Performance Plus Package now available as option or retrofit

[Jeroens]

I am still waiting for a definitive answer, if 21" wheels are included or not. European Product Specialist says no. Tesla US Website suggests yes. Anybody has some more news here? Also does anybody know if 19" wheels are going to fit for Perf+ cars? I need them for winter.
I feel really stupid that it seems to be impossible to get a consistent answer out of Tesla. To me it somehow seems that Tesla Europe is seriously disconnected from HQ.

@Nikwest, see above...

 

[nikwest]

@Nikwest, see above...

Thanks, I missed that as we posted it about the same time.

But honestly what are they thinking about that price. BMW is charging 420EUR and Audi 390EUR for a similar feature.

 

[AnOutsider]

Just heard that the retrofit is 9500 but doesn't include the dampers or the stabilizer bars! They will replace upper bushings and control arms. Also, they say part of the package are the larger wheels with PS2 tires and at this time we don't have the option of only adding specific parts of the package. Most of the cost is due to tires/wheels from what I can tell. Would be great if we could just get the control arms and bushings separately. Seems like a simple enough switch to me...

Just heard the same. The increase in price is due to labor for installing. No option to get bits and pieces just yet, but it's possible down the line you can piece-meal it. Wonder why the swaybars aren't part of the package? You can upgrade those on many cars, so I guess it might have something to do with structural bits not able to support them or something along those lines.

 

[EMDoc]

Crazy huh? I think I'll try to have my advisor piece-meal it. The suspension will make the biggest difference. I'm also sure we can potentially fit the 265 tires on these rims if we really wanted to. I doubt I will. But yes, paying 9500 for half the items is ridiculous. The swaps should be easier on this car than the ICE. Let's see what happens. I know I would prefer the car to be a bit more stable at speed.
As for the stabilizers, I think it has to do with the linkage to the frame as you mentioned. They must attach at different points on the frame so it can't be put on.
Maybe if a bunch of us request parts of the package, they will be more serious about it...

Just heard the same. The increase in price is due to labor for installing. No option to get bits and pieces just yet, but it's possible down the line you can piece-meal it. Wonder why the swaybars aren't part of the package? You can upgrade those on many cars, so I guess it might have something to do with structural bits not able to support them or something along those lines.

 

[lolachampcar]

I've made upper arms for my MS using the bushings from the arms I removed. It would be a simple matter to replace the bushings in the stock arms (assuming the new bushings would fit). The lower arms carry most of the real loading and have much larger bushings and, probably, more room for flex. I would have thought those would be the bushings targeted for updating. Lastly, I would think that the damping updates would be the single most noticeable change. We will not know until the complete package and an updated car are compared but I would guess suspension stiffness would be at most half the "feel" of the full package. Anyone have a different vantage point here?

 

[Jeroens]

Elon send another follow-up mail. I'm extremely impressed with this. It is refreshing to see such an approachable, passionate and responsive CEO!

From: Elon Musk

Subject: Re: Discontent European Signature reservationists… Perf+

Date: April 13, 2013 10:18:20 AM GMT+02:00

To: Jeroen S


Sorry for the error. Should be fixed soon.


Perf plus is over and above the 21" wheels, so pretty expensive, but very worthwhile. Probably the best upgrade since Model S start of production.

​

I'm sold :biggrin:

 

[ohh]

Elon send another follow-up mail. I'm extremely impressed with this. It is refreshing to see such an approachable, passionate and responsive CEO!

From: Elon Musk

Subject: Re: Discontent European Signature reservationists… Perf+

Date: April 13, 2013 10:18:20 AM GMT+02:00

To: Jeroen S


Sorry for the error. Should be fixed soon.


Perf plus is over and above the 21" wheels, so pretty expensive, but very worthwhile. Probably the best upgrade since Model S start of production.

​

I'm sold :biggrin:

Did he elaborate on that?
Would love some more detailed info. Especially if they have done some tests with/without perf+, and could give us some results, numbers, whatever. Not just words..

 

[Jeroens]

Already mentioned elsewhere but interesting to see this package adds range...

Performance Plus Package
Performance Plus takes one of the world's best sedans into supercar handling territory, while also improving ride quality and range. After hundreds of iterations affecting every detail of the suspension, our vehicle dynamics team was able to achieve the rare outcome of simultaneously improving performance, comfort and efficiency. In addition to upgraded dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and tires (Michelin Pilot Sport) , the rear wheels are 20 mm wider and staggered for improved acceleration on low grip surfaces. Range improvement is 8 to 12 miles. Requires 21" Wheels, available in Grey or Silver.

 

[pilotSteve]

I've made upper arms for my MS using the bushings from the arms I removed. It would be a simple matter to replace the bushings in the stock arms (assuming the new bushings would fit). The lower arms carry most of the real loading and have much larger bushings and, probably, more room for flex. I would have thought those would be the bushings targeted for updating. Lastly, I would think that the damping updates would be the single most noticeable change. We will not know until the complete package and an updated car are compared but I would guess suspension stiffness would be at most half the "feel" of the full package. Anyone have a different vantage point here?

@lolachampcar - sounds to me like there would be a robust market for the upper (and possibly lower) arm upgrades you've designed and possibly some other component upgrades for current Model-S owners.

I know you said you like retirement :wink: but maybe this group can 'crowd source' a retrofit package that gives 80% of the benefit for 20% of the price! Lets see how this develops.....

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

I suspect that there'd be a fair trickle of previously-shipped Perfs on the used Model S market later this Fall thanks to this package.

A fair number of the early Perf buyers surely have the means to sell their S to get a new one with this package.

Incredibly smart on Tesla's part to stagger the release of this package till a few months into US/Canada production! Recall that Elon's Founder #2 Model S has had some iteration of this package since as far back as last June (it was mentioned in many of the early media reviews when they were loaned Elon's car)

Suckers!

 

[smorgasbord]

4. Reduced range due to general weight increase (suspension and rims) and higher rolling resistance?

Actually, it's improved range:

 

[dsm363]

I suspect that there'd be a fair trickle of previously-shipped Perfs on the used Model S market later this Fall thanks to this package.

A fair number of the early Perf buyers surely have the means to sell their S to get a new one with this package.

Incredibly smart on Tesla's part to stagger the release of this package till a few months into US/Canada production! Recall that Elon's Founder #2 Model S has had some iteration of this package since as far back as last June (it was mentioned in many of the early media reviews when they were loaned Elon's car)

Suckers!

Apparently 90% of the package is able to be retrofitted so most would likely go that route.

 

[Yagi]

Actually, it's improved range:
View attachment 20049

I guess I didn't see that one coming. Nice surprise. :smile:
Maybe the Michelins are better than the old ones.

 

[nikwest]

Any explanations why you could get more range with Perf+?

Can't really be the different tire size, which even should have a negative impact on range.

The only explanation I have is that a stiffer suspension might absorb less energy than a softer one. Much like why some people don't want mountain bikes with back suspension. It makes it less efficient. But 8-12 miles is around 3% of a P85 range. That seems quite a lot to me.

 

[jerry33]

Any explanations why you could get more range with a wider tyre?

There are a whole host of reasons that could account for it. But it might be as simple as, "The new suspension geometry allows the alignment to be set for less tire wear which reduces rolling resistance".

 

[brianman]

A fair number of the early Perf buyers surely have the means to sell their S to get a new one with this package.

Sig grumble.

 

[BryanW]

You can get regen from braking, you can also get regen from bumping...
Levant Power | Re-inventing Ride
Perhaps we'll see regen shocks as an option soon.

 

[Dave EV]

The only explanation I have is that a stiffer suspension might absorb less energy than a softer one. Much like why some people don't want mountain bikes with back suspension. It makes it less efficient. But 8-12 miles is around 3% of a P85 range. That seems quite a lot to me.

Perhaps lower ride height which improves aerodynamics?

 

[vfx]

You can get regen from braking, you can also get regen from bumping...
Levant Power | Re-inventing Ride
Perhaps we'll see regen shocks as an option soon.

I think it was BMW who announced those years ago.

 

[BryanW]

I believe Levant Power is an independent start up, so I don't see a reason Tesla couldn't use their shocks. Like regenerative brakes, regenerative shocks really make sense for EV's.