Model 3 Plaid...

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It should be a little slower, so I can afford it on the used market 3 years after it is released. $90K?

From what I understand, it's a packaging issue. The model 3 isn't wide enough to fit the two motors in the rear.

I wouldn’t be interested in that even a little bit. Remember, it’s a 37K price point build quality car, with (presuming) a 30K+ up charge for all those presumed bells and whistles. No way I’m paying 70K+ for a Model 3, don’t care how fast it is. Plus, Tesla starts robbing performance below 70% SOC, while Porsche doesn’t start limiting power until 20%.

Not enough space in the model 3 chassis to fit plaid motors

Cool, you don’t have to. Those who are interested would. Especially post S.

You know there's a thing called engineering where they solve those issues right?

Dunno about the Roadster, but the Model 3/Y platform has a notably smaller wheelbase than the S/X Palladium platform, so there's less space for battery modules. Typically larger batteries also have better C-rates, so combined with more powerful motors, that's how and why the Model S LR used to/still has more power than the Model 3 Performance but very similar/slower acceleration figures. Considering they just updated the M3P with their 4th gen drive unit in 2024, another refresh in 2026 seems unlikely imo, especially if they do come out with and are trying to sell a much faster Roadster to replace the Model S Plaid.

They should introduce a track package with new wheels, brakes, calipers, rotors, and acceleration boost closer to 2.0s from the current 2.9s

lol people paid $65k starting for the Model 3 Performance when it launched in 2018. Without the S Plaid, people might just get a 3 Plaid if that ever comes to be.

The current motors aren't even maxed out. The pack is maxed. Flat out. You could get easily 50+kW out of the existing LDU on OG M3Ps with a better battery. The chassis already struggles with the power, too, so it'd be quite the engineering challenge.

I hope Tesla would make plaid version of model 3 given fact that model S plaid is dead. Current Model 3 performance is insanely fast but is not plaid fast. I wonder how many customer would choose Plaid over performance model.

Sure there is. Who needs a trunk?

Would be nice, but then again I think the model 3 should be replaced too Imo. I always thought it was a shame they didn't do a model 2, lighter, smaller with maybe just FWD. Nothing crazy, targeted at younger drivers

Not gonna happen.

Big if true.  Citation?

2-S3XY? Could have been a thing!

The Model Y L has a longer wheel base, It could be the basis for the Plaid Model 3. I doubt it though because Tesla is about to become a full-on robotics company and has no interest in being at the forefront developing a top tier performance sedan.

I'll have to go digging. 50kW may be a bit much, prolly more like 50hp. The Model Y performance makes more power with the same motors because it's got a bigger pack (only reason I can surmise). The other source is Tesla swapped cars that run Higher C rate batteries and make over 300hp on the ~250 rated LDU. The pack in the M3P voltage sags under load. I suspect the new D4(?) motor in the Highland makes more power with the same pack by being much more efficient--prolly a higher kC rating.

Interesting, thanks!  I ask because I'm super interested in EV motor tech future. The amount of power density is unreal. The axial flux motors are insane.  Humblebrag. But I did reference tri motor in M3 a month ago.  https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModel3/comments/1pwx73u/comment/nwdhxfm/?context=3&utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

In future with smaller plaid motors maybe

M3 Performance version is pretty damn quick!

I’d be happy if they added launch mode, don’t understand how the YP got it before the 3P.

Imagine 2.3 0-60 and top speed of 190

Elephants

I have the newer 3 performance and would absolutely trade my car in today if they had a Plaid version.

The need to make a RWD Performance M3

why not get an s?

I wanted an S but explaining to my wife why I want a $100k car vs what I paid for a 3 performance was night and day.

sigh. yeah i’m with you man. i’m so sad that they’re getting rid of the s plaid, id hate to buy used cuz idk any problems that might come with the car. hopefully if there’s some semblance of hope, they’ll bring it back or change their mind about discontinuing. it sucks they threw in free fsd and free supercharging and the tire/windshield protection stuff for free in the luxe package and then this so shortly after

I had plans on grabbing a Plaid in a few years when I join the DROP as an early retirement gift to myself but I guess I’ll just sit back and see what or if they offer something else. Model F for Fast AF. Hopefully it’s not crazy expensive

Model S much more heavier and bigger than model 3. Model S is less sporty with air suspension.

They could develop a narrower motor for model 3 plaid. The bigger issue is the battery. Model S has 16 modules and Model 3 has only 4. Model S battery with 16 modules can deliver more power but it has more internal resistance meaning worse efficiency for distance travelled. Current Model 3 battery is tapped out in terms of max discharge power. I bet Tesla won't sacrifice efficiency for more power because most of the cars sold are standard or long range variants.

you said model s twice

The way motor and battery technology is changing.... Won't be long. Imagine solid state battery capacity, lighter weight, quicker charging combined with a 28 lb Yasa style axial flux motor capable of 500 HP continuous... With the short burst potential of close to a 1000 HP....that's just 1 motor.... The future is quick for EVs.