Electric vehicle giant Tesla has finally begun the updated Model 3 Performance’s pilot production at the existing Fremont factory in California, US. Excitingly, Drive asserted that this facelifted variant of the popular Tesla sedan is due by mid-year to offer more power and performance.
Report highlights
Global drivers’ platform @teslascope revealed that Tesla has officially commenced the “initial production” of the revamped Model 3 Performance in the US in “early December.”
Moreover, the Musk-led company is reportedly planning to start mass production before March 2024 ends. As per the Australian publication, this latest report confirms the previous remarks from Tesla executives about the model’s launch in H1 2024.
It also indicated that the imminent global debut of the revamped Tesla Model 3 Performance will likely overlap with the launch of the entirely updated lineup of the all-electric sedan in the US market.
Notably, lower-cost RWD and Long Range AWD variants from Giga Shanghai have already hit the Australian, European, and Chinese markets. However, it has yet to launch in the North American market, as the Fremont factory is in charge of supplying this region.
As Teslascope claims, Tesla aims to mass produce the facelifted Model 3 Performance in Giga Shanghai and Fremont factories simultaneously.
What’s currently known about the Tesla Model 3 Performance?
Tesla insiders reportedly disclosed that the 2024 Model 3 Performance will unleash untapped performance potential in the original model from 2019.
In addition, the government certification documents also reveal that the model will still feature dual electric motors and AWD configuration. Therefore, it will not have a tri-motor setup as the Tesla Model S Plaid. Nonetheless, it still promises more power for better driving performance.
For reference, the retiring Tesla Model 3 Performance features dual motors that generate an output of 393kW. It accelerates from 0–100km/h in just 3.3 seconds.
As you can see in the first photos of the US-made upgraded Model 3 test units, the new Performance variant will sport bigger 20″ alloy wheels with a new design, performance brakes, carbon-fiber boot-lid spoiler lip, and lowered suspension. These unique characteristics enable the Performance variant to differentiate itself from less powerful variants. In addition, it will have distinct sports bucket seats for the first time.
According to Drive Tesla Canada, Tesla’s Director of Vehicle Programs and New Product Introduction revealed plans to debut the new Model 3 Performance early this year with “pretty special” improvements.
Tesla has yet to reveal more information about the revamped Model 3 Performance, such as official pricing and launch date. Nonetheless, the American automaker apparently aims to reveal the model in the coming months. Previous reports from US-based platforms also suggest that the model unveiling may transpire 2-3 weeks from today.
