Six years after the initial deliveries of the Model 3 Performance, Tesla is unveiling the new Model 3 Performance—a highly differentiated performance trim that leverages the company’s latest manufacturing and engineering capabilities to create what they consider to be a perfect, high-performance daily driver.
Building upon the quality and platform improvements of the latest Model 3, the new Model 3 Performance delivers Tesla’s most driver-focused experience yet.
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Enhanced Chassis Performance
The new Model 3 Performance utilizes the latest Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) enhancements and comfort upgrades of the new Model 3, alongside bespoke chassis hardware. These enhancements aim to deliver performance and stiffness improvements while reducing mass. They include adaptive dampers with hollow damper piston rods, a multi-sectioned stabilizer bar, ultra-high strength steel springs, and stiffer suspension top mounts.
With these updates, Tesla has built a more capable, performance-oriented chassis that maximizes the effectiveness of the new technologies found under the skin.
Most Powerful Model 3 Yet
Tesla’s latest generation performance drive unit, known as Performance 4DU, represents a significant advancement in torque, power, and efficiency. Compared to its predecessor, the previous Model 3 Performance drive unit, the Performance 4DU boasts impressive improvements, including up to +22% continuous power, +32% peak power, and +16% peak torque delivery. Drivers will notice a more immediate and sustained acceleration experience, particularly evident when navigating corners. This enhanced torque translates into a dynamic driving experience.
Remarkably, these performance enhancements have been achieved without compromising efficiency. In fact, Tesla has observed approximately a 2% reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous generation Model 3 Performance.
The increased performance is effectively transmitted to the road through forged and staggered 20” wheels equipped with Tesla-specific Pirelli P ZERO 4 performance tires. This staggered wheel configuration yields several benefits:
- Performance: Optimized for the higher torque output of the 4DU, this setup provides a larger contact patch, enabling better traction when accelerating out of corners and minimizing traction control interventions.
- Comfort: With a reinforced rear tire, overall roll stiffness has been enhanced, reducing head-toss and improving comfort.
- Range: The new Pirelli P ZERO 4 tires feature lower rolling resistance, contributing to increased range.
Tesla’s electric motors offer unparalleled responsiveness, allowing precise regulation of front and rear motor torque output with millisecond precision. These adjustments, managed by Tesla’s in-house Vehicle Dynamics Controller (VDC) and occurring hundreds of times per second, result in a more rear-biased powertrain torque split, maximizing traction during corner exits and enhancing driving immediacy.
To further enhance braking performance, track-ready brake pads are now standard on the Model 3 Performance, ensuring more immediate deceleration, higher thermal limits, and increased endurance.
All-New Adaptive Damping
A pioneering feature for the Model 3 series, exclusive to the latest Model 3 Performance, the innovative Adaptive Damping system dynamically adjusts to both driver inputs and road conditions in real time. This ensures an optimized balance between ride quality and handling precision while enhancing overall comfort.
Similar to Tesla’s advanced powertrain, the adaptive suspension system is seamlessly controlled through the company’s proprietary software, making it an integral component of the chassis subsystem. This integration offers significant potential for future product enhancements through over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Ride and handling characteristics are now customizable through preset modes:
- Standard: Offers a relaxed and composed driving experience with substantial improvements in comfort and shock absorption, while still maintaining precise control and engagement across all driving conditions.
- Sport: Enhances damping control for faster settling times, fostering a heightened connection with the road during spirited driving. This mode also improves steering response while remaining adaptable to varying road surfaces.
- Track: Optimizes body control and responsiveness by minimizing adaptation, ensuring consistent high performance on closed circuits. (Automatically activated in Track Mode).
Track Mode V3
With the introduction of Adaptive Damping, Track Mode V3 now consolidates motor controls, suspension controls, powertrain cooling, and Tesla’s Vehicle Dynamics Controller (VDC) into a unified system.
The incorporation of new controls and calibration within the powertrain and adaptive damping results in a more predictable driving experience that accurately responds to driver inputs. Stability controls have been updated to enable drivers to push the performance envelope across various track conditions.
Furthermore, a comprehensive recalibration of handling balance, stability assist, regen braking, and ABS tuning controls ensures a consistent and predictable driving experience across different track environments.
The user interface (UI) of Track Mode V3 has also been revamped to provide users with more vehicle data and control directly at their fingertips.
Functional, Performance-Oriented Design
The new Model 3 Performance showcases significant design enhancements compared to base models, including revised front and rear fascias, spoiler, front splitter, and rear diffuser. These design elements are not merely aesthetic but are engineered to significantly improve aerodynamic performance and optimize end-to-end airflow.
This design focus extends to every surface, ensuring aerodynamic harmony at both the component and vehicle system levels. Compared to the previous generation Model 3 Performance, these design refinements yield several key benefits, including up to a 5% reduction in drag, a 36% decrease in lift, and a 55% improvement in front-to-rear lift balance.
Seats & Interior
Internally, the Model 3 Performance now features new Sport seats with enhanced bolstering and a deeper, more engaging seating position. The updated seating geometry and construction provide increased lateral support during cornering and dynamic driving, while maintaining comfort for daily use. The 12-way power-adjustable seats, along with heating and ventilation functionalities, ensure customers do not compromise on comfort or functionality compared to other trim levels.
Additionally, the Model 3 Performance benefits from the same improved Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) treatment and cabin comfort as the new Model 3 RWD and LR AWD trims. This includes comprehensive NVH treatment for enhanced noise isolation, 360˚ Acoustic Glass, and improved body baffles and sealing, among other features.
