Tesla unveils Model 3 AWD & performance trims; Claims best in class track perf - Sensationalist Headlines

Here are the other details of the Model 3 dual motor AWD version: Range: 310 miles 0 to 60 mph acceleration: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 140 mph Price: $5,000 for AWD option ... Musk also said that the performance version will feature a carbon fiber spoiler, 20” Performance wheels, and black and white interior options. He claimed it will be 15% quicker than the BMW M3 and with better handling, and “will beat anything in its class on the track.” Here are the other details of the Model 3 performance version: Range: 310 miles 0 to 60 mph acceleration: 3.5 seconds Top speed: 155 mph Price: $78,000 (without autopilot) ... Based on an email from Elon Musk to employees that we leaked earlier this week, Tesla was on track for 3,500 Model 3 vehicles this week. https://electrek.co/2018/05/20/tesla-unveils-faster-and-more-powerful-model-3-dual-motor-awd-and-performance-versions/ Must've figured out the cooling for the new Model 3 motor architecture. Here's a video of a non-performance RWD Model 3 on the track.

Whats the point of Model 3 perf version for 78 grand when Model S starts from, what, 65 grand?

Will be interesting to see the cooling solution for the motors. Would have been nice to see the Model S finish a lap of the nurburgring without overheating.

The rear performance motor of the Model 3 is a switched reluctance partial permanent magnet motor, which is significantly more efficient than the induction motors they use in the Model S, and front motor of the Model 3. So it might simply be that the existing cooling solutions work, but the motor now just generates less heat.

big claim, I'll believe it when I see the track times

I've seen that the Model 3 doesn't have the same overheating issues that affect the Model S/X on the track. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFr3ecpr5oU 9 laps without issues. Cooked the brakes after 4 though, might help to swap those out with performance rotors/pads.

Dual motor variants have been observed at some race track in California with some pretty huge brakes, so hopefully that won't be an issue on the performance variant.

Really don't believe the M3 claim.

I canceled my preorder after I saw this. Might as well wait for them to be sold used and get it for a sane price at this point.

That pricetag is nearly twice the initial claimed price for the vehicle.

except the claimed price was never "get fully loaded M3 for 35k, it was 'starts at 35k'"

The price is in line with the competition in it's class. The performance variants are always high margin.

Should've given it to me.

The price is way out of it's own class. I can pick up a faster used Model S for $2,000 more with only 20,000 miles on it and a warranty. Not only that but the price quoted here isn't even a maxed out Model 3. It's a joke.

Used cars are cheaper than new cars, more at 11. This is in line with just about every other manufacturers car in its class.

The larger point is that if $78,000 buys you the fastest Model 3, and the "fastest" Model 3 is beaten by a low/mid-range Model S, then the Model 3's performance option has no reason to exist. You've left Model 3 territory and are better off getting a new Model S, let alone saving money on a used one.

Who cares about fast. I'd rather have a bare bones Model 3 than not. Everything after that is a bonus.

For the price of the Model 3 PD you could get a new base spec Model S, which would be slower. Or you can get a higher spec used car, but obviously it's used. You aren't going to get a new Model S for a similar price that has the same performance.

They are unofficially entirely transferable. Just add the receiver to the reservation, continue the process in solely their name, then transfer the car to their Tesla account.

This is why I snipped my comment above. I thought I calculated wrong or something, but it does indeed look like it's not that worth it, and you'd be better off getting a Tesla S at that point if you're willing to spend money. I just checked and the performance model of Tesla S is also around the starting point of Tesla X. I don't get it for Tesla.

If you've got $35K to blow on a Model 3 whenever they release and don't care about anything more than base, just spend $40K now on a Model S. Way better price and car, and you'll get it sooner. They blew it.

To be fair, I don't consider the S and X to be equivalent cars. One is an SUV and the other is a full sized sedan, they have different markets. As long as the performance model of the 3 is faster than the base model S (Dunno if this is true), it makes sense to me. A BMW M3 is more expensive than even a generously equipped 5 series, but again two different markets in my mind. Given that though, Tesla is hilariously behind on their quality fit and finish compared to cars in their price range. I would pick the equivalent Bimmer over the Tesla any day of the week just from that perspective.

I don't understand this mentality. You could get an old Model S for the same as a new Model 3 yeah, but the same applies to literally every car.

It's like buying a new Toyota Aygo, or buying a 2 year old Lexus GS450 for the same price.

You can't buy a used Model S in the color and trim I'd want for price near a model 3.

The BMW M3 starts at $66,500, or you could get a 530i for $52,650. Over here you can pick up last year's 530i for less than £30k.