New reports from China indicate that Tesla might start Model 3 Performance production sooner than expected. Among the features rumored for the refreshed model is a tri-motor configuration, which is again considered possible. However, adding a second motor to the rear axle is no trivial work.
While the refreshed Model 3 is already available in RWD and LR AWD configurations around the world, the Performance variant has yet to start production. Tesla officially confirmed that a sporty sedan is on the menu, not least by stating on its website that the Performance variant will be the only Model 3 qualifying for the IRA tax credit.
Also, Tesla engineers have told fans that the upcoming Model 3 Performance would be much sportier. Tesla's vehicle program manager, Daniel Ho, talking about the refreshed model, said it will be the most powerful Model 3 ever produced. Ho also confirmed that the new sports sedan would arrive in the first half of 2024 and not be named Ludicrous or Plaid.
New rumors from China seem to contradict some of Daniel Ho's statements. The refreshed Model 3 will start deliveries in the second quarter, with mass production planned to begin at Giga Shanghai by the end of March. We're not sure if Tesla will start Model 3 Performance production at the Fremont factory at the same time or later, as it did with the RWD and LR AWD models.
On the other hand, Chinese influencers claim that the Model 3 might be launched with a tri-motor variant after all. This might give some substance to previous rumors about a Plaid variant. So far, only the Model S and Model X have been offered in a tri-motor configuration named "Plaid." When the rumors of a Model 3 Plaid first surfaced, people argued that a dual-motor Plaid would not make sense.
Photo: u/1Subdub via Reddit
Still, will Tesla offer several performance variants of the Model 3? Say, a Model 3 Performance and a more extreme, track-oriented, Plaid variant? That could explain the various prototypes spotted testing on public roads. Some of them featured more extreme spoilers, while others had a front bumper similar to the regular Model 3 variants. A Plaid trim could also come with three motors, as some claim it could happen.
I personally don't think Tesla will go the distance to offer several performance trims in the Model 3 lineup. It's not efficient and expensive from the development point of view, and the refreshed sedan has been more about cutting costs than complicating things. After all, no other Tesla model is offering such diversity. It doesn't make sense for Tesla to start this trend with the Model 3.
Based on the same cost-cutting mantra, it's doubtful the Model 3 Performance will come with an additional motor on the rear axle. This unnecessary complication would add costs, weight, and little extra performance to justify the effort. In short, a tri-motor Tesla Model 3 Performance will be worse, not better, than the dual-motor model.
Technically, it will also be complicated to implement. Tesla had to widen the Model S to fit two motors on the rear axle. Doing the same for the Model 3 Performance will again be expensive for Tesla, raising costs to unsustainable levels. The EV maker could achieve a similar result, except for the torque vectoring capability, using more powerful motors.
The new #Tesla Model 3 Performance is expected to launch in China in Q2, priced around RMB 400K.
It'll be mass-produced at Shanghai Gigafactory by end of March and hit the market for sale.
Rumors suggest Model 3 Performance will feature a tri-motor powertrain system. pic.twitter.com/auIOx0tVNO
After his childhood dream of becoming a "tractor operator" didn't pan out, Cristian turned to journalism, first in print and later moving to online media. His top interests are electric vehicles and new energy solutions. Full profile
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