Spending a day immersed in the world of Tesla enthusiasts offers a unique perspective. To truly understand the allure of the Tesla Model 3 2018, one must experience it firsthand, surrounded by those who live and breathe the brand. My journey began with exactly that – a deep dive into the capabilities of a brand-new Tesla Model 3 Performance, and it proved to be an enlightening experience.
My friend Ian, the owner of this pristine Model 3 Performance, had only taken delivery of his vehicle 18 hours prior to our rendezvous. Ian isn’t your average car owner; he’s a data-driven, detail-oriented individual with a passion for automotive performance, honed by years spent on Tesla forums. His mission? To rigorously test the acceleration of his new tesla model 3 2018 Performance within the first 24 hours of ownership. Rumors online hinted at a blistering 3.14-second 0-60 mph sprint achieved by another owner. Ian, with his connections at Fast Wheels, had a plan to potentially surpass even that benchmark.
This isn’t your typical car review, focusing solely on mundane aspects. Instead, we aimed to explore the performance DNA of the 2018 tesla model 3, pushing its limits and uncovering what makes it tick beyond the standard tech and driving impressions.
Unleashing the Beast: Initial Acceleration Tests of the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Our first order of business was to gauge the raw acceleration of the 2018 tesla model 3 Performance in its stock configuration, riding on its factory 20-inch wheels and tires. The results were immediately impressive. We consistently clocked 0-60 mph sprints at 3.2 seconds. This already undercut Tesla’s official 3.5-second claim for the 450-horsepower dual-motor Performance variant of the tesla model 3 2018. As the tires warmed with subsequent runs, the times dipped even further, reaching an astonishing 3.17 seconds. This level of acceleration is truly exhilarating, placing the 2018 tesla model 3 firmly in sports car territory.
Before embarking on his planned wheel and tire upgrade, Ian generously handed me the key card to the tesla model 3 2018. A knowing smirk played on his lips as I eagerly took the reins. I wasted no time in heading towards some inviting country roads nearby, keen to experience the driving dynamics beyond straight-line speed. What struck me within moments of driving the 2018 tesla model 3 was an unexpected sense of familiarity.
Earlier that day, I had been driving a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R, providing a fresh benchmark for comparison. The moment I turned the wheel of the tesla model 3 2018, the Golf R immediately came to mind. Much like Volkswagen’s performance hatchback, the Model 3 strikes a compelling balance between responsiveness and composure.
Driving Dynamics and Handling of the 2018 Tesla Model 3: A Surprising Agility
Speaking of steering, the 2018 tesla model 3 impressed with its well-judged assistance, even in the default “Normal” setting. The steering effort is light yet communicative, building linearly as you turn the wheel. The quickness of the steering rack adds to the sense of agility, igniting curiosity about its potential on a racetrack. Intriguingly, the “Track Mode” upgrade was slated to be enabled on Ian’s tesla model 3 2018 imminently, promising even sharper handling dynamics.
The ride quality of the 2018 tesla model 3 Performance lived up to expectations. Despite weighing over 4,000 lbs, the car felt remarkably agile and responsive. The dampers effectively absorbed most road imperfections, maintaining composure even over uneven surfaces. The tesla model 3 2018 felt glued to the road, exhibiting impressive grip and remaining remarkably flat even during sharp cornering maneuvers. While never harsh, the ride also avoids being overly plush, reinforcing the comparison to the Golf R. For many, the Golf R represents a gold standard in balancing handling prowess with everyday comfort. Tesla’s achievement in reaching a similar benchmark with their first attempt at this segment is truly commendable.
Having witnessed the acceleration tests firsthand, I didn’t feel the need to replicate them during my drive. Moreover, respecting that this tesla model 3 2018 was brand new and not my own, I refrained from overly aggressive testing. However, even with only partial throttle inputs, the power delivery was instantaneous and breathtaking. I experimented with varying throttle inputs to detect any lag in response as speed built, but the tesla model 3 2018 remained consistently responsive, delivering seamless and potent forward thrust.
A Minor Disappointment: One-Pedal Driving in the 2018 Tesla Model 3
My journey with electric vehicles is a continuous learning process. A key piece of information I gleaned from Ian was the distinction between permanent magnet motors and synchronous motors. Without delving into complex technical details, the tesla model 3 2018 utilizes a rear permanent magnet motor which, by design, prevents the car from coming to a complete stop solely through regenerative braking. In essence, true one-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator brings the car to a standstill, isn’t fully achievable in the tesla model 3 2018. This realization was a slight letdown, as one-pedal driving is often touted as a hallmark of the EV driving experience.
Upping the Ante: Aftermarket Wheels and Tires for Enhanced Performance of the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Upon returning from my drive, Ian wasted no time in implementing his plan. He swapped the stock 20-inch wheels of the tesla model 3 2018 for lighter 18-inch Fast FC04 wheels. These were then fitted with wider 255/40 Yokohama Advan V105 tires, replacing the 235-section Michelins. The rationale behind this change was twofold: first, the 18-inch Fast wheels are significantly lighter, weighing 9.2 lbs less per wheel compared to the 20s. Second, reduced rotational inertia translates directly to improved acceleration.
The impact of these changes on the tesla model 3 2018 was immediately apparent. With barely 3km on the new tires, the car achieved a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 3.12 seconds on its second attempt. While breaking the 3-second barrier remained elusive on this particular day, the improvement was undeniable, proving the effectiveness of lighter wheels and performance tires in further enhancing the already impressive acceleration of the tesla model 3 2018.
Final Verdict: The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance – Nearly Perfect?
Yes, the tesla model 3 2018 Performance is undeniably fast. While I harbor some reservations regarding the minimalist cabin and the central 15-inch touchscreen, as detailed in my separate “Should You Buy” review, the fundamentals are exceptionally strong. The interior is comfortable, and the seats are supportive. The driving position initially felt slightly unusual, but I suspect extended time with the car would quickly resolve this minor point.
Starting at $64,100 at the time of this review (with a true base price closer to $45,600 as discussed in my preview), the 2018 tesla model 3 Performance represents a significant investment. When questioned about opting for the Performance version, Ian simply stated that this particular tesla model 3 2018 was his dream car. And why not go all out for your dream car? It’s hard to argue with that logic. Ian’s intentions to track and rally his tesla model 3 2018 further underscore its performance credentials. Traditional performance benchmarks from STI to RS and R models should indeed be taking notice – the electric era of performance is here, embodied by the 2018 tesla model 3 Performance.
