Tesla Model 3 Performance specs revealed

0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds for dual-motor variant

Scott Collie

12:4921 May 2018

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Tesla has finally announced what we can expect from the Model 3 Performance, which should be making its way to US customers soon.

So, what's the story? Tesla knows a thing or two about acceleration, so we'll start there. The 0-60mph (0-97km/h) sprint takes 3.5 seconds in dual-motor Performance models, before topping out at 250km/h.

Range is pegged at 500km, and Elon Musk is promising it'll beat "anything in its class on the track" – given he says the car will be priced around BMW M3 money in America, a seriously bold claim.

Along with the extra squirt, the Model 3 Performance will get 20-inch wheels, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, a black-and-white interior and, of course, an extra motor.

Non-Performance Model 3s (think Model S 100D instead of P100D) offer the same range, but the 0-60mph sprint takes 4.5 seconds, and top speed drops to 225km/h. You'll pay US$5000 ($6650) for the dual-motor setup without all the 'Performance' trimmings.

Along with the boosted acceleration figures and all-wheel drive traction, Tesla says the dual-motor setup helps with reliability. If one motor fails, the other is able to pick up the slack and keep the car rolling, minimising the risk of drivers getting stranded on the side of the road.

When both motors are operating, one is tuned for range and the other is aimed at delivering maximum performance, with on-board software shifting power between them on the fly. Anyone who's driven a Model S or X with the dual-motor system will know all of this happens smoothly, to the point where the driver doesn't notice how it's all happening.

Along with the hotter Model 3, Elon Musk used Twitter to announce a new way of servicing cars. Owners can now summon a Tesla technician from their phone, and the company will come and service the car with no paperwork required.