Tesla Model 3 Performance delivery times stretch out as Highland approaches

Tesla’s fastest cars in Australia are the dual-motor Performance variants, but it appears that delivery times for the performance variant for the Tesla Model 3 have extended into the fourth quarter of this year.

The latest delivery estimates on Tesla Australia’s configurator show that for the Model 3 Performance, the delivery times for new orders are now estimated at “Sept – Oct 2023”.

Meanwhile, the base single-motor RWD and dual-motor Long Range variants still show “Aug – Sept 2023” timeframe.

There could be various reasons for this, but it’s most likely due to the backlog of performance orders being cleared and supply being limited. 

For the Tesla Model 3, one other plausible explanation is the upcoming new variant of the Model 3 (codenamed Project Highland) which has been rumoured to be in early-stage production in Tesla’s Shanghai plant which manufactures cars for Australian customers.

With official news yet to be delivered, several sources closer to the ground in China have suggested that Tesla is already taking deposits for this new model.

Here in Australia, The Driven understands that one existing Tesla Model 3 Performance owner has also been contacted by a Tesla customer service representative.

The representative asked if they would like to trade in their existing Tesla Model 3 Performance vehicle now and take delivery of an inventory vehicle or await the updated Highland for when it’s available.

This indicates that the local teams are also aware of the updated Tesla Model 3 in the works and more information is likely to be available in due course.

The Tesla Model 3 Performance is one of the fastest vehicles available in the market with 0-100 km/h acceleration times of 3.3 seconds. With power output from the dual motors closer to 400 kW according to EVDB.

Equipped with performance brakes and a top speed of 261 km/h in the in-built Track Mode, it’s highly regarded amongst electric sportscar enthusiasts.

More information on the new Model 3 is likely to be released in the coming weeks and we will be monitoring the delivery times of all variants in the coming months.