While Tesla already started Model 3 Performance deliveries over the last few weeks, it is still testing the vehicle to fine-tune performance and the yet-to-be-released ‘track mode’.
Now the automaker shares some cool images of the vehicle drifting in the snow during testing in Alaska.
As we previously reported, Tesla says that it has developed its own in-house vehicle dynamic controls (VDC) system for the first time with the Model 3 Performance version, which is allowing them to develop more advanced driving modes like a ‘track mode.’
Generally, in other vehicles with similar ‘race modes’ or ‘track modes’, it involves removing or changing the behavior of onboard driver assist features like traction control and power steering, but Tesla takes on the concept differently.
Michael Neumeyer, Tesla Manager of Chassis Controls, said earlier this month:
“Our Track Mode doesn’t disable features, it adds them,”
The company explained that it uses the traction between the two motors and slip distribution instead of brakes, which gives more control to the driver. Though the traction control will still help in “tougher situations.”
The regenerative braking not only acts differently in track mode, but it also has increased regen power, which helps give a break to the brakes.
Under track mode, Tesla also changed the powertrain cooling algorithm to be optimized for the high power usage of a track day.
It enables things like drifting. Tesla already shared images of Model 3 Performance vehicles drifting, but it now shared new images of the vehicle drifting in the snow during testing in Alaska on Twitter:
It’s now clear where and when it was in Alaska because Electrek’s own Seth Weintraub is currently traveling in the state and it’s t-shirt and shorts weather right now on his way to Fairbank.
We got a Model 3 Performance test drive last month, but the conditions were less than ideal to test a performance vehicle.
I should receive my own model 3 Performance in the next few weeks and at that point, we are going to put it to the test and come back with a more thorough review from an owner’s perspective.
Images like those make it hard to wait…
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