From Horsepower,
to Kilowatts.
On paper, the Tesla Model 3 Performance has all the things that car enthusiasts have come to expect from a performance cars.
Sticky tires,
Big brakes,
Good 0-60 times,
And quarter mile times.
After being given the privilege to drive the Tesla Model 3 Performance for a decent amount of time, there are a number of different things that stood out that make this machine a memorable one.
Nearly every aspect of the traditional car experience (gauges, door handles, start mechanisms, etc. have been thoroughly re-examined by the brilliant engineers at Tesla. Upon first opening the door to the Tesla, drivers (and passengers alike) are greeted to a bright white interior that's sterilized most of the interior design cues that most drivers are accustomed to. Gauges? gone. Steering wheel controls? Minimal. Buttons and switches? Those are a thing of the past.
Vast amounts of glass allow for exceptional visibility and contribute to the airy, luxurious vibe of the interior.
Nearly all controls have been relocated to the massive touchscreen mounted on the centre console, allowing for a eerily simplified driving experience.
In our opinion, the Model 3 Performance makes one take a step back and re-evaluate the question - Is speed the only thing that matters in a performance car? No - we'd argue.
Due to the all-electric nature of the Tesla, power is instantaneous. There's no waiting for the engine RPM's to climb in order to deliver horsepower and torque. When you want speed and acceleration, simply adjust your right foot and lean into the accellerator pedal. There's no need to mentally account for the transmission to shift gears, no engine noise; and ultimately, zero drama to speed. It just goes.
In all honesty, it felt like driving a car of the future. Most cars on the road wouldn't stand a chance against this Tesla in a straight-line race (on a closed track in Mexico, of course).
The regenerative braking was perhaps the most standout difference between driving a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and driving this electric vehicle. Letting off the accelerator pedal is the equivalent of using the brakes (for the most part) - one can drive around and modulate the accelerator pedal to brake, without actually touching the brakes. While this feature can be disabled, it makes for a really unique experience and likely prolongs the life of the actual braking system substantially.
The Tesla truly delivers a memorable, unique driving experience unlike anything else we've driven. While we miss the glorious, mechanical noises of automobiles of the past, the staggering amount of human ingenuity evident in this engineering marvel is utterly inspiring.
Sticky tires,
Big brakes,
Good 0-60 times,
And quarter mile times.
After being given the privilege to drive the Tesla Model 3 Performance for a decent amount of time, there are a number of different things that stood out that make this machine a memorable one.
Nearly every aspect of the traditional car experience (gauges, door handles, start mechanisms, etc. have been thoroughly re-examined by the brilliant engineers at Tesla. Upon first opening the door to the Tesla, drivers (and passengers alike) are greeted to a bright white interior that's sterilized most of the interior design cues that most drivers are accustomed to. Gauges? gone. Steering wheel controls? Minimal. Buttons and switches? Those are a thing of the past.
Vast amounts of glass allow for exceptional visibility and contribute to the airy, luxurious vibe of the interior.
Nearly all controls have been relocated to the massive touchscreen mounted on the centre console, allowing for a eerily simplified driving experience.
In our opinion, the Model 3 Performance makes one take a step back and re-evaluate the question - Is speed the only thing that matters in a performance car? No - we'd argue.
Due to the all-electric nature of the Tesla, power is instantaneous. There's no waiting for the engine RPM's to climb in order to deliver horsepower and torque. When you want speed and acceleration, simply adjust your right foot and lean into the accellerator pedal. There's no need to mentally account for the transmission to shift gears, no engine noise; and ultimately, zero drama to speed. It just goes.
In all honesty, it felt like driving a car of the future. Most cars on the road wouldn't stand a chance against this Tesla in a straight-line race (on a closed track in Mexico, of course).
The regenerative braking was perhaps the most standout difference between driving a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and driving this electric vehicle. Letting off the accelerator pedal is the equivalent of using the brakes (for the most part) - one can drive around and modulate the accelerator pedal to brake, without actually touching the brakes. While this feature can be disabled, it makes for a really unique experience and likely prolongs the life of the actual braking system substantially.
The Tesla truly delivers a memorable, unique driving experience unlike anything else we've driven. While we miss the glorious, mechanical noises of automobiles of the past, the staggering amount of human ingenuity evident in this engineering marvel is utterly inspiring.
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