In the wake of Tesla’s recent facelift for the 2024 Model 3, an astute observation emerged from Tesla enthusiasts: the absence of the Model 3 Performance variant. However, it appears that Tesla has not overlooked the demand for a sportier iteration, as hints of a new Performance model have surfaced, suggesting it may be on the horizon.
Information shared on the TFF Forum in Germany, and subsequently reported by Drive Tesla Canada, brought to light an intriguing development. The Dutch vehicle authority recently released a vehicle certification document for the 2024 Model 3, and within it, there is mention of an upcoming Performance model. Distinguished by the letter ‘T’ as the eighth digit of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), this document explicitly designates the ‘T’ as denoting a Performance model featuring a Dual Motor configuration.
Initially, there was speculation that the ‘T’ might signify a tri-motor powertrain, akin to the Tesla Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid. However, such an advanced powertrain could potentially render the Model 3 Performance prohibitively expensive. It seems more likely that Tesla may equip it with two of the enhanced electric motors featured in the Plaid models. These motors offer heightened efficiency and increased power, potentially enabling the 2024 Model 3 Performance to outpace its predecessor.
The outgoing Model 3 Performance impressively delivers 450 horsepower and 471 lb-ft (639 Nm) of torque from its dual electric motors, achieving a brisk 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph (260 km/h). With the speculated upgrades, the facelifted version could conceivably break the 3.0-second barrier for the 0 to 60 mph sprint while possibly boasting an even higher top speed.
As for when the new Model 3 Performance might grace the market, uncertainty prevails. Tesla has yet to launch the facelifted Model 3 in North America, despite production already underway in China and units making their way to Europe. Enthusiasts eagerly await further details on this tantalizing addition to the Tesla lineup.
