More specifically, the vehicle’s VIN has the letter “T” in the eighth position, which typically corresponds to the type of motor in a vehicle. Since the outgoing Model 3 Performance has the letter “L” in the same position, this suggests that the facelifted variant will feature a different type of motor.<\/p>\n
Tesla has reportedly used the “T” designation on the VINs of the European Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid, which feature a tri-motor powertrain. Does this mean that the Model 3 Performance is also getting three motors?<\/p>\n
That’s unlikely because a tri-motor Model 3 Performance would probably outperform the Model S Plaid, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has categorically dismissed that possibility in an interview earlier this year.<\/p>\n
There’s a higher likelihood that the “T” in the VIN indicates that the Model 3 Performance may adopt one of the Plaid rear motors. This would give M3P owners not only bragging rights but also increased performance.<\/p>\n
For now, this is just an assumption, and it will be interesting to see how (and if) Tesla\u00a0improves the Model 3 Performance. The 0-60 mph time and top speed would be the most obvious targets, but that won’t be easy seeing as the outgoing M3P does 0-60 in 3.1 seconds and tops out at 162 mph.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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