Tesla Starts Model 3 Test Drives At Select Locations, Including Performance Edition

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Tesla has officially opened up test drives on its Model 3 and Model 3 Performance Edition at select stores around the United States, according to several sources at the automaker.

Performance Editions of the Tesla Model 3 were spotted en masse at the automaker’s factory in Fremont, California; on trucks en route to stores; and, yesterday, at Tesla stores around the nation. We spoke with Tesla representatives yesterday at several stores who confirmed that the Performance Edition cars were at the location, but they had not been cleaned and still needed to have their Dual Motor badging applied. They also needed to have their carbon fiber spoilers added, an optional item.

A handful of stores are still awaiting receipt of their Model 3 Performance Editions, but they should have them in the coming days as Tesla ramps up its marketing efforts in support of the exclusive configuration.

The excitement is clearly building with customers who have ordered a Model 3 Performance Edition, as well as within Tesla, as CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to hint that a bit more performance might be squeezed out of the vehicle with some more capable tires. The stock tires that come with the vehicle are geared towards efficiency and simply will not be able to provide sufficient traction for the increased power from the high-performance dual-motor setup.

Tesla has opened up orders on the Model 3, including Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and Performance Edition configurations, but it still gives priority to reservation holders. I pulled the trigger on one reservation last week and was able to take receipt of our new Long Range Model 3 in black with the Premium Upgrade Package just 6 days later.

The Model 3 Performance Edition was making the rounds earlier this week, with many news outlets and influencers getting their hands on one to run around the track. That included YouTube video producer and web reviewer extraordinaire Marques Brownlee, aka MKBHD. Marques is putting together a new piece on the car for the launch of Instagram’s new IGTV, which will be dedicated to portrait orientation video.

Test drives of the RWD and Performance editions of the new Model 3 can be scheduled directly from Tesla’s website. A sales representative from the company shared that priority will be given to Model 3 reservation holders, which is nice, considering the long wait many have endured.


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Kyle Field

I'm a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. As an activist investor, Kyle owns long term holdings in Tesla, Lightning eMotors, Arcimoto, and SolarEdge.

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