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Tesla Model 3 gets acceleration boost update -- for a price

And it takes half a second off the 0-60 mph time.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance
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2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance

Greater acceleration? That'll cost $2,000.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

has a reputation for improving its  electric cars  with over-the-air updates, and the latest one has everything to do with acceleration performance.

After some Tesla Model 3 owners spotted text referring to an "Acceleration Boost" upgrade when poring over their cars' profiles, Tesla has made the update available, but not for free. That's correct, this is not a free update. Instead, Tesla charges $2,000 to unlock the quicker acceleration.

This new upgrade will be only for Model 3 vehicles with the dual-motor configuration. It shaves half a second off the 0-60 mph time, according to Tesla. Right now, the Model 3 with dual motors will dispatch the run in 4.4 seconds; the update takes the time down to 3.9 seconds.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on the update, but owners took to Reddit to share their experiences after downloading the update. "No regrets, took it for a short drive and yes it's a noticeable difference!" posted user DopeWeasel.

Back to the results: Owners posted screenshots showing the car was capable of running from 0-60 mph in 3.67 seconds in dry, warm weather. In colder temperatures and rain, the update still produced a 3.73 0-60 mph time. Both results are lower figures than what Tesla quotes, but also include a one-foot rollout. In this measurement, the timer doesn't start until the front wheel is all the way past the starting point.

Watch this: Tesla Model 3 Performance lives up to its name, but still falls short of perfect

Tesla Model 3 barrels through the snow in Track Mode

See all photos

Originally published Dec. 18.
Update, Dec. 19: Adds information from the Acceleration Boost update that is now live.

Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on December 19, 2019 at 6:40 AM PST

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
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