Latest news with #Model3Performance
AsiaOne
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
Tesla Model 3 Performance review: The ultimate Tesla for the performance freak, Lifestyle News
It wasn't very long ago that the automotive social media space was awash with videos and reports of powerful Teslas demonstrating supercar levels of acceleration and performance. It made for an interesting spectacle, especially in an era where electric vehicles (EVs) were just bursting onto the scene, and a seemingly regular-looking car doing insane speeds was quite the novelty. But these days it's not difficult to find an EV, especially one from the large number of Chinese carmakers now penetrating the market, capable of achieving the same feat. Having an EV go from 0-100km/h in under four seconds is not exactly the extraordinary achievement it was before. [[nid:716880]] Viewed in that context, what relevance does the updated Tesla Model 3 Performance, the most powerful Model 3 you can currently buy in Singapore, still offer to drivers here? What's the big deal with the Model 3 Performance? Let's get the stats and figures out of the way first. The Model 3 Performance's dual motors put out a total of 618hp and 730Nm of torque. That's a significant bump from the 506hp and 660Nm of the pre-facelift Model 3 Performance that first debuted here in 2021, and certainly many times more than the Cat A-eligible Model 3 that we tested last year. As such, the latest Performance is able to go from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 3.1 seconds, a figure which would easily embarrass a Ferrari given the right conditions. How does that feel like though? It's a sensation that can be hard to describe in mere mortal words, and would probably involve superlatives and even some expletives. There are three settings for the throttle response: Standard, Chill and Insane, and they are pretty much self-explanatory. Trigger the last one, find an empty stretch of straight road, and experience yourself get shot forward like you've been blasted out of a cannon. It's a thrilling ride for sure, but for those who are unaccustomed to that sort of speed, it can also feel a bit discomforting. The feeling is somewhat akin to a roller-coaster ride: exciting for some, nausea-inducing for others. If you could take it though, the sensation is absolutely exhilarating, and perhaps even mildly addictive. Other than speed, what else is good about the Model 3 Performance? Truth be told, the Model 3 is actually quite an enjoyable EV to drive. And given that this is supposedly meant to be a sportier variant, the Model 3 Performance does get a few extra bits to sharpen its drive even further. Without trying to get too technical, some of the upgrades on the Model 3 Performance include more powerful brakes, grippier sports tyres, firmer suspension, adaptive dampers, and selectable drive modes that can distribute power between the wheels as you see fit. The car drives pretty well on its own, but it absolutely sparkles when you put it into Sport mode. The chassis is remarkably balanced, and it feels very controllable and extremely planted as you chuck it into the corners, unfazed by whatever you throw at it. At the same time, it manages to combine that with a well-sorted ride that is comfortable enough for daily use. Perhaps the only minor complaint is the car's relatively dull steering, but otherwise, the Model 3 Performance's breadth of ability is nothing short of sensational. There is also a hardcore Track mode that lets you individually select settings like the amount of power sent to each wheel, and how intense you want the stability control to be. Let's just say that this mode should be best left to the experts in a controlled driving environment. Anything else? There are a few cosmetic upgrades, such as the mildly reprofiled front and rear bumpers, a small rear spoiler, cool-looking 20-inch alloy wheels, a 10mm reduction in ride height, and an odd-looking badge on the boot lid that looks like the Union Jack on steroids. Other than that though, the rest of the car is much the same as any other Model 3 really. It's the same on the inside. Aside from the sports seats, the cabin is virtually indistinguishable from regular Model 3s. That means you get the same 15.4-inch central touchscreen which functions as the main control centre for everything, and a minimalist dashboard design that lacks physical controls. The merits of such a design will always a debatable topic, but the fact that Tesla is moving to reintroduce a physical indicator stalk for the upcoming new Model Y is a sign that there has been enough pushback from customers for them to reconsider some of their design choices. So, is it worth my time? Teslas will always be polarising cars for many reasons. But if you are able to view them objectively, the Model 3 Performance does offer excellent value considering what you get. For $256,054 including COE (as of May 2025), you get an EV that can blitz past sports car many times its price tag, while also being entertaining to drive at the same time. Sure, there remain some flaws, such as the ergonomically odd interior, but if you can look past that, then the Tesla Model 3 Performance demonstrates that it has so much more depth than simply being a car that attracts social media clout. [[nid:692598]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
5 cars that are safest from tariffs — and 5 getting hit hardest
President Donald Trump's move to soften his automotive tariffs will lessen the pain, experts say, but it still won't keep prices from rising. Usha Haley is an expert on autos and auto parts. She is currently the Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business at Wichita State University and offered some of her thoughts on winners and losers to Quartz. 'First, no car with imported auto parts, which make up 80% of the cost of a car, is safe as this is a temporary reprieve,' Haley says, noting that cars with 85% of their parts complying with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and produced domestically, should not face tariffs at this point Tesla (TSLA) has had a rough time of it in 2025. Chief executive Elon Musk's involvement in DOGE turned the company into a political lightning rod, tanking sales and sending shares tumbling. But according to Motor1 — a trade publication that recently ranked the most and least affected cars — Tesla's Model 3 Performance sits at the top of the list, with 87.5% of its manufacturing and construction done domestically. The Model Y (85%), Cybertruck (82.5%), Model S (80%), and Model X (80%) are also atop the index. 'Tesla will be among the least affected,' Haley says. The Motor1 rankings group cars by the percentage of the car and parts that are made in the USA. Motor1 ranks Ford's (F) Mustang GT AT as 80% domestic. Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence at CarGurus (CARG), notes that even with some automotive tariff relief, price increases are still in the offing. 'While this won't fully reverse price increases, it's a move in the right direction to streamline levies and limit cost burdens that could otherwise be passed down to consumers,' Roberts says, noting that in the month since tariffs on auto imports were announced, the average price of a new car increased by nearly $650, while used car prices are up almost $150—driven largely by a short-lived surge in demand from shoppers looking to avoid anticipated increases. 'The impact has been most pronounced in the affordable segment, with demand for new vehicles priced under $50,000 spiking sharply in recent weeks,' Roberts says. Motor1 ranks the Honda (HMC) 2024 Passport AWD at 76.5% domestically produced. George Faracchio, vice president of AutoLenders and 28-year auto industry veteran, told Quartz that in the first 30 days of the tariff regime consumers can anticipate a modest pricing adjustment based on current inventory levels. 'However, as we move deeper into the spring and summer months if tariffs remain in place—regardless of the percentage—we expect prices to climb steadily,' Faracchio says. Motor1 puts the Jeep (STLA) Wrangler Rubicon at 76%. Faracchio says as the tariffs remain in place, the price pain will get worse. 'Over the first 60 days of tariffs being imposed, vehicle inventory will tighten, and manufacturers impacted by tariffs will be forced to raise their prices,' he says, noting that after this, consumer demand will naturally shift toward the pre-owned market and that shift will drive increased competition for used vehicles, leading to industry-wide price increases. 'The longer these tariffs remain, the more significant the impact will be in rising demand and escalating prices across all segments. This ripple effect will touch everything from entry-level vehicles to high-demand SUVs and trucks,' Faracchio says. Motor1 has the Volkswagen (VWAGY) ID.4 AWD (82 KWH) at 75.5% domestic production. 'The industry's 90-day outlook points to lasting disruption, even if tariffs are eventually lifted. The market will likely see elevated prices and constrained supply for months, if not longer, as manufacturers, dealers, and consumers work to adjust. In short, the impact of tariffs isn't just immediate; it can reshape the market well beyond their removal,' Faracchio says. Motor1 lists Mazda's (MZDAY) Miata as 1% domestically produced. Look for sticker shock on this car. Haley says that overall, calculating and implementing these tariffs will result in higher economic costs. 'The temporary nature of the tariffs will also lead to even more intense lobbying by auto companies, continued economic uncertainty and the inability to engage in strategic planning to bring manufacturing home — supposedly a goal of these tariffs,' Haley says. Motor1 put the Hyundai (HYMTF) Elantra at 1% domestically produced. Liz Hempel, a partner at McKinsey & Company, notes that switching production venues isn't easy. 'Moving an auto supply chain takes at least two years and billions of dollars, making quick shifts in production nearly impossible,' Hempel says, noting that tariffs, which hit overnight, only add to the complexity. 'With seven-year model cycles and specialized infrastructure concentrated in key regions, the automotive industry faces unique hurdles. Beyond factory relocations, moving decades of expertise is another major challenge,' Hempel notes. Motor1 put the BMW (BMWYY) M3 Sedan at 1% domestically sourced. Hempel notes that tariffs on raw materials, such as steel and aluminum, are increasing costs at every stage of production. 'McKinsey & Company recommends several strategic responses to mitigate these risks, including supply chain diversification, enhanced risk management, operational flexibility, and active stakeholder engagement,' Hempel says, adding that: 'As we navigate this evolving landscape, it's critical for companies to rethink their sourcing and supply-chain strategies. Those who adapt quickly can turn these challenges into opportunities for long-term success.' Motor1 has Subaru's (FUJHY) BRZ at 1%. Showrooms got more traffic in March as people rushed to avoid the tariffs. 'It makes total sense. Cars are expensive capital purchases. With budgets tight and consumers increasingly cost-conscious, many people would prefer to push out buying a new car. However, anyone worried that their car will die in the next 12 months is caught in a dilemma: spend less now or much more later. The prospect of paying several thousand dollars more for an already big-ticket item spurred people to act now,' notes John Lash, group vice president of product strategy at e2open (ETWO), a connected supply-chain platform. Motor1 puts the Toyota (TM) GR 86 and GR Corolla at 1%. 'It's important to remember that tariffs are taxes which businesses and consumers are forced to bear. When prices rise, especially when it's a significant rise, demand falls,' Lash says, asking, so what does this mean for car sales this year? 'It means that after this brief jump in March, we should get ready for a long and extended drop in new car sales. A drop that will stay in place until tariff policy changes again,' Lash says. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Someone Please Come Buy A Tesla. Anyone...' Says Ross Gerber As He Mocks Tesla's Desperate Incentives
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is throwing out big incentives to move cars, but not everyone is impressed. In fact, longtime Tesla investor Ross Gerber is openly mocking the company's latest Miss: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — . According to another Tesla investor, Sawyer Merritt, the electric vehicle company is offering its brand-new 2024 Model 3 Performance vehicles for just $41,490, a price that already includes the $7,500 federal EV credit. Buyers also get 10% off, 0% APR financing, and a free transfer of Full Self-Driving capabilities. Deep Blue Metallic and Pearl White paint colors, along with a white interior, are now included at no extra cost. Merritt highlighted the offer on X, calling it 'a lot of value for the money.' But Gerber had a different reaction, posting, 'Someone please come buy a Tesla. Anyone... $TSLA.' Adding to his criticism, Gerber also mocked reports of a cheaper Tesla Model Y rumored to launch in July. He sarcastically described it as 'Just 4 wheels and you sit on the battery. Amazing innovation! The Tesla model C – rap,' reacting to news of stripped-down features like fabric seats and a smaller battery for an expected $26,000 to $28,800 price Donald Trump just announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure deal — . Gerber has been vocal about Tesla's struggles this year. After Tesla reported a 71% drop in first-quarter profits, he said, 'I've done Tesla calls for 11 years. This is the worst performance I've seen in Tesla's history.' He criticized CEO Elon Musk for distracting investors with grand stories about robots and total addressable markets, adding, 'I get Elon will tell everyone about trillions of [total addressable market] and robots taking over the world... anything to get you not to look at the facts.' Tesla's stock has fallen sharply in 2025, weighed down by slumping demand and Musk's growing political involvement. Tesla's deliveries dropped 13% year-over-year in the first quarter, and sales in Europe plunged 49% in the first two a Schwab Network interview, Gerber said Musk's public image is hurting Tesla, explaining that consumers 'need to feel good' about buying a Tesla. Instead, he said people are afraid of the controversy attached to the brand. 'The woes seem to just keep adding up, and the stock has come back to earth because the Musk positive has been offset now with Musk negative,' he said. Gerber also said Musk's 'huge bet' on President Donald Trump has backfired. 'The perception at the time was like this is going to be great for Tesla, but now that he's there, it's how is this good, and it turns out it's not good at all. And now people are burning Teslas,' he told Schwab Network. While Gerber still holds Tesla stock, he warns the company needs to meet Wall Street's 2025 earnings expectations to avoid a bigger drop. Otherwise, he says, 'Tesla could go meaningfully lower.' Read Next: Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary called Missing Ring his biggest mistake — Don't repeat history— Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article 'Someone Please Come Buy A Tesla. Anyone...' Says Ross Gerber As He Mocks Tesla's Desperate Incentives originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rivian R1T delivers on this EV feature that Tesla forgot
I'm exhausted by Elon. And I'm not talking about his politics. It's his philosophy on building cars. You see, he envisions a future where you and I are passengers, chauffeured by robots. But, that's not a future I can get excited about. I'm a driver. I want to be in control. I want a partner. Help me. Don't replace me. I've owned a Tesla since 2019. It's a Model 3 Performance, and it's a good, versatile car. I've raced it, I've carved Colorado canyons with it, I've road-tripped it out of state, and I've done daily errands with it. I have no complaints. But it's an iPhone on thing is, with each update, I can see how the car is transitioning me to be a passenger. Features that used to be easy to find get buried deeper in sub menus and I seem to spend too much time looking at the screen and less on the road. Recent models even lack basic controls like the turn signal stalk and gear lever. Want to turn left? Hit a button on the steering wheel to activate the left turn signal. There are two of them, but I don't have the muscle memory to know which is left and which is right! Neither could anyone else, so I hear Tesla is adding the turn signal stalk back for now. The drive controls have moved to the center screen and are counterintuitive. You slide an icon up to go forward and down to reverse. This is the opposite of every other automatic you or I have ever driven. So yeah. I'm exhausted by Elon. I'm a driver. Let me drive. The anti-EV crowd would have you believe that this is inevitable. They believe that EVs will never have soul and will never be engaging to drive, but they're you've ever driven a Rivian, then you know the truth. Rivian was kind enough to lend me a 2025 R1T for the week and I did nothing but abuse it. And why wouldn't I? It was a tri-motor version with the Max battery, All-Terrain, and Ascend packages. That's 850 hp at my disposal with chunky tires, and it was snowing too. I live at the base of the Rockies with miles of dirt roads at my disposal. You'd have done the same. What I found was EV nirvana—a truck that could do it all. The Rivian doesn't want to replace you. It's your partner in crime, and it urges you to have fun. It does that by offering eight different drive modes that combine suspension, brake regen, and stability control settings. Armed with these options and 850hp under your right foot, you're sure to find a mode that suits your mood. Feeling chill? Select All-Purpose or Conserve. Depending on the version of R1T you're driving, you can get up to 420 miles of range. Even Elon should approve. On an easy highway drive around Denver, I saw approximately 2.31 mi/kWh. That would be good for over 320 miles in 50-degree temperatures. Feeling the need for speed? Sport mode turns the truck into a two-and-a-half-ton sports car. It's more nimble and capable than you'd imagine, and I had fun ripping it up a twisty canyon road. It's no 911, but when you can only have one car, it'll like a day on the slopes? Snow mode optimizes the truck's settings for the slippery stuff. Brake regen gets turned down, and both power delivery and suspension are set to be more relaxed. It worked great on the snowy night I drove out to visit friends. Then, there are the five off-road modes: All-Terrain, Rock Crawl, Soft Sand, Rally, and Drift. Rivian asked me to keep it on the road, so I didn't test its true off-road capabilities. However, plenty of videos show how capable the vehicle is in rough terrain. In the Rally and Drift modes, the truck becomes something unique. In Rally, the height drops, and stability control is reduced. Ride feel goes to soft while Regen is set to high. In other words, the truck is set up to rotate, letting you live out your dreams of piloting a Lancia Stratos in Group B rally competition. Drift mode should just be called Party mode. In a snowy parking lot at the top of a mountain, I did enough donuts to satisfy Homer Simpson, whose gastronomic rapacity knows no the comparison to Tesla isn't fair. After all, I've never driven a Cybertruck. Perhaps it's just as capable as a Rivian, but I've never seen a Cybertruck in slippery conditions. And Colorado's ski area parking lots have plenty of Rivians. My impression, however, is that the Cybertruck is like that guy who spends a lot of time at the gym to get buff but doesn't play any sports. The Rivian, meanwhile, is that guy who never goes to the gym but excels at all sports AND buys the first round. In the end, it's all about character. A Rivian is like a Patagonia wardrobe. Functional, warm, and even a little stylish. After all, Patagonia is considered haute couture in Colorado and the interior of a Rivian looks like it was styled by the outdoor clothing company's design team. If it's true that there's no bad weather, only the wrong clothing, then the Rivian truly is the right clothing for any condition. And it looks even better when it's full of mud. I turned it into an art car! View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Tesla, on the other hand, has a vision for the future that involves robots, and you can feel it in their cars. A Tesla robot has the potential to make your life easier; just don't expect that it will be warm and comforting. Rather, it will exude no-nonsense efficiency, except for when it makes fart noises. So yeah, I'm exhausted by Elon. But I've got mad respect for Rivian. Ferry Porsche once said that 'the 911 is the only car you could drive on an African safari or at Le Mans, to the theatre or through New York City traffic.' In 2025, the 911 has competition and its name is Rivian. Love reading Autoblog? 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