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Tesla Model 3 Performance to outlast the Porsche Taycan on the track

(Photo: Andres GE, Christoph Bauer Postproduction: Wagnerchic ? www.wagnerchic.com)

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While the Tesla Model 3 Performance will not be able to beat the Porsche Taycan in a timed lap around a track, the midsize family sedan could outlast the German-made four-door sports car in an endurance race. This is according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who recently provided several updates on the electric car maker’s upcoming Model S Plaid Powertrain variant in a series of tweets. 

While responding to a follower who inquired if the $56,000 Model 3 Performance will be able to beat the $150,000 Taycan around a closed circuit, Musk stated that Tesla’s most affordable vehicle will likely lose to the all-electric Porsche. Musk did explain that the race between the two all-electric vehicles will be “very close” nonetheless.  

Seemingly as an afterthought, Musk soon added that the Model 3 Performance would actually be able to beat the Porsche Taycan in an endurance race, simply because it has more range. Musk even playfully hinted at a potential performance boost coming to the Model 3 series, responding with a cryptic “You never know…” to a follower who asked if Tesla could still squeeze out more performance out of the midsize sedan.

Musk’s statement about the Model 3 Performance’s capability to outlast the Taycan in an endurance race does hold some merit, considering its superior range and efficiency. The Model 3 Performance has an EPA rated range of 310 miles per charge, after all, which is a substantial lead over the Porsche Taycan’s WLTP range of 236.74-279.61 miles per charge. This is a key difference-maker between the two vehicles, especially since the WLTP is generally more generous with range estimates compared to the EPA. Thus, at least in theory, the Model 3 could go around a track more times than the Taycan before it needs to recharge its batteries.

Despite their massive price and range discrepancy, the Porsche Taycan Turbo and the Model 3 Performance actually have fairly comparable specs. The Taycan Turbo has a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds, while the Model 3 Performance sprints to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. In terms of top speed, the Taycan maxes out at 161 mph while the Model 3 Performance maxes out at 162 mph. Overall, a race between these two vehicles in a closed circuit will most definitely be a great match, as it will be a battle between a premium all-electric sports car that’s born and bred for the track and a family sedan that looks far too tame for its ferocity. 

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Perhaps the real difference-maker in the Model 3 vs Taycan battle would be Tesla’s capability to unlock more performance out of its vehicle. Musk’s recent playful response would suggest that Tesla has some options to explore on this front. And considering a 2016 tweet where Musk responded positively to the suggestion of introducing Ludicrous Mode for the Model 3, it appears that Tesla might have some more tricks up its sleeve for its resident bang-for-your-buck performance car.

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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Elon Musk

Tesla Robotaxis are becoming a common sight on Austin’s public roads

Tesla Robotaxi sightings are becoming much more frequent ahead of its launch planned for this month.

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Credit: @Muzeishen | X

Tesla Robotaxis are becoming a common sight on the public roads of Austin, Texas, as yet another test mule has been spotted near the company’s target launch date.

Just over a week ago, the first public sighting of a driverless Tesla Robotaxi was reported. The vehicle was an updated version of the Tesla Model Y, which will be the initial model used in the public deployment of the Robotaxi platform.

Throughout the past week, sightings have been more common, as people in Austin have been looking for the unique decal Tesla is placing on car doors to recognize the driverless vehicles (After all, Robotaxis are not as easy to recognize as driverless vehicles without the LIDAR unit on the roof like Waymo).

Yet another sighting of a Robotaxi was shared on social media today, just two days before CEO Elon Musk’s proposed launch date of June 22:

It is easy to tell that there is nobody in the driver’s seat of this vehicle. Tesla is using its white interior on this particular mule, making it incredibly simple to recognize that no human is controlling the car.

Whether Tesla will still meet the June 22nd deadline remains to be seen, but it is no secret that the company is prioritizing safety ahead of offering public rides.

Tesla will initially roll out the Robotaxi platform in Austin, but it has already started the regulatory process in other areas, specifically California.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also helping to streamline the process for companies developing driverless vehicles by giving exemptions to automakers. It will make things much more efficient, benefiting Tesla and other car companies that have similar plans.

Tesla Robotaxi just got a big benefit from the U.S. government

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Elon Musk teases Tesla Optimus Gen 3 capabilities: ‘So many improvements’

If you thought Optimus Gen 2 was impressive, Tesla might have a surprise for you.

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Credit: Tesla Optimus | X

Elon Musk has teased that huge improvements are coming to Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, which is arguably the product that the company is developing with the most potential for everyday use by consumers and valuation increases from a financial perspective.

Optimus is still in the development stages, but Tesla has made great strides in its development over the past several years. It started as a simple idea that was unveiled with a human being in a spandex suit.

Tesla posts Optimus’ most impressive video demonstration yet

Just a few years later, Tesla has developed several humanoid robot prototypes that have made their way to influencers and have lent a helping hand around the company’s manufacturing facilities.

Tesla has already introduced two generations of Optimus, as the most recent release featured a vast number of improvements from the initial version.

The following is a list of things Tesla improved upon with Optimus Gen 2 compared to Gen 1:

  • Tesla introduced a weight reduction of roughly 22 pounds, improving efficiency and agility
  • Optimus Gen 2 had a walking speed that improved by 30 percent over Gen 1
  • Tesla developed more capable hands that had 22 degrees of freedom, double that of Gen 1. This improved object handling
  • Optimus Gen 2 had a 2-degree-of-freedom neck, as Gen 1’s was fixed
  • Tesla integrated actuators and sensors for better performance. This includes things like foot force/torque sensing, articulated toe sections that are close to human foot geometry for better balance and movement
  • Optimus Gen 2 has 28 degrees of overall freedom, improving flexibility from the first generation
  • Tesla’s Optimus Gen 2 can do more than Gen 1, and has shown improved motor control and precision, doing things like squats, yoga poses, dancing, and even poaching an egg

These changes essentially brought Tesla closer to what will be the Optimus version that makes it to production. The company has plans to start production for the public in 2026, but some units will be manufactured for internal use within its factories as soon as this year. Tesla has said it could scale to 100,000 units or more by next year.

Musk also revealed to Teslarati recently that the company is in the process of building the production line that will bring manufacturing rates of Optimus to that level.

However, there is another design of Optimus coming, and Musk says it will feature “so many improvements”:

Tesla has said that Optimus will have the capability to perform tedious and time-consuming tasks like folding laundry, babysitting, cooking, walking the dog, and plenty of other things. However, it will be super impressive to see it do things that require true coordination, like threading a needle, for example.

Musk did not hint toward any specific developments that Tesla will aim for with Optimus Gen 3, but the sky is the limit, especially as it will be performing some manufacturing tasks across its factories.

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Elon Musk slams Bloomberg’s shocking xAI cash burn claims

Musk stated that “Bloomberg is talking nonsense.”

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Credit: xAI/X

Elon Musk has forcefully rejected Bloomberg News’ claims that his artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is hemorrhaging $1 billion monthly. 

In a post on X, Musk stated that “Bloomberg is talking nonsense.” He also acknowledged an X user’s comment that people “really have no idea what’s at stake” with AI.

Bloomberg‘s Allegations and Musk’s Rebuttal

The Bloomberg News report painted a dire picture of xAI’s finances. Citing people reportedly familiar with the matter, the news outlet claimed that xAI burns $1 billion a month as costs for building advanced AI models outpaced the company’s limited revenues. 

Bloomberg alleged that xAI is planning to spend over half of a proposed $9.3 billion fundraising haul in three months, with a projected $13 billion loss in 2025. The report also claimed that of the $14 billion that xAI has raised since 2023, only $4 billion remained by Q1 2025. Even this amount, the news outlet alleged, will be nearly depleted in Q2.

xAI did not comment on Bloomberg‘s claims, though Elon Musk shared his thoughts on the matter on social media platform X. In response to an X user who quoted the publication’s article, Musk noted that “Bloomberg is talking nonsense.” Musk, however, did not provide further details as to why the publication’s report was fallacious.

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xAI’s Bright Horizon

Despite Bloomberg‘s claims, even the publication noted that xAI’s prospects are promising. The company, now merged with X, aims to leverage the platform’s vast data archives for model training, which could reduce costs compared to rivals like OpenAI. Tapping into X also allows xAI to access real-time information from users across the globe. 

xAI’s valuation reportedly soared to $80 billion by Q1 2025, up from $51 billion in 2024. The AI startup has attracted heavyweight investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and VY Capital so far, and optimistic projections point to profitability possibly being attained by 2027. This would be quite a feat for xAI as OpenAI, the AI startup’s biggest rival, is still looking at 2029 as the year it could become cash flow positive.

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