Tesla unveils faster and more powerful Model 3 dual motor AWD and Performance versions

Tesla finally released the specs and opened the orders for the long-awaited Model 3 dual motor all-wheel-drive and performance versions.

Here’s everything we know so far.

Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the new dual motor Model 3 vehicles are equipped with a front AC induction motor to complement the switched reluctance, partial permanent magnet motor at the rear.

Here are the other details of the Model 3 dual motor AWD version:

• Range: 310 miles
• 0 to 60 mph acceleration: 4.5 seconds
• Top speed: 140 mph
• Price: $5,000 for AWD option

That compares to the rear-wheel-drive version’s official 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. Tesla is listing the same top speed and range as the single motor version.

Tesla Model 3 Performance Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive

The performance version features the same motors (AC in the front and permanent magnet in the rear) as the dual version, but they are picking the highest rated ones with double the burn-in process to make sure they can handle a higher output.

Musk also said that the performance version will feature a carbon fiber spoiler, 20” Performance wheels, and black and white interior options.  He claimed it will be 15% quicker than the BMW M3 and with better handling, and “will beat anything in its class on the track.”

Here are the other details of the Model 3 performance version:

• Range: 310 miles
• 0 to 60 mph acceleration: 3.5 seconds
• Top speed: 155 mph
• Price: $78,000 (without autopilot)

We don’t see the option being available in the design studio yet, but Musk says it will be up for “early reservation holders” tonight.

Electrek’s Take

The specs and pricing of the two new versions of the Model 3 are about what we expected before the announcement, but it’s definitely on the expensive side of the range.

But while the advertised 0-60 mph times are as we expected, as we previously predicted, it’s likely that Tesla might be underselling them, like it is apparently doing for the RWD version based on real-world tests by owners.

One thing that is somewhat surprising is that Tesla isn’t listing any range improvement from the dual motor. Musk instead emphasizes that it improves safety by being able to work with just one motor:

Tesla dual motor means there is a motor in front & a motor in rear. One is optimized for power & one for range. Car drives fine even if a motor breaks down. Helps ensure you make it to your destination & don’t get stuck on side of road in potentially unsafe conditions.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018

Despite the slightly higher price than anticipated and the lack of a range increase, this will most likely result in a surge of Model 3 reservation holders placing orders as many were waiting for those new options.

Tesla starting to take those orders is also likely a good sign that the company is on track to achieve a production rate of 5,000 Model 3 vehicles per week by the end of the quarter.

Musk had previously linked Tesla achieving the goal with bringing to production new options, like dual motor and performance versions of the Model 3.

Based on an email from Elon Musk to employees that we leaked earlier this week, Tesla was on track for 3,500 Model 3 vehicles this week.

Interestingly, Musk also mentioned the limited availability of the white interior – saying that they can only make 1,000 units per week. For now, the option will be linked to the performance version Model 3 until they can increase the capacity.