How fast can we reasonably expect the Tesla Model 3 to be when released? Will the entry-level version hit 0-60 miles per hour in fewer than 4 seconds?
While I’m assuming that Elon Musk (and the other company execs) will want the entry-level offering to completely outclass its competitors, just how exceptional will it actually end up being?
On that topic, a recent discussion on the subject on the Tesla Motors Club forum provided some interesting speculations and analyses, which I’ll quote from below.
A commenter by the name of “MuskforPresident” kicked things off with this (unsurprisingly optimistic) prediction/question:
We know the Model 3 will be around $35k. So assuming we can expect a lighter car with a smaller battery than MS, would not then we expect acceleration to actually go up from the MS?
So MS ludicrous mode does 0-60 in 2.8 seconds… Are we talking crazy ass performance for M3 at $50k and under price point?
Hmm. That would be great, and would presumably give the company a performance/pricing combination that would possibly allow for mass adoption (which is Musk’s stated goal for the Model 3). But is it realistic? I’m actually more on the skeptical side myself, though completely happy to be proved wrong.
Here are some other interesting comments from the discussion, somewhat backing up my skepticism:
“gordo” replied:
I doubt it. The Model 3 will have a smaller battery pack (physically, but also kWh-wise), so it likely won’t be able to draw as much peak power as a Model S. I suspect the high-end Model 3 will top out somewhere in the $65-75k range and have sub-4.0 second 0-60.
An interesting comment came later from “Twiglett”:
I really (really, really) doubt that Tesla are going to artificially make the Model 3 less of a car than the Model S.
While it will undoubtably be build down to a low entry point, it will probably still have insane or ludicrous options or could well be faster or more nimble than the Model S.
EM has consistently mentioned that they don’t want to be like the other manufacturers in this regard.
After all, most manufacturers are trying to sell you up the range, Tesla is the other way around. The Model S is there as the enabler for the Model 3 in the same way the Roadster was for the S.
They seem to be planning on making each successive car better than the last.
“JohnSnowNW” commented:
You need less power to reach similar performance in a lighter vehicle. It will be limited by power draw, but I don’t see any reason the M3 won’t be able to reach sub-3.5 second performance. The M3 won’t be using AL, but that doesn’t mean that weight savings can’t be found elsewhere.
And “Yggdrasill” left this highly detailed prediction:
I think the Model 3 will at launch have a D-version available. And assuming they use a similar motor to the front motor for both axels, that means they should have a version with around 400 hp AWD at launch. Already, that’s about the same as an M3, and 0-60 will be somewhere around 4 seconds. And this wouldn’t cost extremely much. Starting with a base Model 3 at 35k USD, all you need to add is the front motor/inverter, which is a 5k USD option on the Model S. I think they could make this motor cheaper for the Model 3, but they would proably load more profit onto this option, so I think it will cost a similar amount. That means a 40k USD Model 3 will have 400 hp and go 0-60 in around 4 seconds.
But I think Tesla could consider making a PXXD edition as well, having the upgraded contactors, fuses, etc, as well as a bigger motor and battery and a more powerful inverter. There would be nothing stopping Tesla from making a 350 hp rear motor plus the 200 hp front motor, thus 550 hp, or 125 hp more than an M3. Then you’d be looking at less than 3 seconds 0-60. Though given that Tesla has announced that they will be making another Roadster, maybe they will save this for the Roadster. If not, they would need to really outdo themselves, making a quad motor system or something similar.
Interesting thoughts. Even if none of them actually end up hitting the mark squarely. I’m rather undecided myself, as to what the Model 3 will end up being capable of — Musk’s comments on the subject have been relatively vague to date.
Anyone care to make a prediction?
Please, Tesla, please make me a practical Model 3 that will get me from A to B in comfort, where B is as far away from A as possible, for a reasonable price. Just make it a nice, affordable, long range car, not a boy racer. I don’t really need a car that relocates my eyeballs to the back of my skull every time I press the fast pedal to the floor.
I’m with you Termin8r. While the notion of sub 4 second 0 – 60 time makes me grin, I’m a 43 year old with two kids who will both be in college soon. Ergo, I’m looking more for practicality than drag racing fun toy right now. Give me an affordable, family sedan with 200+++ miles of range and access to the SC network when we travel out of town. That will save me $150+ a month in dead dinosaurs to help me justify the purchase.
IMO, by late 2017 / early 2018 the Model 3 should have a min. of 225 EPA miles per charge with an option for 250 and 275 (remember 7% battery improvement every year). An option for all wheel drive. A sedan (a smaller model S) and a CUV with a LOT of room. Practical styling. Don’t even think about delaying for some crazy never been done before doors. Mainstream don’t care and will gladly take a smaller version of the model S now over waiting on groundbreaking styling that takes us into 2019/2020.
Agreed. Whatever needs to be done to get it out in 2017/18 and $35,000 or under, do it. 😀
Je • a few seconds ago
Well it is true that the model 3 will be more for families rather than racing but still it would be good to have that option to accelerate from 0-60mph in 4 secs. Why not? You don’t have to use it but when you want to overtake it’s good to have that option. Just because the car is super fast it does not mean you cannot go slow, it doesn’t mean that the faster the car the more sensitive the go pedal is, it does not work that way. It would make supercars not possible to drive on roads but you can see them. So from my point of view what I would love to have is 35 000€ price tag (since I live in Europe). At least 200 miles (320km) range which if translated into 250 – 270km real range would be super great, standard cruise control, parking sensors and of course free charging via superchargers and as I mentioned that super power acceleration when you need it… What else do you really need?
Since Elon said their will be ludicrous, it is reasonable to assume their will be performance and fast acceleration times. Would love to see these significantly undercut BMW (Ludicrous at $55k would hit BMW M3 profits hard and pull in as much as 5%-10% of model 3 buyers which would 2-4 times M3 best sales year. Having a Loaded (Dual, Glass roof, premium sound, winter package) Performance version at $45k would crush Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. I agree with Yggdrasill, Performance version sub 4 seconds and Ludicrous as fast as they can make which is most likely is very close if not below 3 seconds.