Tesla releases first video of Model 3 Performance version burning some tires during testing

Tesla opened the floodgates for Model 3 Performance version orders last week and deliveries are expected shortly.

Now the automaker has released the first video of a Model 3 Performance version burning some tires during testing.

The Model 3 is already fairly light for an all-electric long-range vehicle and now Tesla is adding some power to it with an additional front motor and higher-rated rear motor for the Performance version.

With a few other modifications, the vehicle is expected to be competitive as a mid-size performance sedan.

The Model 3 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.

CEO Elon Musk also said that the performance version will feature 20” Performance wheels.  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.”

We don’t know much more than that about the newest version of the Model 3, but now Tesla is giving us a glimpse at it with the first footage of the vehicle during skidpad testing:

Tesla says that the vehicle will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds though Musk said that they could potential unlock more power in the Model 3 performance version.

The top speed is listed at 155 mph.

Musk announced that the first Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance rolled off the new assembly line last month, but it doesn’t seem like they are delivering them to customers yet.

The vehicle in the video actually looks like the same one as the first one that came off the line.

Electrek’s Take

As someone with a Model 3 Performance version on order, I love seeing this stuff.

You can do that stuff with a Model S Performance version, but it’s a lot more fun the lighter the car is and the Model 3 is about 1,000 lbs lighter than a Performance Model S.

I think we are going to see a lot of Model 3 Performance vehicles at drag strips and at autocross events in the next few months.

I hope to see some of you there.