Tesla Model 3 performance version is coming next year, says Elon Musk

Tesla has revealed the details for both a based version of the Model 3 and a “long range” version. They have also updated the timeline for a dual motor version, which is expected in Spring 2018, but the previously announced performance version Model 3 wasn’t discussed.

CEO Elon Musk has now confirmed that it is coming “probably in the middle of next year.”

It would mean that the performance version of the Model 3 would arrive around or just after the release of the dual motor version.

Tesla has been trying to limit the number of options during the first few months of production in order to streamline the process.

It now results in only the Model 3 vehicles with a long range battery pack and a premium package being delivered to employees. You can look at the configurator here.

Tesla is expected to gradually unlock more options leading to the performance version “probably in the middle of next year”, Musk confirmed on Twitter last night:

Probably middle of next year. Focus now is on getting out of Model 3 production hell. More versions = deeper in hell.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 30, 2017

The CEO first announced last year that the less expensive Model 3 will have a performance version with Ludicrous mode – just like the Model S and Model X.

Electrek’s Take

We expect the vehicle to feature the same “long range battery pack” as the current version in production, which currently enables 310 miles of range on the single motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain. But the performance version is instead expected to be equipped with a dual motor all-wheel-drive system and if it turns out like the performance versions of the Model S and Model X, it should have as new high-power performance rear motor with higher amperage connection to the battery pack.

As we previously reported, the vehicle is expected to be extremely quick – potentially even quicker than the current top versions of the Model S due to being almost 1,000 lbs lighter, but at the rate Tesla has been improving its flagship electric sedan, it’s likely to be even quicker by the time the performance Model 3 is available.

The vehicle will likely be quite expensive. The current versions of the Model 3 can already end up costing ~$60,000 and that’s without the dual motor powertrain.

We wouldn’t be surprised if the performance Model 3 ends up costing ~$75,000.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.