Tesla Model 3 Performance leak reveals massive power boost

Is Tesla about to deliver the most potent Model 3 yet? A recent leak suggests that the ever-popular Model 3 Performance is about to get a major shakeup with a powerful new rear motor, pushing it further into enthusiast territory.

Tesla's Model 3 is the bedrock of the brand's electric revolution, and its Performance trim has always delivered an extra dose of driving fun. Now, it seems Tesla is about to turn the dial up even further. A leaked document, alleged to originate from South Korea's Ministry of Environment and currently unverified, paints a picture of a significantly upgraded Model 3 Performance.

Based on this #Model3 #Performance leak from South Korea...
- Weight unchanged from previous LG M3P.
- 355V Nominal Voltage -> LG battery pack!
- 3D3 158kW front motor -> no change!
- 4D2 303kW (new!) -> Performance motors reached peak power at 70-75kph, this one peaks at 110kph! pic.twitter.com/1HMMK32XKJ

— Julien⚡🔋🚁🌱🤘 (@eivissacopter) March 5, 2024

Per the numbers in it the new rear motor packs 412 horsepower. Compare that to the current Performance model's combined output of roughly 513 horsepower, and it's clear this isn't just a minor tweak. Add the unchanged 211-horsepower front motor and the output reaches a whopping 618 horses. If the numbers hold true, those already familiar with the Model 3 Performance's snappy acceleration should prepare for something far more potent.

Keep in mind that total output may not just be a mechanical sum of the two motors. Electric vehicle power delivery is complex, involving how the onboard computers manage power between the motors. What does seem certain is that Tesla is determined to make the new Performance a monster at highway speeds. Electric cars are notorious for fading acceleration at the top end; this Model 3 could be the one to buck that trend.

Better yet, this power upgrade appears to come without a weight penalty. The leaked documents suggest the car could weigh the same 4,089 pounds as the current model. On the downside that means no increase in battery capacity either.

Battery remains at nearly 82 kWh (230 Ah) and the leaked potential range is 267 miles - not too shabby, but far from the best Tesla has managed.

Still, if these leaks prove true, the already-popular Model 3 Performance could become a true sleeper – a car that looks familiar on the outside but delivers a level of acceleration that embarrasses far more exotic-looking machines.

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