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First Tesla Model 3 Performance VBOX test yields 0-60 mph in 3.32 seconds

[Credit: My Tesla Adventure/Instagram]

Published

8 years ago

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The Tesla Model 3 Performance is intended to be a vehicle that is quick off the line and balanced enough to endure extended track driving.

Videos of the Model 3 Performance doing acceleration runs began to emerge online almost immediately after the company began to offer test drives in select showrooms across the US. A Model 3 Performance test drive unit from Tesla’s Costa Mesa Sales & Delivery Center in Orange County, CA was filmed doing a 0-60 mph run in 4 seconds flat while carrying four adults. More recently, Tesla owner-enthusiast Erik Strait, better known as the host of YouTube’s DÆrik channel, also shared a video showcasing the Model 3 Performance’s 0-60 mph acceleration. 

Tesla enthusiast Eli of My Tesla Adventure was able to get behind the wheel of a fully stock Model 3 Performance earlier this week. Eli noted that he was able to use his VBOX, a device that measures a vehicle’s acceleration, speed, and overall stats during a specific run, when he took the Model 3 Performance for a spin. While a video is unavailable as per the electric car owner’s request, the YouTube host was able to share the data gathered by his VBOX in social media. Following are screenshots from the My Tesla Adventure host’s VBOX app on his smartphone.

The Model 3 Performance’s VBOX data during a 0-60 mph run. [Credit: My Tesla Adventure/Instagram]

As could be seen in the Model 3 Performance’s VBOX data, the electric car was able to hit the 60 mph mark in 3.32 seconds, the speed mentioned by Elon Musk when he tweeted about the vehicle’s optimum performance. According to Musk, the electric car’s 20″ Performance Wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires are balanced for speed and range. Musk suggested that thicker and stickier tires at the rear of the Model 3 Performance should help the vehicle lower its 0-60 mph time to 3.3 seconds. If the recent VBOX data is any indication, however, it seems like a 3.3-second 0-60 mph run is already possible even if the vehicle is completely stock.

Tesla tends to underrate its electric cars’ performance figures. When the Long Range RWD Model 3 started making its way to reservation holders, racing enthusiasts such as Brooks of DragTimes were able to get 0-60 times in the 4.5-second range, far quicker than Tesla’s listed 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds for the vehicle. Over the past few months, however, it appears like Tesla has adjusted the Long Range RWD Model 3’s acceleration, with the sedan’s 0-60 mph performance now being more consistent to Tesla’s 5.1-second estimate. In a recent update on the r/TeslaMotors subreddit, Model 3 Dual Motor AWD owner u/Cynapse noted that his electric car showed a 0-60 mph time of 4.33 seconds with 18″ Aero Wheels. Tesla’s specs for the vehicle list a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.

During Tesla’s Q2 2018 earnings call, Tesla worldwide head of sales Robin Ren stated that orders for the Model 3 Performance and the Dual Motor AWD have been encouraging, and interest for the vehicle even among non-reservation holders remain high. With Tesla now delivering the Model 3 Performance and Dual Motor AWD to customers, it would only be a matter of time before the electric cars are analyzed by VBOX data on the track. 

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For now, here is a video of a Tesla Model 3 Performance doing a 0-60 mph run on a freeway as measured by Dragy, another performance-measuring device. The electric car, whose battery was at the low 80s during the run, was equipped with Tesla’s stock 18″ wheel package with Aero hubcaps off.

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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.

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Tesla’s AI lead doubles down on FSD’s speed strategy, and owners are confused

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1 hour ago

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August 4, 2026

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla’s AI lead Ashok Elluswamy doubled down on the company’s strategy regarding Full Self-Driving’s speed settings, and owners are definitely confused.

Earlier versions of Full Self-Driving allowed owners to set a max speed that the vehicle could travel while operating under the semi-autonomous driver assistance platform. This allowed more customization for the driver, giving them the ability to experience FSD’s robust performance with their own personal preferences.

Speed is massively important for obvious reasons — it’s not only a question of keeping the vehicle occupants comfortable by traveling at a safe speed, but it’s also something that could contribute to a ticket or infraction from law enforcement.

With the release of FSD v14 last year, Tesla removed the ability to set a max speed and instead opted for five Speed Profiles, ranging from “Sloth,” the most conservative, to “Mad Max,” the most aggressive and spirited. These profiles not only control speed, but also how frequently the vehicle will execute passes, perform lane changes, and other contributing factors.

The removal of the Max Speed setting was a major complaint amongst the Tesla community because it left owners scrambling for a way to experience suitable behaviors while traveling at an appropriate speed. Most felt the driving profiles would be a good indicator of the behaviors, while speed would still be left up to the discretion of the driver.

Instead, Tesla’s Speed Profiles determine both, and the constant tinkering of how they behave has been a major bottleneck and point of confusion for both owners and the company. From update to update, the Speed Profiles will change, sometimes more drastically than others. Some owners have complained that the “Standard” profile is too fast, while others have experienced “Mad Max” traveling below the speed limit:

These things change with each update, but the big complaint is that owners are on the hook for any tickets that come from FSD’s infractions; that’s the caveat of the suite being named FSD (Supervised). It ultimately means the driver is responsible, and the automaker has no liability when it comes to speeding tickets or general traffic infractions.

It is the driver’s responsibility to take over or adjust based on this.

Elluswamy essentially confirmed that there are no plans to bring back Max Speed control, because it is what he referred to as “an anti pattern.” He then echoed something that CEO Elon Musk has started to really push with FSD, and that’s the idea that Tesla is really honing in on the preferences of the driver.

Owners were confused by Tesla’s decision, stating that there must be a better way, especially considering disengagements for incorrect speeds are common:

From personal experience and using FSD for over 72 percent of my driving miles since v14 was released late last year, I make Speed Profile adjustments constantly. If FSD is traveling a tad too quickly, I will scale it back, and if it’s too conservative, I’ll make it more aggressive.

I don’t complain about making the Speed Profile changes too frequently, but it would certainly be nice to have it happen less frequently. There are far too many times I am concerned about getting a ticket, even in Standard mode.

The biggest issue for me, personally, which seems to be echoed throughout the community, is the fact that Tesla’s goal is to minimize disengagements. Many drivers are stating that speed is a major reason for disengagements.

However, Tesla is not willing to bring back this one level of input because it would technically be a regression.

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Whether it’s right or wrong in your opinion, it is what Tesla is going with, and it seems like it has pivoted quite a bit from its other strategies for minimizing interventions by pushing its AI to behave in a way that would fit the occupant’s personal preferences.

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Tesla qualifies for awesome new first-time EV buyer incentive in California

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2 hours ago

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August 4, 2026

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White Tesla Model X rear bumper showing California license plate

Tesla is one of several automakers whose vehicles qualify for an awesome new first-time EV buyer incentive program in California.

The Golden State launched the MyFirstEV incentive program, which helps those buying an electric vehicle for the first time with a $3,500 incentive on new-inventory purchases of a Model 3 or Model Y.

The incentive requires an order on or after August 3, and delivery must be taken while the program is still being funded. California has set aside $135.5 million to help strengthen its SEV market and support automotive innovation.

Incentives are offered at the point of sale, and used EVs are also available for a partial incentive of $1,750. Half of the $3,500 and $1,750 incentive amounts are covered by California, with the other half being covered by participating OEMs.

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Additionally, rules apply for MSRP and how the vehicle will qualify for the incentive. Any vehicle from a non-California headquartered OEM must have an MSRP of $50,000 or less. Used vehicles must be priced at $25,000 or less and must be at least two model years older than the year of purchase.

The cars must also be purchased from manufacturers as certified pre-owned vehicles. Private dealerships are not eligible.

In total, California expects to incentivize over 73,000 ZEVs.

Participating Manufacturers

Fourteen total automakers are participating in California’s MyFirstEV program:

  • Chevrolet – Launching August 2026
  • Ford – Launching August 2026
  • Honda – Launching September 2026
  • Hyundai – Launching August 2026
  • Kia – Launching August 2026
  • Lexus – Launching September 2026
  • Lucid – Launching August 2026
  • Mitsubishi – Launching November 2026
  • Nissan – Coming Soon
  • Rivian – Coming Soon
  • Subaru – Launching September 2026
  • Tesla – Launching August 2026
  • Toyota – Launching September 2026
  • Volvo – Coming Soon

 

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Investor's Corner

SpaceX to report first-ever earnings today: here’s what to expect

Published

3 hours ago

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August 4, 2026

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Credit: SpaceX

Elon Musk’s space exploration company, SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX), is set to report its earnings for the second quarter today in what will be its first-ever earnings call since going public in July.

SpaceX is trading down roughly 25 percent from its IPO. These early stock signals are usually a bit tumultuous, and considering this is the first company actively launching rockets that is available on the stock exchange, investors might have a tendency to be a bit skittish.

However, there are going to be some details that investors will hear for the first time today on the earnings call. Here’s what to look for:

Wall Street Expectations

Revenue is expected to fall somewhere around $6.8 billion, and will be heavily driven by Starlink, which is SpaceX’s widely popular satellite internet platform that has been adopted by numerous airlines, cruise ships, and other maritime operations. It is also available for consumers at home or in their cars.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) expectations fall at a net loss of $0.23 per share. Wall Street sees this as a total net loss of roughly $1.9 billion.

EBITDA is expected to come in between $2 billion and $2.1 billion.

What Investors Want to Know

Tesla uses the Say platform to help work with both retail and institutional investors to answer relevant and quality questions that address concerns or questions that they might have.

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However, SpaceX is doing things differently, as the company launched its own Investor Relations website where these questions are being fielded. Just like the Tesla questions, they seem to be less focused on the operational tasks and overall progress of the company, and more novelty.

Here are the top five:

  • Has the team thought about what possibilities there are with your mascot Asteroid? Whether it’s starting additional foundations for kids in its name, helping kids learn about space, etc. Kids are our future, and Asteroid would be a fun and easy way to help.
  • Baby Asteroid is already making a difference through charity around the world. Could SpaceX take it even further with programs that inspire kids to explore space?
  • SpaceX has some legendary vehicle names. Would you ever allow the public to name a Starship, even knowing there is a 99% chance it becomes Shipy McShipface?
  • When can we expect to see more footage of the Human Landing System?
  • Will Asteroid (your mascot) go to Mars?

SpaceX will report its earnings today, August 4, at 4:30 P.M. EDT.

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