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Tesla confirms it's working on an aftermarket Model 3 Performance Upgrade package

If you didn't think to check the option box for the $5,000 Performance Upgrade package when ordering your Model 3 Performance, Tesla is working on a solution for you.

Steven Ewing/Roadshow

Tesla confirmed via Twitter today that it was working on offering Performance owners the option to buy an aftermarket Performance Upgrade package that would include Track Mode for those who didn't tick that option box during the order process.

This is likely in response to a number of owners voicing their dissatisfaction that the Tesla Model 3 Performance's decidedly awesome but as yet not officially rolled out Track mode wouldn't be available on cars that don't have the additional $5,000 Performance Upgrade package.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance
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2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance

The Model 3 Performance with the Performance Upgrade package is a seriously fast and fun car.

Steven Ewing/Roadshow

To be fair, when orders were opened for the Model 3 Performance, Tesla didn't expressly make clear that this not-especially-cheap option package would be required to get the full measure of fun out of the Model 3 Performance, so if I'd been one of the people who shelled out $65,000 or more, I'd have probably been pretty upset too. But, that's not the whole story.

The Performance Upgrade package consists of a few things in addition to an enabled Track mode. Specifically, the uprated brakes, suspension and tires. These things are pretty critical on a car with the capabilities of the Model 3 Performance, and enabling a Track mode that allows more movement from a car without them would border on irresponsible.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Enlarge Image
2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance

Arguably, the Performance Upgrade package's biggest change is to the Model 3's previously only adequate brakes.

Steven Ewing/Roadshow

It's still unclear at this time what an aftermarket package would look like and how it would compare with the $5,000 cost of ordering it with your vehicle, but it may prove to be popular with second or third owners down the line.

Watch this: Testing the Tesla Model 3 Performance's new Track Mode update
Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
Kyle Hyatt
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).

Article updated on August 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM PDT

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Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
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