Tesla Model 3 performance variant released

The American electric car pioneer is under siege from a wave of rival performance EVs but its latest model could set them back on their heels.

Tesla will turn up the heat on its EV rivals with a new performance model based on the popular Tesla Model 3 sedan.

The new Tesla Model 3 Performance promises supercar-rivalling thrust while undercutting rival rapid EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT.

Tesla says the all-wheel-drive Model 3 Performance can reach 100km/h in 3.1 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 262km/h, making it significantly quicker than the standard rear-wheel drive car’s 6.1 second sprint.

A larger battery lends 528 kilometres of range, more than the regular car’s 513km claim, but less than the 629km claim of the mid-grade long-range model.

The new Model 3 Performance promises to deliver outstanding acceleration. Picture: Supplied.

The Model 3 Performance costs $80,900 plus on-road costs (about $87,000 drive-away), $22,000 more than the standard car.

Tesla does not provide official power figures for its cars, but it does claim peak power has increased by more than 30 per cent, suggesting the new Model 3 Performance has close to 400kW of power.

While the previous Model 3 Performance felt like a regular Tesla with a dollop of additional power, the new car will have tweaks to improve its roadholding.

The car benefits from a reinforced chassis for sharper cornering, along with the addition of multi-mode adaptive suspension, which will allow the driver to choose a comfort or performance-biased ride.

The new model has aero and suspension tweaks to make it sharper through the corners. Picture: Supplied.

“We have made significant updates to chassis hardware to match the increased performance of drive systems and suspension. Increased structural stiffness, updated springs, stabiliser bars and bushings deliver a chassis that is more performance-capable and is highly responsive responds to driver inputs,” the brand says.

The new model wears 20-inch wheels with staggered Pirelli performance tyres that are wider at the rear than the front.

Tesla says the set-up provides “sharper turn-in response, improved predictability and increased traction out of corners on both road and track surfaces”.

Upgraded, track-ready brake pads promise “more immediate deceleration and higher thermal limits and endurance”, which is good news, as the previous model did not cope well on circuit.

New wheels and brakes promise better performance. Picture: Supplied.

Subtly revised aero is part of the deal, improving the car’s downforce and aerodynamic balance.

A new track mode allows drivers to customise handling balance, stability controls and regenerative braking via an all-new user interface.

There are also design changes to differentiate the Performance version from other Model 3s, including new front and rear treatments that are more aggressively styled, with integrated cooling ducts.

The interior design has been tweaked to reflect the car’s performance focus. Picture: Supplied.

A rear diffuser and carbon-fibre spoiler add to high-speed stability.

Tesla says there are new sport seats with more support for cornering, as well as carbon-fibre highlights.

Customers who order a car now should receive them in the third quarter of the year, with vehicles slated to arrive between July and September.