Leaked Documents Reveal Significant Power Upgrade for Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla Model 3 Performance: Bigger Punch with New Rear Motor Refresh

Tesla’s Model 3 electric sedan, which ranks as the company’s second best-selling vehicle worldwide, underwent significant cosmetic and mechanical enhancements in August. The car received a sleeker appearance, improved aerodynamics, and a range of new features. And now, the highly anticipated Model 3 Performance is on the horizon, promising its own set of upgrades.The much-awaited upgrades for the Model 3 were finally rolled out in August, giving the electric sedan a revamp both inside and out. Not only did it get a sharper, more defined look, but it also gained some impressive aerodynamic improvements, along with a host of new features. And now, Tesla enthusiasts can look forward to the release of the eagerly anticipated Model 3 Performance, which boasts its own distinctive enhancements.

As expected, users of X (formerly known as Twitter) have been unable to contain their intrigue. One user of X shared screenshots of a recently leaked document from the South Korean Ministry of Environment. Despite not being able to confirm its authenticity at this point, InsideEVs disclosed that the document stated the inclusion of a powerful 412 horsepower rear motor.

If this rumored upgrade is accurate, it could provide a significant increase in power for the electric sedan. It has been suggested that the vehicle may even be rebranded as the Model 3 Ludicrous, although this is still unconfirmed.

The past version of the Model 3 Performance boasted a total power output of around 505 hp. According to leaked documents, there is evidence that the updated rear motor, referred to as 4D2 (unlike the Model S Plaid’s 5D2 rear motor), has received a rating of 406 hp. Meanwhile, the front motor retains its original 211 hp rating.

There was an immediate response from fans when these figures were incorporated, leading to the conclusion that the total output of the Model 3 Performance would reach 618 horsepower – a significant increase of 113 horsepower compared to its previous counterpart.

Although the increase in power may be considerable, the total power output is not simply a combination of each motor’s output. The motors may have varying transmission ratios and the EV’s computers could allocate power in different ways. Therefore, the reported power number should be taken with some level of skepticism at this time.

According to recent revelations, the exposed document also suggests that the back motor will achieve its highest level of power at a greater velocity of 68 mph, as opposed to the previous 47 mph. As a result, it is safe to anticipate a significant increase in performance at higher speeds. It is well-known that electric vehicles possess the ability to provide a jolt of acceleration from a standstill. However, as velocity increases, the torque distribution tends to level off, with variations depending on the specific make and model.

An equally remarkable feature of the car is its potential to match the weight of the previous Model 3 Performance. The electric vehicle weighs in at 4089 pounds, just like its predecessor. It may also retain the same 82 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity, with an estimated range of approximately 267 miles. However, this range has been determined using a more rigorous testing method and may vary from the official EPA range.

It is expected that we will receive the official information by tomorrow afternoon. Tesla’s Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy will host a live discussion on the upcoming Model 3 tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT). This livestream from Tesla will also align with another highly anticipated unveiling tomorrow: the Rivian R2.