Tesla Model 3 Performance — World’s Quickest Sport Sedan … Er, 2nd Quickest
Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!
Tesla has just released a fully baked version of its “Track Mode” software, which, in initial testing by Motor Trend, makes the Performance Model 3 the “world’s quickest sport sedan” around the Streets of Willow race track.
The Tesla beats out sports sedan rivals the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, BMW M2 and M4, and even pure sports cars like the Porsche Cayman GT4 and 718 Boxster S. The Track Mode is already rolling out to Tesla owners in the form of an over-the-air software update, version 2018.42.8.
It is definitely worth reading the full Motor Trend write-up (and watching the video) to see the Tesla in action.
Tesla has also provided more information about track mode on its blog (including a short video). After some initial concerns from owners, Musk has confirmed that the track mode will eventually be available on all Model 3 Performance vehicles, not just those with the optional performance upgrade package (PUP).
Having said that, the performance upgrade package does provide stronger brakes (as well as other extras) that are certainly required for any significant track work.
Getting back to the new record for its class, let’s see how the Tesla’s lap time at Streets of Willow compares with gas counterparts:
All of that said, Elon Musk has indicated that the Model 3 Performance actually isn’t the quickest sport sedan in the world. The Model S P100D is.
Presumably, Motor Trend or someone else just needs to take the P100D out onto the track to confirm this.
For now, the only sport sedan that is anywhere near the performance ballpark on track that competes on price with the Tesla is the BMW M2, a much smaller 2-door only sedan, which starts from an MSRP of $55,495. The more comparably sized BMW M4 has a base MSRP $68,700, a good chunk above the Tesla’s $64,000. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is priced from $75,085.
Whilst the Model 3 Performance is certainly showing the inherent ability of electric powertrains to outperform gas guzzlers, the next-gen Tesla Roadster will seal the deal on that front, as its main purpose is to permanently dethrone gas cars from holding the performance crown.
Will the Model 3’s stunning performance on track be enough to convince petrol-heads to switch to an EV? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Chip in a few dollars a month to help support independent cleantech coverage that helps to accelerate the cleantech revolution!
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Sign up for our daily newsletter for 15 new cleantech stories a day. Or sign up for our weekly one if daily is too frequent.
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.
CleanTechnica's Comment Policy
