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