Tesla Model 3 Highland

  • Tesla Model 3 Highland updated in Malaysia – RWD now with 520 km WLTP, Stealth Grey is standard colour

    Tesla Model 3 Highland updated in Malaysia – RWD now with 520 km WLTP, Stealth Grey is standard colour

    After being made aware of the update made to the Tesla Model Y Juniper facelift, we checked Tesla Malaysia’s website to see if any changes have been made to the Model 3 Highland facelift. The answer is yes.

    The first involves the base Rear-Wheel Drive variant, which sees its WLTP-rated range increase to 520 km from 513 km previously. This change appears to have be been made quite a while ago, as CarExpert reported on the range improvement to the base Model 3 variant over two months ago in May this year.

    According to the Australian outlet, the slight bump in range is the result of the Model 3 adopting the same 62.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL that is offered in the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive. Prior to this, the Model 3 RWD had a 60-kWh unit.

    Despite the range improvement, the Model 3 RWD remains priced at RM181,000. Other variants see no change to their range figures and pricing, with the Long Range All-Wheel Drive retailing at RM210,000 for 629 km of range, and the Performance All-Wheel Drive at RM242,000 for 528 km.

    The Model 3 also gets a revised colour palette, with Stealth Grey being the standard hue instead of Pearl White Multi-Coat previously. It’s worth pointing out that Stealth Grey was a RM7,500 option, more than Pearl White Multi-Coat that is now listed at RM5,000.

    Other colour options include Deep Blue Metallic (RM5,000), while Quicksilver and Ultra Red are RM11,000. The previous Solid Black that is priced at RM5,000 has been replaced with Diamond Black that costs the same amount.

    The options list continues to include 19-inch Nova wheels for the RWD and LR AWD, and a black and white interior is offered at RM5,000 as an alternative to the standard all-black. Autopilot packages offered are Enhanced Autopilot (RM16,000) and Full Self-Driving Capability (RM32,000). These prices are the same as before.

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3+ revealed in China regulatory filing – RWD with 78.4 kWh battery; up to 800 km EV range?

    Tesla Model 3+ revealed in China regulatory filing – RWD with 78.4 kWh battery; up to 800 km EV range?

    According to a report by CarNewsChina, Tesla is getting ready to launch a new variant of the Model 3 in China. A filing with the country’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) reveals the upcoming offering will have a badge that reads ‘Model 3+’ and could possibly offer the most range compared to other variants.

    At present, the Model 3 in China is available in three versions: Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive and Performance All-Wheel Drive. The first retails for 235,500 yuan (about RM139k) and comes with a CATL-sourced 62.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for 634 km of range following the CLTC standard.

    The Long Range All-Wheel Drive sells for 285,500 yuan (RM169k) and gets a LG-sourced nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery with 78.4 kWh of capacity for a range of up to 753 km, the highest for the Model 3 in China. Lastly, the Performance All-Wheel Drive at 339,500 yuan (RM201k) uses the same NMC battery but the range is only up to 623 km.

    The new Model 3+ combines the single rear electric motor of the base variant with the NMC battery of the other two options. CnEVPost reports that the new variant will have a higher output of 306 PS (302 hp or 225 kW) compared to the regular Rear-Wheel Drive that only packs 264 PS (260 hp or 194 kW).

    Tesla Model 3+ revealed in China regulatory filing – RWD with 78.4 kWh battery; up to 800 km EV range?

    This combination could potentially result in a range of 800 km or more, although this is following China’s generous CLTC standard. Beyond the “mix and match” powertrain, the Model 3+ is pretty much identical to the other Model 3 variants, including in terms of dimensions (4,720 mm long, 1,848 mm wide, 1,442 mm tall, 2,875 mm wheelbase).

    Chinese outlet Cailian claims the Model 3+ is scheduled to go on sale in China in early September with an asking price of 270,000 yuan (RM160k). This would slot it (price-wise) just under the Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

    A fourth variant of the Model 3 already exists in Germany since October last year. The LR RWD there has a WLTP-rated range of 702 km, which means it offers the most range compared to other offerings: RWD (513 km), LR AWD (629 km) and Performance AWD (528 km). Worth pointing out the LR RWD has a faster 0-100 km/h time compared to the RWD (5.2 seconds vs 6.1 seconds), which hints at a higher output, reflecting what is suggested by the Model 3+’s MIIT filing in China.

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3 Highland facelift gets Acceleration Boost in certain markets, 0-100 down from 4.4s to 3.8s

    Tesla Model 3 Highland facelift gets Acceleration Boost in certain markets, 0-100 down from 4.4s to 3.8s

    Owners of the Long Range AWD variant of the Tesla Model 3 Highland facelift in Australia and China can now get Acceleration Boost, which brings the 0-100 km/h time down from 4.4 to 3.8 seconds (closer to the Model 3 Performance‘s 3.1 seconds).

    How much? AUD3,000 in Australia and RMB14,100 in China. Both prices translate to around RM8,700 at the time of writing. Unfortunately, Acceleration Boost is not available for Malaysia yet.

    Acceleration Boost is a Tesla software upgrade, downloadable over the air, that increases motor performance. It was first offered on the Model 3 AWD in 2019 before making its way to the Model Y AWD in 2020. Malaysia never got it, even on the current Model Y.

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range AWD in Malaysia

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3, Model Y launched in Philippines – lowest prices in ASEAN, from RM159k

    Tesla Model 3, Model Y launched in Philippines – lowest prices in ASEAN, from RM159k

    Tesla may have been late to the electric vehicle party in Malaysia, but that’s nothing compared to the Philippines. The famed EV brand has finally made its way to the archipelago with the Model 3 “Highland” facelift and Model Y, leaving Indonesia and Vietnam as the only other major Southeast Asian markets yet to receive it officially.

    But the country does at least have something to celebrate. Just like they are in Malaysia, EVs are tax-free in the Philippines (there until at least 2028), but the advantage of being a left-hand-drive country is that Tesla prices are far lower than they are elsewhere in the region, presumably unencumbered by right-hand-drive conversion costs.

    The Model 3 and Model Y are available in the same three variants as Malaysia. The former starts from 2,109,000 pesos (RM158,600) for the rear-wheel-drive model, while opting for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive brings this figure up to 2,489,000 pesos (RM187,100). Even the Performance only tops out at 3,099,000 pesos (RM233,000).

    Tesla Model 3, Model Y launched in Philippines – lowest prices in ASEAN, from RM159k

    Contrast this to Malaysian prices of RM181,000, RM210,000 and RM242,000 nett respectively. In fact, the car is barely any more expensive than it is in the car’s production base of China, where it retails for between 231,900 yuan (RM142,000) and 335,900 yuan (RM205,600).

    Meanwhile, the Model Y costs 2,369,000 pesos (RM178,100) for the RWD model, 2,689,000 pesos (RM202,200) for the Long Range AWD and 3,299,000 pesos (RM248,000) for the Performance. By comparison, the SUV’s Malaysian prices are RM191,000, RM238,000 and RM280,000 respectively.

    Tesla Model 3, Model Y launched in Philippines – lowest prices in ASEAN, from RM159k

    The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive gets from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds does 513 km on a full charge, while the Model 3 Long Range AWD does 629 km. The Model 3 Performance, with its stronger acceleration (3.1 seconds) and top speed (250 km/h, versus 201 km/h for the others) figures, does 528 km; all range figures are based on the WLTP standard.

    As for the Model Y, the Rear-Wheel Drive gets from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and does 455 km on a full charge, while the Model Y Long Range AWD attains figures of five seconds and 533 km respectively; the Model Y Performance manages a century sprint of 3.7 seconds and a range of 514 km. As with the Model 3, all range figures are based on the WLTP standard.

    GALLERY: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in Malaysia


    GALLERY: 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance in Malaysia

     
     
  • 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance Malaysian review – uprated ‘Highland’ is a performance bargain, RM242k

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance Malaysian review – uprated ‘Highland’ is a performance bargain, RM242k

    The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance was introduced in Malaysia in May, less than a month after it made its global debut. The most potent variant in the facelifted Model 3 ‘Highland’ range is priced priced from RM243,700 on-the-road without insurance (RM242,000 nett, plus a RM1,000 order fee, a RM500 delivery and admin fee, and a RM200 number plate fee), making it around RM30k more than the Long Range.

    For that extra dosh, you get a ‘Performance Drive Unit’ setup consisting of an uprated dual-motor powertrain producing 460 hp, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 3.1 seconds (including a one-foot rollout subtraction) and a top whack of 261 km/h. The Performance has a WLTP-rated range of 528 km, placing it between the RWD’s 513 km and Long Range AWD’s 629 km.

    Chassis revisions relative to the ‘regular’ Model 3 facelift include adaptive dampers, which accompany new springs, bushings and anti-roll bars, as well as a 10 mm lower ride height. There are also software changes, and these include Track Mode V3 with new calibration for the dampers as well as motors, a drift mode and the ability to vary ESC intervention and torque between the front and rear axles.

    Exterior changes over the regular Model 3 variants include new front and rear bumpers, the front getting air curtain inlets and a new splitter, while the rear features a subtle rear diffuser. The car also gets dressed with all-black exterior trim and a carbon fibre rear lip spoiler, and aside from larger brakes with red callipers, rides on black 20-inch ‘Warp’ forged alloy units, wrapped with 235/35 front and 275/30 rear rubbers.

    Inside, the Performance gets carbon-fibre trim, alloy pedals and new, more bolstered sports seats with integrated headrests and which omit seat back pockets. As with the other versions of the Model 3 range, cost options are offered for the Model 3 Performance, including that for upholstery and exterior finishes as well as kit such as Enhanced Autopilot.

    For the price, the car is quite the performance bargain here in Malaysia, and Hafriz Shah thinks it handles better than expected too. However, he adds that it still has the usual Tesla “quirks.” Find out what he means in the video, below.

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    GALLERY: 2024 Tesla Model 4 Performance

     
     
  • 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in Malaysia – RM242k

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in Malaysia – RM242k

    The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance made its Malaysian arrival in May this year, less than one month after its global debut. As its name indicates, this variant of the facelifted Model 3 ‘Highland’ brings heightened performance credentials.

    These come courtesy of the ‘Performance Drive Unit’ setup that is comprised of dual motors for all-wheel-drive, producing 460 hp, enabling a 0-100 km/h spring in 3.1 seconds including a one-foot rollout subtraction.

    Its top speed is 261 km/h, while its 79 kWh battery pack offers up to 528 km of range based on the WLTP testing standard. For comparison, the RWD version does up to 513 km on a single charge, while the Long Range AWD does up to 629 km.

    Chassis revisions relative to the ‘regular’ Model 3 facelift include adaptive dampers, which accompany new springs, bushings and anti-roll bars, along with a 10 mm lower ride height. Related software changes include Track Mode V3 with new calibration for said dampers as well as motors, a drift mode, and the ability to vary ESC intervention and torque between the front and rear axles.

    Wheels are 20-inch ‘Warp’ forged alloy units in black, shod in Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres measuring 235/35R20 in front and 275/30R20 at the rear. Other exterior changes over the regular Model 3 variants include new bumpers front and rear, the former getting air curtain inlets and a new splitter, while the latter gets a subtle rear diffuser.

    Changes distinguishing the Model 3 Performance from its lesser stablemates also apply to the interior, where there are new, more bolstered sports seats with integrated headrests and which omit seat back pockets. Elsewhere, the cabin of the Model 3 Performance is the same, with the three-spoke steering wheel 15-inch infotainment touchscreen and an eight-inch rear touchscreen.

    As with the other versions of the Model 3 range, options are offered for the Model 3 Performance, with the Solid Black exterior paint seen here being a RM5,000 option (as is Deep Blue Metallic). The Stealth Grey paint is a RM7,500 option, while the Quicksilver and Ultra Red paint finishes are each priced at RM11,000.

    Inside, black upholstery is standard, while the black-and-white scheme is a RM5,000 option. Further options include Enhanced Autopilot at RM16,000, while the Full Self Driving (FSD) pack – that is currently not functional – is priced at RM32,000.

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3 Performance driven on Nurburgring by Misha Charoudin; brakes on fire, power cut in 1 lap

    Tesla Model 3 Performance driven on Nurburgring by Misha Charoudin; brakes on fire, power cut in 1 lap

    When your car has ‘Performance’ in its model name, it would be natural to want to sample what it is capable of. For an owner of a Tesla Model 3 Performance ‘Highland’ facelift from the Czech Republic, the Nurburgring Nordschleife is the circuit of choice. Here in this video, Nordschleife trackday regular and racing driver Misha Charoudin has been offered by the owner a drive of the car on circuit.

    The onboard footage of the Model 3 Performance facelift shows the Tesla keeping pace with what appears to be a modified F87 BMW M2 in the early stages of the circuit from Hatzenbach to Hocheichen, though the ICE-powered BMW opens the gap in the higher-speed sections leading to the Flugplatz.

    Charoudin remarks that he didn’t think the Model 3 Performance “would be this good out of the box, on the track”, and the car reached an indicated 240 km/h through Schwedenkreuz, though when braking for Aremberg from 180 km/h the brake pedal was observed to have gone soft.

    Tesla Model 3 Performance driven on Nurburgring by Misha Charoudin; brakes on fire, power cut in 1 lap

    Further deterioration of braking performance reared its head in the braking zone just after Fuchsrohre (the Foxhole), where the data readout shows the car at just over 190 km/h before heavy braking was required for waved yellow flags. Shortly thereafter, smoke was seen pouring from the Model 3’s brakes.

    Charoudin foregoes driving at pace for the remainder of the lap, even after the yellow-flagged sections, in light of the car’s diminished braking. Later on in the lap of the circuit around the Pflanzgarten section, the owner of the Model 3 Performance observed 216 kW, out of a previously-observed maximum of 396 kW from the vehicle’s readout, which shows reduction in power output before a lap of the Nordschleife was completed.

    Impressive handling, then, though braking equipment on the Tesla Model 3 Performance leaves quite a lot to be desired for a circuit like the Nurburgring Nordschleife. In Malaysia, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance facelift is priced from RM244k. Tesla owners, have you driven your EVs on track? If so, how have they fared? Let us know in the comments.

    GALLERY: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance ‘Highland’ facelift in Malaysia

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3 Highland gets Quicksilver paint; RM7.5k

    Tesla Model 3 Highland gets Quicksilver paint; RM7.5k

    The Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ facelift in Malaysia can now be ordred in a new exterior paint colour, Quicksilver, which is listed on the Tesla Malaysia website as a RM7,500 option.

    This joins Stealth Grey, which is a similarly priced paint option, as well as Solid Black (RM5,000) and Deep Blue Metallic (RM5,000), and Pearl White Multi-Coat which is included in the vehicle’s base price; Ultra Red continues to be available at RM11,000.

    Prices for the Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ facelift are unchanged from the last revision, which saw Tesla apply a RM8,000 price drop across the board, which also applied to all Model Y variants.

    Tesla Model 3:

    • Rear-Wheel Drive – RM181,000 (launch RM189,000)
    • Long Range AWD – RM210,000 (launch RM218,000)
    • PerformanceRM242,000

    The Tesla Model 3 Performance officially made its Malaysian debut in May, packing an uprated dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that outputs 460 hp, which is down on the 510 hp from the US-market version of the car.

    This is attributed to the 79 kWh LG battery pack that is said to feature in Malaysian-market cars, as opposed to the 82 kWh Panasonic battery for those Stateside. Regardless, this propels the Model 3 Performance along the 0-100 km/h benchmark in 3.1 seconds, including a one-foot rollout, with a top speed of 261 km/h. Battery range is 513 km for the RWD, 629 km for the AWD Long Range, and 528 km for the Performance; range figures are WLTP-rated.

     
     
  • 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in Malaysia – 460 hp, 0-100 km/h in 3.1 secs, 528 km range, from RM244k

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in Malaysia – 460 hp, 0-100 km/h in 3.1 secs, 528 km range, from RM244k

    Less than a month after its reveal, the new Tesla Model 3 Performance has now made its Malaysian debut at the Tesla Experience Centre Cyberjaya. This more athletic version of the facelifted Highland model represents something of a bargain, priced from just RM243,700 on-the-road without insurance (RM242,000 nett, plus a RM1,000 order fee, a RM500 delivery and admin fee, and a RM200 number plate fee).

    For that, you get an uprated dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that produces 460 hp. That’s somewhat down on the US, where the Model 3 Performance is available with up to 510 hp, reportedly due to a larger 82 kWh Panasonic battery (versus the smaller 79 kWh LG pack we allegedly get).

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in Malaysia – 460 hp, 0-100 km/h in 3.1 secs, 528 km range, from RM244k

    Still, that’s enough for it to get from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds – with a one-foot rollout subtracted, of course, as is typical of Tesla. Top speed is rated at 261 km/h, while its WLTP-rated range is quoted at 528 km, versus 513 km for the rear-wheel-drive model and 629 km for the AWD Long Range.

    To harness the extra, um, performance, the Model 3 Performance now comes with adaptive dampers for the first time, along with new springs, bushings and anti-roll bars, lowering the ride height by 10 mm. This works in concert with the latest Track Mode V3 that features all-new calibration for the motors and dampers, plus a drift mode and the ability to adjust the stability control intervention and the torque split between the front and rear wheels (now labeled Understeer to Oversteer).

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in Malaysia – 460 hp, 0-100 km/h in 3.1 secs, 528 km range, from RM244k

    Visually, the Model 3 Performance is as per the Highland model with its slimmer headlights and C-shaped taillights. However, you now get new bumpers to help differentiate it from the cooking models, incorporating air curtain inlets and a new splitter at the front, along with a subtle rear diffuser.

    This is in addition to the usual Performance tweaks such as the all-black exterior trim and a carbon fibre rear lip spoiler. You also receive larger brakes with red callipers to ensure that the car is able to stop just as fast as it can accelerate, hidden behind 20-inch “Warp” forged black alloy wheels wrapped in staggered Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres that measure 235/35R20 at the front and 275/30R20 at the rear.

    Inside, the Performance is enhanced with carbon fibre trim, alloy pedals and new, heavily-bolstered sports seats with integrated headrests and no rear pockets – these feature a new hyperspace “Performance” graphic also seen on the new rear badge. Beyond that, the car is identical to the regular Highland, coming with a new three-spoke steering wheel, no indicator and wiper stalks, a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen and an eight-inch rear touchscreen.

    This being a Tesla, there are a range of costly options, including paint – anything other than the standard Pearl White costs between RM5,000 to an eye-watering RM11,000 for the new Ultra Red, while a white interior is an additional RM5,000. There’s also the RM16,000 Enhanced Autopilot package and the infamous (and currently non-functional) RM32,000 Full Self Driving pack.

     
     
  • 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance now available from RM242k – 460 hp, 0-100 in 3.1s, 528 km range

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance now available from RM242k – 460 hp, 0-100 in 3.1s, 528 km range

    Tesla has finally released the Performance model of the Tesla Model 3 Highland range. Previously speculated to be called the Model 3 Ludricous because of the badging seen on the rear and the fact that the top of the line S and X are called Plaid instead of Performance, it appears Tesla has decided to stick with the Performance name here.

    In Malaysia, it is priced from RM242,000. This price is excluding the RM1,000 order fee, RM500 delivery fee and of course the various other upgrades you can add onto the car such as colour and interior upgrades.

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance now available from RM242k – 460 hp, 0-100 in 3.1s, 528 km range

    The Tesla Model 3 Performance’s new “Performance Drive Unit” has dual motors, one on each axle. Total output is 460 hp for the model that we get, which is exported from Tesla Gigafactory Shanghai. If you read foreign coverage you may see 510 hp mentioned but that is only for Fremont factory units which use a different battery pack.

    The new 460 hp Performance Drive Unit can take the Model 3 Performance from 0-100 km.h in just 3.1 seconds, which is the same as the 510 hp version. Top speed is 262 km/h.

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance now available from RM242k – 460 hp, 0-100 in 3.1s, 528 km range

    Range is shorter than the LR of course, rated at 528 km WLTP compared to 629 km on the LR. To complete the comparison, the RWD has a 513 km WLTP range.

    There’s only one wheel option a 20 inch Warp forged wheels. As for interior, the standard is black while upgrading to white is an extra RM5,000.

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance now available from RM242k – 460 hp, 0-100 in 3.1s, 528 km range

    So other than the more powerful motors, what are the other upgrades over the Model 3 LR? For one, there is a new adaptive damping system. The chassis gets berspoke springs, bushings and stabilizer bars for a sportier drive.

    The exterior has a different front and rear design, with a rear diffuser and carbon fibre spoiler. It also gets larger brake rotors, calipers and performance brake pads.

    The interior gets new sports seats in the front, with better holstering and a deeper driving position. Interior is also carbon fibre in a weave pattern. There’s also track mode in the centre display screen, which offers a UI suitable for use on the race track.

    The Model 3 Performance can be ordered now for a RM1,000 booking fee and Tesla Malaysia promises a Q2 2024 delivery as of publishing time.

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3 Performance Highland undisguised yet again – best look of “Ludicrous” yet, reveal very soon?

    Tesla Model 3 Performance Highland undisguised yet again – best look of “Ludicrous” yet, reveal very soon?

    The Tesla Model 3 Performance Highland, which may or may not be called the Model 3 Ludicrous, is set to be revealed very soon if these images are any indication. The electric sports sedan has been spotted undisguised and uncovered right in front of a Tesla showroom in Malibu, California for a private event, likely with prospective customers and select media.

    These images from X user @BooDev give us our best look yet of the Performance model, resplendent in (expensive) Ultra Red paint. Visible changes start with a new front bumper, which comes with a black splitter and reintroduces the corner air inlets that were deleted on the Project Highland facelift.

    Tesla Model 3 Performance Highland undisguised yet again – best look of “Ludicrous” yet, reveal very soon?

    It also appears that the front and rear tracks are wider, necessitating the fitment of wider fenders, while the wheels themselves are bigger with a new five-spoke turbine design, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres. A large rear diffuser completes the more menacing look, which as with previous Performance models also includes dark window trim, larger brakes with red callipers and a carbon fibre boot lid spoiler. New bucket seats, too.

    We’ve previously reported that the new Performance/Ludicrous variant is tipped to come with a new, more powerful rear motor that produces 412 PS (303 kW). When paired with the same 215 PS (158 kW) front motor as before, it should result in a total output north of 600 PS. As such, it will be supremely brisk – the aforementioned X user overheard a zero-to-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 2.9 seconds during a presentation.

    Elsewhere, it appears that the Model 3 Performance will get the same 82 kWh battery as the current Long Range all-wheel-drive model, and given the extra performance, expect the range to be significantly lower than the LR’s 629 km. For reference, the outgoing Performance model was capable of travelling up to 567 km on a single charge.

    Hinting at the final name of this car is a new rear badge inspired by what is clearly Elon Musk’s favourite movie, Spaceballs. The black-and-white “hyperspace” design corresponds to the “Ludicrous Speed” scene in the film – one rung below “Plaid” – leading to speculation that the car will drop the Performance moniker and be called the Model 3 Ludicrous instead. As an aside, Ludicrous Mode was a feature found in older Tesla models that enabled quicker acceleration.

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3 Performance Highland – leaks reveal more powerful rear motor, more than 600 hp total?

    Tesla Model 3 Performance Highland – leaks reveal more powerful rear motor, more than 600 hp total?

    We’re still waiting on the range-topping Performance version of the Tesla Model 3 Highland, but leaked videos suggest that it’s coming sooner rather than later. It appears that Tesla is putting more effort into its top-dog models, with accoutrements that include some exterior upgrades (not just a rear spoiler) and even bucket seats.

    Now, we’re getting an idea as to why that is the case, and that is a potentially serious performance upgrade under the skin. As reported by InsideEVs, X user @eivissacopter posted some alleged leaked documents from South Korea’s ministry of environment, showing what appear to be preliminary specs for the updated sports sedan.

    These include a new 4D2 rear motor that delivers 412 PS (303 kW), much higher than the outgoing 3D6 motor that produced 299 PS (220 kW). The 3D3 front motor, on the other hand, is unchanged and makes the same 215 PS (158 kW) as before, so the latest model should provide greater rear bias for improved handling.

    https://twitter.com/eivissacopter/status/1764930423128281139?s=61&t=50ZYirJj4F7pM1wZvZNxAA

    Combined, the two motors provide a theoretical maximum output of 627 PS, compared to 514 PS on the outgoing model. We should point out, however, that the motors may make peak power at different speeds, so just adding the two figures together may not be accurate. This is complicated by Tesla refusing to advertise power and torque figures of its cars, only their zero-to-100 km/h times.

    Still, the increased power should enable the new Performance to deliver a significantly quicker century sprint, almost certainly taking a chunk out of the old car’s 3.3 seconds and probably taking it below the coveted three-second mark. The weight has gone up quite a bit, however, from 1,844 kg to 2,180 kg.

    Elsewhere, it appears that the Model 3 Performance will get the same 82 kWh battery as the Long Range model, and given the extra performance, expect the range to be significantly lower than the LR’s 629 km. For reference, the outgoing Performance model was capable of travelling up to 567 km on a single charge.

    We already know the new Performance will gain unique front and rear bumpers (with a front splitter and additional air inlets, in a similar style to the Model S Plaid) compared to the regular Highland model, as well as the usual carbon fibre rear spoiler, larger wheels (in a new five-spoke turbine design) and larger brakes with red callipers.

    Also spotted is a new rear badge that’s inspired by what is clearly Elon Musk’s favourite movie, Spaceballs. The black-and-white “hyperspace” design corresponds to the “Ludicrous Speed” scene in the film – one rung below “Plaid” – leading to speculation that the car will drop the Performance moniker and be called the Model 3 Ludicrous instead. As an aside, Ludicrous Mode was a feature found in older Tesla models that enabled quicker acceleration.

    GALLERY: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance Highland spyshots

     
     
  • 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance facelift spied fully uncovered – new styling elements, Ludicrous badging

    2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance facelift spied fully uncovered – new styling elements, Ludicrous badging

    Following the sighting of a new Tesla Model 3 Performance with its front and rear ends covered last week, the upcoming higher-performance variant of the Model 3 Highland has been spotted again, this time fully uncovered, and in Spain.

    A couple of units, in Ultra Red and black were spotted and caught on camera by an X user in Valencia, undergoing what looked like a promotional shoot for it. The carmaker has said the variant would return in the first half of 2024, and the preparation of presentation material for it suggests that things moving along according to plan.

    The absence of camo offers a view of the styling changes to the exterior, and these include a new rear splitter and trunk spoiler. The car also gets a restyled splitter at the front, and as can be seen in the spy video, new wheels, red brake calipers and a Ludicrous badge on the rear bonnet will further identify the variant. It has also been indicated that the car will feature upgraded brake and suspension components.

    Also seen are the sports seats as seen on the spied unit last week, with the sportier front seat design again finished in white. Nothing so far in terms of performance specifications, but the facelift should improve on the previous Model 3 Performance’s 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint time of 3.3 seconds and retain the old car’s 249.4 km/h (155 mph) top speed.

    Earlier this month, reports offered the view that series production of the variant would kick off at the Tesla’s Giga Shanghai and Fremont facilities at the end of March, with a market launch expected sometime in the second quarter. The presence of the uncovered cars – and the readying of marketing material – suggests that its debut could be within the earlier part of that quarter.

     
     
  • BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    It’s safe to say that BYD has set the country alight with the Seal, an electric sedan that goes toe-to-toe with the ever-popular Tesla Model 3. The Chinese company has been quite aggressive with its latest model, particularly in terms of pricing.

    Doubtless, there will be those of you who will be wondering how the BYD compares against the Tesla in terms of price, size and bare numbers. Here, we’re taking a closer look at how the Seal stacks up against its fiercest rival.

    Pricing: Seal undercuts Model 3 considerably

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    We’ve been eagerly awaiting pricing for the Seal since it was confirmed it would be coming to Malaysia, and now that it’s here, it’s clear that BYD isn’t messing about. Prices are as follows:

    • BYD Seal Premium RWD – RM180,430 on-the-road without insurance
    • BYD Seal Performance AWD – RM200,430 on-the-road without insurance

    As such, the Seal Premium RWD undercuts the Model 3 LR (RM190,700). Meanwhile, no Model 3 Performance competitor for the Seal Performance AWD has been launched, yet the Seal Performance AWD is over RM19,000 cheaper than the Model 3 Long Range AWD (RM219,700), and you get more performance to boot.

    Dimensions: Model 3 is smaller but more practical

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    Given that the Seal has been designed to compete with the Model 3, it’s no surprise they are largely the same size. However, the Chinese car edges out its Chinese-built American rival ever so slightly, being 80 mm longer and 19 mm taller; the Tesla counters by being 42 mm wider.

    This advantage should give the BYD greater interior room compared to the Tesla, although the Model 3 is by no means cramped inside. But if luggage space is what you’re looking for, then the Model 3 has a slight edge, both in terms of the rear boot (425 litres vs 400) and especially the front (88 litres versus 40). The fact the Seal even has a front boot, however, is noteworthy, especially as the Atto 3 and Dolphin don’t have one.

    Performance and range: Seal is faster, Model 3 can drive further

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    Tesla is known for providing a staggering amount of performance for your money, but it’s been upstaged by BYD here. The Seal Premium RWD makes 313 PS and 360 Nm of torque and is able to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds.

    Meanwhile, the Performance AWD variant churns out 530 PS and 670 Nm from its dual motors, enabling it to complete the century sprint in just 3.8 seconds. That’s six tenths of a second quicker than the Model 3 Long Range AWD. To be fair, the Seal Performance AWD is more of a competitor for the Model 3 Performance, which in its latest Highland guise isn’t out yet. We’d expect the latter to be significantly more expensive.

    The cheapest Seal is the one that has the most range (as the 82.5 kWh LFP battery comes standard). Even so, the Model 3 Long Range comfortably beats the Seal Premium RWD with a range of 629 km, versus 570 km for the BYD (both figures are WLTP) – despite the fact it has all-wheel drive.

    Charging: Advantage Tesla

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    Charging times are inconclusive as Tesla doesn’t provide any figures for the Model 3 (only that its 250 kW DC Superchargers are able to provide up to 282 km of additional range in 15 minutes). But the car can accept a higher amount of DC fast charging power than the Seal (170 kW vs 150 kW), the latter taking 37 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%.

    The Model 3 will also charge quicker when plugged up to an AC charger, as it can support up to 11 kW, compared to just 7 kW for the Seal. The latter takes a staggering 15.2 hours for a full charge.

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    And that’s with the right 7 kW single-phase or 22kW three-phase charger. If you use an 11 kW three-phase charger thinking it’ll be faster, the Seal’s onboard charger will step down to between 3.5 and 3.7 kW, meaning that it will take twice as long (more than a full day) compared to a technically slower 7 kW charger. Electric vehicles with a three-phase OBC aren’t affected by this issue.

    It also goes without saying that only the Model 3 can use Tesla’s Supercharger network as well as its Destination Chargers.

    Maintenance: Less servicing with Model 3, but shorter warranty

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    It’s here where you really see the difference between Tesla’s unconventional attitude to maintenance and BYD’s more traditional approach. The former hardly has a service schedule at all, simply recommending you to replace your cabin air filter every two years and an air-con desiccant bag replacement and brake fluid check every four years.

    Tesla does not provide any pricing details on its Malaysian website, nor the cost of a replacement cabin air filter, which is user-serviceable. However, the Tesla Shop in the US lists the latter at US$17 (RM81) at the time of writing. We assume all these maintenance jobs (along with tyre rotations, recommended every 10,000 km) can be done by third-party workshops, although Tesla warns this may affect warranty coverage.

    By contrast, BYD will sell you various service packages to keep you in its after-sales network. The Standard package includes tyre alignment, single-speed transmission oil service, air-con filter replacement and refrigerant service, brake fluid service, motor coolant service. This is priced at RM2,688 for three years, RM6,288 for six years and RM8,288 for eight years (add RM200 each for the Performance AWD model).

    BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 Highland Malaysia comparison – how do these electric sedans stack up?

    BYD Seal service packages

    Alternatively, you can purchase a Plus package that throws in replacements for wipers, washer fluid, remote control and 12V batteries, and brake pads and discs. This is very expensive, weighing in RM11,488 for six years and RM17,488 for eight years. As yet, BYD has not released a schedule for these replacements, nor has it confirmed if servicing your car at its service centres is required to maintain warranty coverage.

    Speaking of which, Tesla’s more lenient maintenance schedule means you get less warranty coverage – just four years or 80,000 km for the vehicle, compared to six years or 150,000 km for the BYD. The Model 3’s battery and drive motor warranty is at least competitive with the BYD, with the same eight-year/160,000 km coverage (the BYD’s warranty for the drive motor is only up to 150,000 km).

    What else?

    BYD Seal (left), Tesla Model 3 (right)

    If you’re looking for the car with the most value for money, the Seal trumps the Model 3 hands down. The kit list is basically identical across both variants, including full-LED lighting, massive 19-inch alloy wheels, flush pop-out door handles, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a novel rotating 15.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, powered leather seats, a glass roof, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and a 360-degree camera system.

    You also get a full suite of driver assists, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, plus nine airbags that include rear side and driver’s centre airbags.

    By contrast, you have a lot of option boxes to tick with the Tesla, such as alloy wheels (lowly 18s as standard), colours (only white is free) and even the choice of Autopilot (normal, Enhanced or the dubious Full Self Driving). On the plus side, even the standard Autopilot is one of the best in the business, as are the standard 15.4-inch front and eight-inch rear touchscreens. No stalks, however, so there’s that.

    Itching to find out how these two cars drive? Check out Hafriz’s video review of the Tesla Model 3 and Anthony’s first drive impressions of the BYD Seal.

    GALLERY: 2024 BYD Seal Premium RWD in Malaysia


    GALLERY: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD in Malaysia

     
     
  • Tesla Model 3 Highland EV body-in-white structure currently on display at IOI City Mall until Feb 26, 2024

    Tesla Model 3 Highland EV body-in-white structure currently on display at IOI City Mall until Feb 26, 2024

    If you ever wondered what’s under the skin of a Tesla Model 3 Highland, you’ll want to head on over to LG West Court in IOI City Mall from now until February 26, 2024 to check out the electric vehicle’s (EV) body-in-white (BIW) structure.

    The Model 3 is primarily constructed using stamped steel of various strengths, which is different from the Model S and X that are composed of large aluminium castings and extruded profiles. This construction method is more suited for a lower-priced, high-volume vehicle, and steel is stronger than aluminium, which is important for the centre underbody where the battery resides.

    Along with a range of passive and active safety systems, the Model 3 managed to secure high ratings in crash tests conducted by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

    In addition to the Model 3 BIW structure, the full range of Tesla models are also being showcased at the event. The Model 3 is offered in two variants, starting with the Standard Range Rear-Wheel Drive that retails for RM189,000, which is followed by the Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive at RM218,000.

    The former gets you 513 km of range (WLTP) along with a top speed of 201 km/h, a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds and a peak DC charging capacity of 170 kW. Go with the latter and range is increased to 629 km, the 0-100 km/h time drops to 4.4 seconds and the DC charging limit is upped to 250 kW.

    There’s also the Model Y which comes in three variants, including the Standard Rear-Wheel Drive at RM199,000, the Long Range Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive at RM246,000 and the Performance Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive at RM288,000.

    The base option offers 455 km of range, a top speed of 217 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds. Step up to the mid-range variant and the range goes up to 533 km while the century sprint time drops to five seconds. At the top of the heap, the Performance variant is the quickest to 100 km/h from a dead stop at just 3.7 seconds and the top speed is increased to 250 km/h, but range takes a hit to 514 km.

     
     
 
 
 

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