The Tesla Model 3 Performance (from AUD$80,900 plus on-roads) will be the quickest Musk mobile on sale when it arrives in Australia in the middle of 2024. It builds on a highly impressive base vehicle with a new generation performance drive unit that helps the vehicle accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds before going on to a top speed of 262km/h.
More impressively, it manages these performance figures while achieving a WLTP-rated range of 528km which slots it between the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Long Range (613 km) and Rear-Wheel Drive (513 km).
Of course, they haven’t just touched the drive unit and you’ll find adaptive damping technology for the first time alongside sports seats, track-ready brakes (performance pads), staggered performance tyres, firmer bushings, stabiliser bars, and greater structural stiffness for a more dynamic vehicle overall.
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Maybe the most significant change to the vehicle is the new adaptive suspension that’s controlled via the brand’s in-house software, working in tandem with the Vehicle Dynamics Controller (VDC). This combined with increased structural stiffness, updated springs, stabiliser bars and bushings should deliver a very responsive chassis. You also get “track-ready” brakes with red callipers that add high-performance brake pads.
Putting this power to the ground is a set of staggered performance tyres wrapped around forged aluminium 20-inch wheels. This helps with traction off the line, but more importantly, turn-in and steering response through the mid-corner where the car is said to be more predictable and focused. We’ll have to judge that and the new Track Mode V3 software for ourselves once we get our hands on the car for review.
There’s also a handful of visual changes at the front and rear facias which add integrated cooling ducts up front and a rear diffuser and carbon-fibre spoiler at the rear. We think it looks fantastic overall!
Step inside and the most obvious change is the new Sport seats that are unique in their design (they don’t appear to be re-skinned Recaros) and they have large side cushions and bolstering to keep the driver comfortable in the seat in dynamic driving situations. Of course, these remain heated and ventilated.
You’ll also notice a plethora of carbon fibre trims with a Tesla-first weave pattern. We think it does a great job of helping the Model 3 Performance stand out within the line-up.
This is on top of the other interior changes made at the model’s mid-life update, including ambient lighting, 17 speakers (up from 14) with the addition of 2 subwoofers and 2 amplifiers, rear 8-inch touchscreen for rear passenger climate control and entertainment access, improved front 15-inch touchscreen, quieter cabin with 360˚ acoustic glass technology, and steering wheel indicators (which we don’t like).
The new Tesla Model 3 Performance is available to order in Australia via the Tesla Configurator below, priced from AU$80,900 plus on-roads. Options for this model include Enhanced Autopilot ($5,100), Full Self-Driving Capability ($10,100), and Black and White interior colours ($1,500).
Finally, there are 5 colours to choose from: Pearl White Multi-Coat (included), Solid Black ($1,500), Deep Blue Metallic ($1,500), Stealth Grey ($2,300), and Ultra Red ($2,600).
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