First Tesla Model 3 Performance off new assembly line

The first Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance to roll off the company’s new assembly line in Fremont, California, on June 16 has been confirmed by Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk.

In a push to increase Model 3 production to 5000 units a week, Tesla built the new assembly line under a giant tent.

While they are still working on increasing production, Musk has confirmed the line is running as it just produced the “first Model 3 Dual Motor Performance”, Electrek reports

He released a picture of the car on Twitter as it was coming off the line, showing the red brake calipers and the new white interior, available with the Performance version of the Model 3.

The Performance version features the same motors (AC in the front and permanent magnet in the rear) as the dual version, but they are picking the highest rated ones with double the burn-in process to make sure they can handle a higher output, Electrek says.

Musk says the Performance version will feature 20-inch Performance wheels. He says it will be 15% quicker than the BMW M3 and with better handling, and “will beat anything in its class on the track”.

The Model 3 Performance version has a nearly 500km range, 0 to 96.5km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds, a nearly 250km/h top speed and is priced at US$78,000 (without autopilot).

Musk has indicated the Model 3 Performance version ‘might’ see a further increase in power output in the near future.

Orders opened last month and Electrek says many of Tesla’s more than 450,000 Model 3 reservation holders had already delayed their orders to wait for the new versions.

Elon Musk’s tweet on June 16 says: “Amazing work by Tesla team. Built entire new general assembly line in 3 weeks w minimal resources. Love u guys so much! Pic of 1st Model 3 dual motor performance coming off the line …”