UPDATE 6/18/2018: Elon Musk has shared a photo of the dual-motor Performance variant of the Model 3 on a new assembly line.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has revealed more about the upcoming dual-motor and Performance variants of the company’s entry-level Model 3 sedan. In a series of late-night tweets, Musk announced that adding a front-mounted motor to the Model 3 will be a $5000 option, bringing the starting price of a dual-motor Model 3 with the Long Range battery pack up to $50,000.
The Long Range battery pack, a $9000 option, is currently the only battery pack being produced for the Model 3. In the single-motor Model 3, it provides an EPA-estimated driving range of 310 miles; Musk tweeted that the all-wheel-drive Model 3 will match that. (In our real-world 75-mph highway test, a single-motor Model 3 with the Long Range battery pack managed a rather disappointing calculated highway range of 200 miles.)
For Sale Near You
See all results for used 2018 Tesla Model 3 for sale near 60323
While driving range may not improve for the dual-motor Model 3, straight-line performance will, according to Musk. He said the dual-motor Model 3 will scoot to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which would be 0.6 second quicker than the rear-motor Model 3 we tested. Horsepower and torque figures for the dual-motor Model 3 have yet to be announced, but obviously will better those of the rear-motor car, which packs 221 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. Those in search of maximum grunt will be able to add a Performance package to the dual-motor model. Musk says Model 3s so equipped will be capable of a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
The top-of-the-line Model 3 will wear a sticker price of approximately $78,000, including all options except the company’s Autopilot technology. Musk went as far as to claim the dual-motor Model 3 with the Performance package will be quicker and handle better than a similarly priced BMW M3 while also being able to “beat anything in its class on the track.” We’re not sure which track Musk is referring to, but our track experience with our long-term Model S P85D makes us skeptical.
- Tested in Depth! Tesla Model 3
- Long-Term Tested: 2015 Tesla Model S P85D
- Tesla Model 3 Research: Reviews, Specs, Pricing, and More!
Still, we’d welcome the opportunity to put a dual-motor Model 3 with the Performance package through its paces on the track. And we’re always looking for new challengers to duke it out at our annual Lightning Lap competition. How about it, Elon?
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg's career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend.
