A Tesla Model 3 Performance recently lapped the Laguna Seca circuit, posting in a very impressive time of 1:37.566.
However, the Model 3 Performance used was far from stock and, as The Drive correctly points out, this time is not representative of what a standard Model 3 Performance can do. In fact, the fastest a bone stock Model 3 Performance has lapped Laguna Seca is in 1 minute 41.2 seconds.
Also Read: Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Becomes The Fastest Production Sedan Around Laguna Seca
Perhaps the most significant difference over a standard car is the fitment of Michelin racing slicks, which could easily slash the vehicle’s lap time by 2 seconds or more. Other modifications include sports coilovers, aftermarket rear camber and toe arms, new front upper control arms, upgraded front and rear brake discs, braided brake lines, and a lightweight battery kit. The modifications were all made by Mountain Pass Performance.
As electric vehicles have grown in popularity in recent years, more and more have hit racetracks around the world in the pursuit of breaking records. Volkswagen, for example, holds the outright record up the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and, at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, will look to outpace a Formula 1 car to set a new course record with the bespoke ID.R racer.
The current production car lap record around Laguna Seca is held by the hardcore Jaguar XE SV Project 8. Last year and at the hands of racing driver Randy Pobst, the British sedan recorded a blistering time of 1:37.54, a hair quicker than the Model 3 Performance in question.