Tesla’s Chief Designer was recently spotted Supercharging a never-before-seen Model 3 with unique badging and red brake calipers. If speculations are proven right, the Tesla community just got its first glimpse of what could very well be the Model 3’s dual-motor Performance version.
The sighting was reported over the weekend on the Tesla Owners Los Angeles Facebook page, where a member of the community shared a photo of a red Model 3 being charged at Tesla’s Design Center in Hawthorne, California. This particular Model 3 seemed to be special, however, since it was being driven by none other than Franz von Holzhausen, the man who designed the electric car.
While red Model 3s are already an eye catcher anywhere, several aspects of Franz’s vehicle immediately stood out. The car, for one, was equipped with red brake calipers, accessories which are commonly used in the Performance versions of the Model S and Model X. The Model 3 also appeared to be fitted with larger wheels than the optional 19-inch Sport Wheels currently offered at the Tesla Model 3 online configurator, prompting many members of the online community to speculate that Franz’s Model 3 was equipped with 20-inch wheels.
[Credit: TeslaOwnersLA via Facebook]
Lastly, the badge at the back of the car was different from other Model 3s as well, featuring the word “Tesla,” like the next-generation Roadster, on its trunk. All Model 3s that have been spotted so far had the company’s logo fitted on the trunk of the vehicle.
Considering the number of visible modifications on Franz’s Tesla, many members of the online community believe that his car might be a Model 3 Performance variant with AWD. Signs, after all, have been emerging that Tesla would be offering the dual-motor configuration to Model 3 reservation holders soon. Just recently, we reported that Tesla’s online Model 3 Design Studio now includes references to the upcoming dual motor configuration of the vehicle. Furthermore, Tesla enthusiasts noted that the latest batch of Model 3 VINs has references to dual-motor units as well.
Photos courtesy of TeslaOwnersLA via Facebook
The release of the AWD Performance Model 3 is arguably one of the most highly anticipated developments in the production of the mass market electric car. Since unveiling the vehicle, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has teased several exciting aspects of the performance upgrades for the Model 3, such as smart air suspension and the option to add Ludicrous Mode. Considering that the Model 3 is a far lighter vehicle than its larger siblings — the Model S and the Model X — Ludicrous Mode on the smaller sedan would likely result in some incredibly impressive performance.
Based on the update to the Model 3 online configurator, the recent batch of VINs, as well as the sighting of Franz’s modified Tesla Model 3, it seems like the California-based electric carmaker is definitely gearing up for the imminent release of the AWD Performance variant of its most disruptive vehicle yet.
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Discuss: Model 3
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Saving the planet one Insane/Ludicrous/Performance Lektric gobbler at a time.
Hey kiddies...get back down the mine....... Elon needs more of that Cobalt.
That's fine, though: we're all having fun speculating. And here's my stance: there's simply no way Elon sells a Performance car for a $10k+ premium (my guess is $20k) that shaves less than a second off of the 0-60 time. And Elon ain't selling a "Performance" car that is ANYWHERE in the 4's. I appreciate your caution but I just think you're going to be very, very pleasantly surprised at the performance (the price, on the other hand...stay tuned :p). Finally, once Model 3 is at full production, the S isn't really the flagship anymore. Not from a financial perspective. The 3 is what will make the company profitable, in time. Elon doesn't have time to worry about "protecting" the S. He's got a planet to save, and to do that he has to get as many people into Model 3s as possible. And he's figured out that a good way to do that is to have awesome performance. If people are willing to pay a premium, a la BMW M3, Audi S4, etc., Elon will give them a car they can't resist. Because he doesn't want people buying ICEs anymore.
lol I didn't see your post. I did say 4.4-4.6 so I wouldn't let you have 4.4 and under because that's in my range. I wouldn't put money on it because I really have no idea, these are just my guesses based on speculation.
A couple years ago people were saying the base model of the model 3 would have model s acceleration. Tesla made sure that's not the case. From my understanding, the engine costs very little relative to the total car. Having the model s engine in the model 3 would barely raise the price. I believe it's a business decision to not cannibalize their flagship and I think they'll continue with that.
I'm going right at 4.5 seconds, I'll wiggle with 4.4-4.6. I think the AWD will see 4.8-5.0.
Standard Range, RWD - 5.6
Long Range, RWD - 5.2
Standard Range, AWD - 5.2
Long Range, AWD - 4.8-5.0
Lone Range, AWD, Performance - 4.4-4.5
Given the $80k, Model S does 4.2, I think we will stay above there.
I don't think we are going to see our $50k performance Model 3, go faster than the 100D AWD Long Range $100k Model S which is in the mid-high 3s
I would love to be wrong on this and the performance version be low 3s and that the AWD version is very low 4s
Then you'll be in love, the standard long range RWD is 4.4 sec 0-60
You'll be able to get a performance all-wheel drive that is almost as quick as the Model S Ludicrous, perhaps around 3 sec.
Model 3 is also better at Autobahn continuous high speed as the PM motor doesn't overheat like the induction version in the S and X.
BTW, you can't think that no Model 3 will be quicker than the slowest Model S. Look at BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Performance versions of the smaller cars are as quick or quicker than their big brothers. Musk has said Model 3 will never beat Model S L, but that doesn't mean it can't come close.
Next Model S will be truly plaid I think :)
In all honesty, I'm a bit confused why people care about a performance model of the Model 3. The whole idea was an affordable version of an S, if I'm not mistaken. (...)
Guess it’s human nature for many... some folks like it fast, always faster... That’s ok as long as you don’t forget to smell the roses at times, or, as our good friend @Ryan , if you spend hours per week to prepare & deliver an info-rich blog to keep us informed & entertained! :-)
Also, considering the exorbitant price of the SP100D, up to the new MP New Roadster the epitomy of T≡SLA speed, a P Model 3 at, say $75-80k, would be more ‘affordable’, wouldn’t it? ;)
Having said all this, IMHO, I am on your side as not having this need and will be more then happy with Midnight S≡R≡NITY giving me ‘reasonable’ LRB performance... :cool:
Elon Musk.
Saving the planet one Insane/Ludicrous/Performance Lektric gobbler at a time.
Hey kiddies...get back down the mine....... Elon needs more of that Cobalt.
Batteries are re-usable and by the end of their life they are recyclable for the lithium and cobalt. We've barely even scratched the surface on recycling cobalt from batteries, as we didn't have a need until the last decade.
Mine cobalt, recycle cobalt up to a projected 85% or continue to frack and off-shore drill for oil. Seems like a no brainer.
I ain’t betting with the Lightning King! :D
Apparently Jordan isn't either because he conveniently ignored my post. :p
Elon Musk.
Saving the planet one Insane/Ludicrous/Performance Lektric gobbler at a time.
Hey kiddies...get back down the mine....... Elon needs more of that Cobalt.
Tesla, along with many other companies is very conscientious about where they get their materials from. No child labor involved.
O-60mph in 3.0 seconds or less for the AWD Performance Model 3 !!!
No quicker than 4.5
No quicker than 4.5
Wanna bet? :D
Apparently Jordan isn't either because he conveniently ignored my post. :p
lol I didn't see your post. I did say 4.4-4.6 so I wouldn't let you have 4.4 and under because that's in my range. I wouldn't put money on it because I really have no idea, these are just my guesses based on speculation.
A couple years ago people were saying the base model of the model 3 would have model s acceleration. Tesla made sure that's not the case. From my understanding, the engine costs very little relative to the total car. Having the model s engine in the model 3 would barely raise the price. I believe it's a business decision to not cannibalize their flagship and I think they'll continue with that.
O-60mph in 3.0 seconds or less for the AWD Performance Model 3 !!!
Something tells me the top of the line version would be somewhere in this range. :)
Wanna bet? :D
If your bet is on @hoskme and @simonalvarez0987 with a sub 3 second 0-60 I'd love to take that bet.
If your bet is on @hoskme and @simonalvarez0987 with a sub 3 second 0-60 I'd love to take that bet.
For the record, I'd tweak that to 'close to' 3.0 secs, not necessarily less. ;)
Tesla, along with many other companies is very conscientious about where they get their materials from. No child labor involved.
Tesla uses cobalt from Canada. This fact has been widely published to stop turds like suvirvin801 from spreading fake complaints.
Considering that the AWD non-P version is going to be right about there all by itself, I politely disagreed in the form of the half-serious wager offer. :D
My guess? 0-60 in the mid-3s. Low 3s are probably our best case scenario, IMO.
My interpretation of @JordanWilliamson's post was that the Performance Model 3 would have a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds OR SLOWER.
Considering that the AWD non-P version is going to be right about there all by itself, I politely disagreed in the form of the half-serious wager offer. :D
My guess? 0-60 in the mid-3s. Low 3s are probably our best case scenario, IMO.
I'm going right at 4.5 seconds, I'll wiggle with 4.4-4.6. I think the AWD will see 4.8-5.0.
Standard Range, RWD - 5.6
Long Range, RWD - 5.2
Standard Range, AWD - 5.2
Long Range, AWD - 4.8-5.0
Lone Range, AWD, Performance - 4.4-4.5
Given the $80k, Model S does 4.2, I think we will stay above there.
I don't think we are going to see our $50k performance Model 3, go faster than the 100D AWD Long Range $100k Model S which is in the mid-high 3s
I would love to be wrong on this and the performance version be low 3s and that the AWD version is very low 4s
Even if the model 3 was capable of 0-60 in 3 seconds I believe Tesla would throttle the speed. Why would they sell a car for sub $50k that is faster than their $80k model?
Few people buy a larger car to get something faster. Model 3 AWD Ludicrous will be around 3 sec, but a fully equipped will not be $50K, they are already at close to $60K for the RWD. Like Model S, the max performance, max equipment version cost double of base price, expect top of the line Model 3 to be $70-75K.
If it's 4.5 seconds or slower, I'll PayPal or Venmo you $50. If it's 4.4 or less (quicker), you pay me.
What do you say?
I'm going right at 4.5 seconds, I'll wiggle with 4.4-4.6. I think the AWD will see 4.8-5.0.
Standard Range, RWD - 5.6
Long Range, RWD - 5.2
Standard Range, AWD - 5.2
Long Range, AWD - 4.8-5.0
Lone Range, AWD, Performance - 4.4-4.5
Given the $80k, Model S does 4.2, I think we will stay above there.
I don't think we are going to see our $50k performance Model 3, go faster than the 100D AWD Long Range $100k Model S which is in the mid-high 3s
I would love to be wrong on this and the performance version be low 3s and that the AWD version is very low 4s
I will make you a $50 USD bet, right now, that the Performance Model 3 will have a Tesla-stated 0-60mph time that is quicker than 4.5 seconds (...)
I ain’t betting with the Lightning King! :D
Few people buy a larger car to get something faster. Model 3 AWD Ludicrous will be around 3 sec, but a fully equipped will not be $50K, they are already at close to $60K for the RWD. Like Model S, the max performance, max equipment version cost double of base price, expect top of the line Model 3 to be $70-75K.
I'm not really understanding your math...
The cars right now cost $49k for RWD, long range and premium upgrades, that's close to $50k not $60k? Also, I never said fully maxed out. Why would someone looking to drive for speed buy autonomous driving? Like you said fewer people buy a larger car to get something faster. Fewer people buy a self driving car to have more fun.
That base model is $35k, upgraded battery at today's price is $9,000 ($44,000), we can speculate AWD to be $5,000 although Musk said it would be less ($49,000). So now to go from Long Range AWD to Long Range AWD Performance you're thinking an additional $26,000? That will be the least popular upgrade ever added to a car.
I'm not upgrading my paint and getting heated rear seats if I want the fastest car at a mid-market price.
