Tesla has officially revealed a new Performance variant of the recently refreshed Model 3 sedan as the company looks to fight declining demand.
The new version of the Model 3, which starts at $52,990, has a new active damping system and adaptive suspension for better handling and comfort, 296 miles of battery range and can travel from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds with 510 horsepower. offer.
Compared to the previous Model 3 Performance, the new version has 32% more maximum power, 16% more maximum torque and 5% less resistance. It does all this while consuming less energy than its predecessor, according to Tesla. This is partly due to a new-generation power unit and also a rear diffuser and spoiler. The front and rear of the car have also benefited from a slight facelift, separating it from the other versions of the recently modified Model 3. revealed last year.
The Model 3 Performance still carries with it the total changes made with that recent update. That means there’s an ambient light bar that wraps around the interior of the cabin, better sound deadening and upgraded materials throughout, a paddle-less steering wheel, and a new touchscreen.
Tesla launches the new Model 3 Performance at a time when the company is coming off one of the worst delivery quarters in recent times, with a 20% drop. compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The impact of that disappointing first quarter will be revealed Tuesday when the company releases its financial results after the market closes.
Tesla is also just a week away from announcing widespread layoffs of more than 10% of its global workforce, with the cuts affecting seemingly every corner of the company.
Orders placed on Tuesday, at least at press time, show an estimated delivery window of May/June 2024 in North America.