2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance Revealed: 510 Horsepower, 0-60 In 2.9 Seconds, $53k

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla has finally revealed its latest Model 3 Performance variant and boy does it not disappoint.

When Tesla first released the Model 3 Performance in 2017, it “left a few things on the table” due to its Production Hell. That’s all about to change, the automaker announced today.

Today, following countless leaks over the past few months and on a day when it could use some good news, Tesla has officially unveiled the updated Tesla Model 3 Performance. It’s not only more powerful, but quicker from zero-to-60 MPH and more refined. This is the enthusiast variant of the Model 3 we’ve all been waiting for, and now it’s finally here.

Tesla actually did a few things right with this particular release.

Let’s get started with the powertrain. Tesla says that this car has an astounding 510 horsepower, which bests the outgoing model’s 455 HP—that’s a 32% increase to peak power and 22% to continuous output. Tesla also says that the car gets a 16% peak torque bump, which means it should end up right around 565 lb-ft.

The power increase is thanks to two all-new high-performance drive units and has the ability to launch the car from zero-to-60 MPH in just 2.9 seconds as opposed to the old Model 3 Performance’s time of 3.1 seconds.

Tesla has also stiffened the chassis with bespoke hardware and added adaptive dampers to all four corners. Couple that with a new staggered tire setup and lightweight wheels for “increased traction out of corners” and the new Model 3 Performance should drive less like a regular ol’ Model 3 and more like a true sports sedan.

The vehicle will complement all of its hardware upgrades with software ones too. Tesla says that it has revamped track mode and traction control to better suit the performance-oriented nature of the car, plus added in better heat management overall. It also has specific programming for the car’s new dampers, which, in theory, should make the driving experience fairly dynamic depending on the mode that the car is in and its surrounding environment.

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Now it’s time to talk visuals. Tesla actually did a great job separating the new Model 3 Performance from the standard Model 3 sedan this time around. The car gets a redesigned front and rear fascias, complete with a unique rear diffuser that signals its importance in the Model 3 lineup.

It also gets reworked on the inside. Tesla adds all new carbon fiber bits to the interior, but the real star of the show is Tesla’s new performance seats. These bolstered masterpieces look to be able to hold owners firmly in place while pushing the car, plus, they include a feature that owners have been asking Tesla to include for years—they’re ventilated. And to signify the importance, Tesla places a fun Ludicrous badge smack-dab in the center of the car.

The battery capacity remains an unknown, though it’s rumored to be the same pack in the Model 3 Performance that it is replacing—that would mean 82 kilowatt-hour of capacity and the ability to retain the EV tax credit.

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Despite a 5% reduction in drag, Telsla rays the car will have a range of just 296 miles compared to the outgoing model’s range of 315 miles.

Those interested in picking up a new Model 3 Performance can be relieved that it’s actually a pretty darn good price. The car will start fairly close to the outgoing model at $54,630 inclusive of the destination and order fees, which isn’t awful considering its place in the lineup. Couple that with the likelihood of qualifying for the EV tax credit and the car will cost owners around $47,130. At that price, it’s almost silly to purchase the long range variant given that it actually costs $2,250 more due to it not qualifying to the tax credit.

Ordering starts now and deliveries are expected to begin between May and June.

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