In a recent development, European certification documents have unveiled a refreshed version of Tesla’s Model 3 Performance, shedding light on potential upgrades to the popular electric vehicle. The appearance of this new variant suggests that Tesla may be enhancing the Model 3 Performance as part of their Project Highland refresh.
Earlier this month, Tesla introduced a redesigned Model 3 in several regions, including China and Europe. However, the top-tier Performance variant was notably absent from the initial launch, fueling speculation that it might have been discontinued. Even when the Model 3 received certification from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Performance variant was conspicuously missing.
Contrary to assumptions of its demise, the latest information indicates that Tesla has not only retained the Model 3 Performance but may have also improved its performance capabilities. The European Type Certificate, issued by the Dutch vehicle authority “RDW” and dated July 7, 2023, provides a crucial clue. The certificate reveals that the Model 3 Performance now features a ‘T’ in the 8th digit of its VIN, which typically denotes the type of motor or drive unit in the vehicle.
While the presence of the letter ‘T’ could suggest a tri-motor setup, similar to Tesla’s Model S and Model X Plaid variants, the certification document explicitly states that it remains a Dual Motor configuration. It seems unlikely that Tesla would upgrade the Model 3 to a tri-motor setup, a distinction typically reserved for their flagship vehicles.
Instead, speculation arises that Tesla may have enhanced one of the dual motors, likely the front one, to match the specifications found in the Model S/X Plaid. This potential upgrade could significantly improve the Model 3 Performance’s top-end speed and acceleration, addressing previous limitations when competing against gas-powered supercars in longer races.
Details regarding the release date of the refreshed Model 3 Performance remain uncertain. While vehicles are already being shipped from China to markets where the updated Model 3 is available, production of the Performance variant at Giga Shanghai has not been confirmed.
Unfortunately, Canada and the United States have been excluded from the initial launch of the Model 3 Highland. This exclusion is particularly surprising for Canada, given Tesla’s importation of cars from China into the country. However, internal communications suggest that the new Model 3 design may not reach North American markets until 2024.
