Tesla Model 3 Performance gains a Track Mode setting

Tesla is looking to expand the capability range of the Model 3 with a new Track Mode, which is available for Performance variants of the electric car. The new addition gives owners the ability to not only humble most performance cars in a straight line, but also at autocross circuits and race tracks.

As the company explains, Track Mode leverages on the Model 3 Performance’s dual-motor setup, sending torque to the front and rear accordingly to ensure the car follows the driver’s intention and provides the necessary rotation of the car while on track.

When Track Mode is engaged, the system has the ability to command a 100% torque bias on either ends of the vehicle. If rotation is insufficient when cornering, the system commands a rear-biased torque. The opposite happens when excessive rotation is detected, whereby front-biased torque is enforced instead.

To keep things under control, the company also introduced its own Vehicle Dynamics Controller with Track Mode. The software is better catered to deal with the constant change in balance brought forth by the motors, which can be interrupted by traditional stability control systems.

Drivers can also expect increased regenerative braking with the mode engaged, providing them with more authority with a single pedal. At the same time, it also helps with the endurance of the braking system, and sends more energy back into the battery.

Given the intensity of driving on track, the powertrain will demand more aggressive cooling, which is why Track Mode proactively lowers the temperatures of the battery and the drive units in preparation for the track and continues to cool them down in between drive sessions.

A final feature that comes with Track Mode is brake torque vectoring to provide enhanced cornering performance as there is no limited-slip differential present – all Model 3s are equipped with open differentials.

So, does any of this work? Well, Tesla has released a rather silent video of the Model 3 doing a spot of drifting as evidence. Furthermore, Electrek reports that over the weekend, a Model 3 Performance made the podium at the Global Time Attack Super Lap event in Buttonwillow, but the vehicle was somehow disqualified for “being electric.”

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