Performance Model suspension sits ~1" lower in configurator (pics inside)

[FlyNavy01]

Using the photos supplied in the configurator, it appears the performance model suspension sits maybe ~20-25mm lower (best guess) than all other configurations. The dual-motor Model S on coil suspension only loses 0.2" (5mm) ground clearance when adding the front motor per the users manual, and this is clearly more than that in the Model 3.

I noticed this thanks to the reddit thread here that lets you easily compare all configs using Tesla sourced images:
Updated tesla-preview for Model 3 performance, 20" wheels, new views and color • r/teslamotors

The GIF above is low res, but if you use the fan-made configurator above, you can also see with more detail that the new "Performance Brakes" clearly at minimum have larger rotors along with the (same?) calipers in red.

I speculate they're 355mm rotors (13.98") as opposed to the current 320mm (12.6") on the non-P models. This is the same size as the Model S rotors and also lines up with the old Model 3 users manual from a few months ago that had the "plus" brake package listed before it was later removed:

Furthermore, you can see the "teeth" along the innder diameter of the rotor which are undoubtedly intake vanes for the vented rotors to aid in heat dissipation (a good sign!).

 

[JeffK]

Keep in mind these aren't photos, they are renderings. There's a number of issues with the images on the current configurator so as far as we know this could be pure speculation.

 

[lairdb]

Keep in mind these aren't photos, they are renderings. There's a number of issues with the images on the current configurator so as far as we know this could be pure speculation.

Agreed -- although the presence of "teeth" is consistent with the picture in @elonmusk's tweet from the tent line.

 

[JeffK]

Agreed -- although the presence of "teeth" is consistent with the picture in @elonmusk's tweet from the tent line.

The suspension on the tent photo sits much higher than the renderings, it lead many to assume it didn't have a battery.

 

[israndy]

Battery is installed in NV, the body is installed in CA

-Randy

 

[JeffK]

Battery is installed in NV, the body is installed in CA

-Randy

No, the marriage occurs at Fremont. Batteries and drivetrains are transported via rail from NV to CA.

 

[ℬête Noire]

The suspension on the tent photo sits much higher than the renderings, it lead many to assume it didn't have a battery.

Because they didn't know better, that the battery is mated to the frame very early, not very late.

That was either suspension locks to stabilize the vehicle during assembly or the line was "carrying" the car, lifting it up from underneath.

 

[bandwagon]

If you rely on the pictures in the configurator, it looks like they have changed the shade of blue

 

[SD_Engnr]

If you rely on the pictures in the configurator, it looks like they have changed the shade of blue

View attachment 312976

Aha! I thought it looked different. I even had to go scope out my coworker's car to see the blue again. His most definitely resembles the bottom image.

 

[ℬête Noire]

Aha! I thought it looked different. I even had to go scope out my coworker's car to see the blue again. His most definitely resembles the bottom image.

Yes, actual paint is way more "royal blue" than that top picture suggests. Not sure what the photographer/graphic artists did to get that top one.

 

[MountainPass]

A little shameless self promotion if I may... Our rotor upgrade kit for the standard brakes is 365mm and only $1380

 

[little1er]

Shameless Question: Will you make spacers for the 355mm brake calipers to adapt to your 365 rotors? I've checked that box, but am still waiting for specs on the calipers.