Tesla introduces Track Mode for its Model 3 Performance Variant

author: Manish Kharinta   

Electric vehicles have impressive handling characteristics, which make them great track day cars. Tesla's racing pedigree can be tracked all the way back to the original Roadster, which also shared its components with Lotus Elise, another car made famous for its track performance. 

Continuing this tradition, Tesla has introduced 'track mode' for its Model 3 Performance variant.

The company teased a track mode feature before the launch of Model 3 Performance. This feature allows the car to offer better performance in a track/ racing circuit environment. 

To achieve these sporty characteristics, Tesla engineered its own proprietary software update. This software regulates the vehicle stability system and other components to enhance the car's performance on the track. The traditional stability control system has been replaced with Tesla's Vehicle Dynamics Controller (VDC).

Tesla's VDC monitors the inputs from the driver and uses this data to regulate and adjust the cars performance, to make the vehicle react in ways demanded by the driver, which is achieved by torque rotation. The Vehicle Dynamics Controller regulates the torque between front electric motor and the rear electric motor to make the vehicle go into and come out of a drift.

The track mode also increases regenerative braking in Model 3 Performance. By offering enhanced regenerative braking, track mode feature gives the driver more control over the vehicle and also improves the performance of braking system. In addition, the increased regenerative braking produces and relays more power back to the batteries, therefore increasing the electric driving range of the Model 3 on the track.

The additional power generated by regenerative braking is sent to the electric motors when the Track Mode feature is turned on. This assists the Vehicle Dynamics Controller in reducing or increasing rotation between the front and rear electric motors when the driver's foot is not on the accelerator pedal.

As the car generates high power output during its stint on the track, the battery cells can overheat. To ensure that the cells do not get damaged and continue to offer uninterrupted performance, Tesla utilizes the car's air conditioning system. Software is used to overclock the AC compressor in the high-speed ranges, which allows the powertrain of Tesla Model 3 to function beyond its standard thermal limits.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.