Connect with us

News

Tesla Model 3 Performance documents in Europe hint at exciting motor updates

Credit: Alex Voigt/X

Published

on

Tesla may be planning something special for the Model 3 Performance “Highland” update. While the vehicle is yet to be released, a European Type Certificate from the RDW suggests that the upcoming all-electric sedan will feature a rather unique electric motor setup. 

The Tesla Model 3 Performance is arguably the company’s most fun car in its lineup. It’s smaller than the Model S Plaid, so it’s very fun to throw around the corners. It’s also quite affordable for what it offers as it currently costs $53,240 in the United States before incentives. For this price, the Model 3 Performance is capable of a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph. 

During the Model 3’s recent “Highland” refresh, electric vehicle watchers were quite surprised to see that the updated EV only came in two variants, the single-motor RWD and the Long Range Dual Motor AWD. The Model 3 Performance was nowhere to be found. It was a strange omission, all things considered, considering how popular the car is among EV circles. 

As noted in a post on the TFF Forum, however, a European Type Certificate from vehicle authority RDW from July listed a new Model 3 Performance. This time around, the vehicle had the letter “T” on its VIN’s eighth digit. Considering that the eighth digit in a VIN typically corresponds to the type of motor in a vehicle, the presence of the letter “T” in the new Model 3 Performance’s VIN is quite interesting. 

Tesla has reportedly used the “T” designation on the European Model S and Model X Plaid’s VIN, though both of these vehicles feature a tri-motor AWD setup. Granted, it is unlikely for Tesla to release a tri-motor Model 3, but the company may adopt one of the Model S/X Plaid’s motors for the upcoming top-tier electric sedan. Having a motor from the company’s flagship vehicles would likely make the Model 3 Performance an even better vehicle, after all. 

Advertisement

It remains to be seen how Tesla would improve the Model 3 Performance since the vehicle is already a great car to begin with. It would not be surprising, however, if Tesla improves some of the key aspects of the Model 3 Performance with its “Highland” update, such as its 0-60 mph time and top-end speed. With such improvements, it would be very difficult for rivals to match the Model 3 Performance on both its price and its capabilities.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads-up.

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.

Comments

News

Tesla launching in Saudi Arabia

Published

on

tesla-saudi-arabia-launch
(Credit: Tesla)

Tesla is officially launching in Saudi Arabia. The electric vehicle manufacturer is arriving in Saudi Arabia with a launch event at the Bujairi Terrace on April 10, 2025.

“Explore our global bestselling lineup and step into a world powered by solar energy, sustained by batteries, and driven by electric vehicles.

“Experience the future of autonomous driving with Cybercab, and meet Optimus, our humanoid robot, as we showcase what’s next in AI and robotics. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions you have about Tesla ownership, home charging and more,” stated Tesla.

The event will start at 20:00 and end at 23:00. Slots for the event are limited. Anyone who wants to attend can sign up here.

Advertisement

Initial reactions to Tesla’s arrival in Saudi Arabia seem to be positive. In the company’s announcement on X, a few responders commented that they’ve been asking Tesla to come to Saudi Arabia for years. Early reactions hint that Tesla’s brand name is not tarnished in all countries.

Excitement for Tesla in Saudi Arabia contrasts reactions to the brand in the United States, some parts of Canada, and select European cities. Tesla vehicles, stores, and Superchargers have been a target for arson as Elon Musk’s public image continues to gather hate. The Tesla attacks have led to the FBI forming a task force to address the incidents.

Continue Reading

News

Tesla attacks get FBI task force to squash the acts of ‘domestic terrorism’

The FBI has launched a task force with the ATF to stop violent Tesla attacks & investigate a March 29 anti-Tesla protest.

Published

on

Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

An FBI task force has been assigned to crackdown on Tesla attacks, which have been targeting the company’s stores, Supercharger stalls, and vehicles.

“Can confirm: The FBI has launched a Task Force in conjunction with ATF to coordinate investigative activity and crack down on violent Tesla attacks. More to come,” noted the FBI’s Assistant Director to Public Affairs, Ben Williamson, on X.

The FBI task force assigned to end attacks on Tesla is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Most Tesla attacks involve setting a store, Supercharger, or vehicle on fire, usually by throwing a Molotov cocktail. The task force will also be working with the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.

“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response. This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel on X.

The FBI is looking into two active anti-Tesla sites and the “Tesla Takedown” protest scheduled for March 29. One of the sites is Dogeque.st, which has been doxxing Tesla employees and locations across the United States. The website is also doxxing Tesla owners, resulting in safety concerns for civilians.

Advertisement

The anti-Tesla attacks have resulted in at least four arrests thus far. Three people were arrested for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla stores, Superchargers, and vehicles. One person was arrested for driving into a crowd of protesters in front of a Tesla store. Fortunately, none of the attacks–on either side–have resulted in injuries or fatalities.

Continue Reading

News

Multiple explosives found at Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas

The disturbing incident follows a series of vandalism and arson cases linked to Tesla facilities and vehicles.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla

Multiple incendiary devices were discovered inside a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas on Monday morning, police have stated. The disturbing incident follows a series of vandalism and arson cases linked to Tesla facilities and vehicles, which have since prompted federal and local investigations.

Devices Found After Anonymous Tip

Austin Police Department officers responded to the Tesla showroom following an anonymous call about alleged bombs inside the building. Upon arrival at the location, authorities found several “suspicious devices,” which were later identified as incendiary by the Austin Police Department Bomb Squad. 

The bomb squad was able to remove the incendiary devices without incident. Citing the police department, the Daily Mail has noted that the devices were designed to cause “large-scale explosive violence.” No arrests have been made in relation to the incident as of writing, though an investigation is ongoing.

The Austin PD’s Statement

A release from the Austin Police Department’s Public Information Office described the details of the incident:

“On Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 8:04 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a Found/Abandoned Hazardous call at the Tesla dealership located at 12845 N. US 183 Hwy SVRD NB. When officers arrived on scene, they located suspicious devices, and called the APD Bomb Squad to investigate. The devices, which were determined to be incendiary, were taken into police custody without incident. This is an open and ongoing investigation, and there is no further information available for release at this time,” the Austin PD wrote.

Advertisement

Attacks Linked to Musk’s Government Role

The apparent Tesla Austin attempted bombing comes amid escalating violence against Tesla properties, which seemed to be attributed in no small part to Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative slashing federal spending. Musk, during a conversation with Sean Hannity of FOX News, claimed that the aggressive attacks stem from his efforts to curb waste.

“It turns out when you take away people’s, you know, the money that they’re receiving fraudulently, they get very upset. And they basically want kill me because I’m stopping their fraud and they want to hurt Tesla because we’re stopping the terrible waste and corruption in the government. And, well, I guess they’re bad people. Bad people do bad things,” Musk noted.

Continue Reading

Trending