Connect with us
ferrari tesla ferrari tesla

News

Tesla quietly updates its 3rd-slowest sedan to be quicker than the Ferrari Testarossa

(Credit: The Drive/YouTube and Andres GE)

Published

on

When Tesla released the Mid-Range Model 3, it was positioned as an entry-level vehicle that is designed to provide a practical, reasonably-priced way for customers to get into the company’s ecosystem. The Mid-Range Model 3 was thus conservatively specced, with performance figures that were closer to that of the Standard Range Model 3 than the more expensive Long Range AWD variant. 

The Mid-Range Tesla Model 3 was launched with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, a top speed of 125 mph, and a range of 260 miles. Since Tesla was not able to manufacture its Standard Range battery packs yet then, the electric car maker equipped the Mid-Range Model 3 with a Long Range battery pack with fewer cells, giving the vehicle its 260-mile range. The Mid-Range Model 3 was ultimately retired upon the arrival of the Standard Range and Standard Range Plus Model 3, which took its place as Tesla’s entry-level vehicle. 

Being part of the Model 3 family, the Mid-Range Model 3 has received improvements that the company has rolled out to the vehicle. In January, for one, Tesla updated the vehicle’s range to 264 miles per charge. Last March, the vehicle’s performance received improvements as well. And with Tesla’s most recent 5% over-the-air performance boost, the Mid-Range Model 3 got better once more. 

Tesla owner-enthusiast nukem384, who owns a Mid-Range Model 3, recently tested his vehicle’s acceleration after receiving the electric car maker’s most recent performance update. In the Tesla owner’s tests, the Mid-Range Model 3 was able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds consistently. These figures are incredibly impressive, considering that breaking the 5-second barrier places the Mid-Range Model 3 into high-performance car territory. 

Advertisement

Such acceleration numbers, in fact, actually make the Mid-Range Model 3 quicker from 0-60 mph than the legendary and iconic Ferrari Testarossa, which was one of the Italian supercar-maker’s most recognizable vehicles to date. The Testarossa is arguably one of Ferrari’s best creations, and the exhaust note from its naturally-aspirated V12 engines is nothing short of legendary. The vehicle also received cult status for being the hero car in the popular show Miami Vice

Performance-wise, the Testarossa is nothing to scoff about. The supercar is worthy of its Ferrari badge, with its 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and its top speed of 180 mph. Mid-engined, raw, and unapologetically manual, the Testarossa is probably one of the most recognizable Ferraris ever made. A proper supercar, and one that is now capable of being outrun by a young automaker’s “3rd-slowest” family sedan after a free over-the-air software update

In the age of electric cars and internet-connected vehicles, over-the-air performance updates are a true difference-maker. Tesla is arguably the only automaker that does this today, but hopefully, as more carmakers follow the trend of tech-centric high-performance cars, OTA performance updates will soon be the norm. Until then, Tesla’s electric cars will likely keep improving as evidenced by a Tesla Model 3 Performance, a car without a dedicated Launch Mode, recently breaking the 3-second barrier in a 0-60 mph test.

Advertisement

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

Advertisement
Comments

Elon Musk

Tesla Full Self-Driving set to get an awesome new feature, Elon Musk says

Published

on

Credit: Teslarati

Tesla Full Self-Driving is set to get an awesome new feature in the near future, CEO Elon Musk confirmed on X.

Full Self-Driving is the company’s semi-autonomous driving program, which is among the best available to the general public. It still relies on the driver to ultimately remain in control and pay attention, but it truly does make traveling less stressful and easier.

However, Tesla still continuously refines the software through Over-the-Air updates, which are meant to resolve shortcomings in the performance of the FSD suite. Generally, Tesla does a great job of this, but some updates are definitely regressions, at least with some of the features.

Tesla Cybertruck owner credits FSD for saving life after freeway medical emergency

Tesla and Musk are always trying to improve the suite’s performance by fixing features that are presently available, but they also try to add new things that would be beneficial to owners. One of those things, which is coming soon, is giving the driver the ability to prompt FSD with voice demands.

For example, asking the car to park close to the front door of your destination, or further away in an empty portion of the parking lot, would be an extremely beneficial feature. Adjusting navigation is possible through Grok integration, but it is not always effective.

Musk confirmed that voice prompts for FSD would be possible:

Tesla Full Self-Driving is a really great thing, but it definitely has its shortcomings. Navigation is among the biggest complaints that owners have, and it is easily my biggest frustration with using it. Some of the routes it chooses to take are truly mind-boggling.

Another thing it has had issues with is being situated in the correct lane at confusing intersections or even managing to properly navigate through local traffic signs. For example, in Pennsylvania, there are a lot of stop signs with “Except Right Turn” signs directly under.

This gives those turning right at a stop sign the opportunity to travel through it. FSD has had issues with this on several occasions.

Parking preferences would be highly beneficial and something that could be resolved with this voice prompt program. Grocery stores are full of carts not taken back by customers, and many people choose to park far away. Advising FSD of this preference would be a great advantage to owners.

Continue Reading

Cybertruck

Elon Musk clarifies Tesla Cybertruck ’10 day’ comment, fans respond

Some are arguing that the decision to confirm a price hike in ten days is sort of counterproductive, especially considering it is based on demand. Giving consumers a timeline of just ten days to make a big purchase like a pickup truck for $60,000, and basically stating the price will go up, will only push people to make a reservation.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla

Elon Musk has clarified what he meant by his comment on X yesterday that seemed to indicate that Tesla would either do away with the new All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the Cybertruck or adjust the price.

The response was cryptic as nobody truly knew what Musk’s plans were for the newest Tesla Cybertruck trim level. We now have that answer, and fans of the company are responding in a polarizing fashion.

On Thursday night, Tesla launched the Cybertruck All-Wheel-Drive, priced competitively at $59,990. It was a vast improvement from the Rear-Wheel-Drive configuration Tesla launched last year at a similar price point, which was eventually cancelled just a few months later due to low demand.

Tesla launches new Cybertruck trim with more features than ever for a low price

However, Musk said early on Friday, “just for 10 days,” the truck would either be available or priced at $59,990. We can now confirm Tesla will adjust the price based on more recent comments from the CEO.

Musk said the price will fluctuate, but it “depends on how much demand we see at this price level.”

Some are defending the decision, stating that it is simply logical to see how the Cybertruck sells at this price and adjust accordingly.

Others, not so much.

Some are arguing that the decision to confirm a price hike in ten days is sort of counterproductive, especially considering it is based on demand. Giving consumers a timeline of just ten days to make a big purchase like a pickup truck for $60,000, and basically stating the price will go up, will only push people to make a reservation.

Demand will look strong because people want to lock in this price. The price will inevitably go up, and demand for the trim will likely fall a bit because of the increased cost.

Many are arguing Musk should have kept this detail internal, but transparency is a good policy to have. It is a polarizing move to confirm a price increase in just a week-and-a-half, but the community is obviously split on how to feel.

Continue Reading

Cybertruck

Tesla Cybertruck’s newest trim will undergo massive change in ten days, Musk says

It appears as if the new All-Wheel-Drive trim of Cybertruck won’t be around for too long, however. Elon Musk revealed this morning that it will be around “only for the next 10 days.”

Published

on

(Credit: Tesla)

Tesla’s new Cybertruck trim has already gotten the axe from CEO Elon Musk, who said the All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the all-electric pickup will only be available “for the next ten days.”

Musk could mean the price, which is $59,990, or the availability of the trim altogether.

Last night, Tesla launched the All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the Cybertruck, a pickup that comes in at less than $60,000 and features a competitive range and features that are not far off from the offerings of the premium trim.

Tesla launches new Cybertruck trim with more features than ever for a low price

It was a nice surprise from Tesla, considering that last year, it offered a Rear-Wheel-Drive trim of the Cybertruck that only lasted a few months. It had extremely underwhelming demand because it was only $10,000 cheaper than the next trim level up, and it was missing a significant number of premium features.

Simply put, it was not worth the money. Tesla killed the RWD Cybertruck just a few months after offering it.

With the news that Tesla was offering this All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the Cybertruck, many fans and consumers were encouraged. The Cybertruck has been an underwhelming seller, and this seemed to be a lot of truck for the price when looking at its features:

  • Dual Motor AWD w/ est. 325 mi of range
  • Powered tonneau cover
  • Bed outlets (2x 120V + 1x 240V) & Powershare capability
  • Coil springs w/ adaptive damping
  • Heated first-row seats w/ textile material that is easy to clean
  • Steer-by-wire & Four Wheel Steering
  • 6’ x 4’ composite bed
  • Towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs
  • Powered frunk

It appears as if this trim of Cybertruck won’t be around for too long, however. Musk revealed this morning that it will be around “only for the next 10 days.”

Musk could mean the price of the truck and not necessarily the ability to order it. However, most are taking it as a cancellation.

If it is, in fact, a short-term availability decision, it is baffling, especially as Tesla fans and analysts claim that metrics like quarterly deliveries are no longer important. This seems like a way to boost sales short-term, and if so many people are encouraged about this offering, why would it be kept around for such a short period of time?

Some are even considering the potential that Tesla axes the Cybertruck program as a whole. Although Musk said during the recent Q4 Earnings Call that Cybertruck would still be produced, the end of the Model S and Model X programs indicates Tesla might be prepared to do away with any low-volume vehicles that do not contribute to the company’s future visions of autonomy.

The decision to axe the car just ten days after making it available seems like a true head-scratcher.

Continue Reading