Red ($2,000). Customers can choose a white interior trim for an additional $1,500. Full Self-Driving Capability is an optional addition that costs $8,000, allowing for a highly personalized vehicle configuration.

  • 7-3. Order and Delivery Schedule

  • The ordering process for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance is straightforward through Tesla's online configuration tool. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in May 2024, ensuring that customers who place orders now can expect to receive their vehicle in a timely manner.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. Tesla Model 3 Performance [Product]

  • The latest flagship version of the Tesla Model 3, offering improved power, better aerodynamics, and new suspension systems. It is designed to compete with other high-performance electric vehicles such as the BMW M3 and Polestar 2 Performance Pack.

  • 8-2. Track Mode V3 [Technology]

  • An advanced driving mode in the Tesla Model 3 Performance that adjusts parameters for the motors, suspension, powertrain cooling, regenerative braking, and stability systems to enhance performance on racetracks.

  • 8-3. Adaptive Damping [Technology]

  • A suspension system that adjusts the stiffness based on driving conditions, designed to optimize both handling and comfort in the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

  • 8-4. Dual-motor, all-wheel drive [Technology]

  • The drive system in the Tesla Model 3 Performance that consists of motors on both the front and rear axles, providing improved traction and performance.

  • 8-5. BMW M3 [Product (Competitor)]

  • A high-performance electric sports sedan from BMW, considered one of the main competitors of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance.

9. Conclusion

  • The new Tesla Model 3 Performance offers significant advancements in terms of power, design, and overall performance. With competitive pricing and high-value propositions, it stands as a strong contender in the high-performance electric sedan market.

10. Source Documents