2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance Shows Off at Laguna Seca

Even so, you'd be foolish to disregard how far the EV manufacturer has gone since its early Roadster days. These cars may not be as luxurious as the European-built BMWs or Mercedes-Benz cars. And it's not as sporty as Toyota's GR machine or Nissan's GT-R. But we all know Teslas aren't slow. Love it or hate it, EVs have a lot of potential. But they also have to deal with weight problems, battery issues, etc. A Tesla Model 3 can weigh as much as 4,000 lbs (1,836 kg), but the latest 2024 Performance Model will pack a strong punch at over 500 horsepower and plenty of torque.

You will see plenty of drag racing action on YouTube featuring these cars. And some people have even resorted to racing them around various race tracks. I spotted one such example on a special Facebook group called Apex Automotor, the gathering that brings together industry engineers, race drivers, and even top management from certain manufacturers.

Steven took his 2024 Model 3 Performance to Laguna Seca for a test, and the car proved quite capable. He mentioned that the tires were the limiting factor throughout the run but that he also had to deal with the battery heating up. "The new active damper works very well, at least on stock tires. I always felt like I had complete control of the car, but the same could not be said of the previous generation's car."

"I believe the new aero package also has something to do with this, especially coming over turn 1 at 120 mph (193 kph)." He went through the 2.238 miles (3.602 km) long layout in under 100 seconds at 1:39.8. Some of you may remember that the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT set a fast lap of 1:27.87, but we're talking about a whole different price range and a professional race driver in the mix.

I was curious to have a go myself, so I quickly powered up Gran Turismo 7 for a "benchmark" test. I bought the 2023 Model 3 Performance for 55,000 credits and took it for a spin. It's fast in a straight line, but I didn't enjoy breaking or turning. On my first lap, I stopped the clock at 1:41.309.

I underestimated it, thinking either the Renault Megane RS or Mazda RX-7 would be faster. They weren't. I thought to myself, ok, the Corvette C8 should do the trick. It took me two laps on the controller to get a 1:39.805 lap. It was way more exciting than the Tesla, but the conclusion is that the Model 3 Performance is not to be taken lightly. Now, I want to drive one more than ever before.