WILL A FREE TESLA SOFTWARE UPDATE MAKE A MODEL 3 QUICKER THAN A HELLCAT OR AMG? THRIFTY 3 EP.3

EV Channels Review

This episode of Thrifty 3 pits a Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Long Range against a Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 and a Dodge Hellcat in a series of drag races. The core of the review focuses on the impact of a free Tesla software update, which promises a 5% power increase. Before the update, the Model 3 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 4.59 seconds at altitude. After installing the update (which took approximately 28 minutes), the car consistently hit 4.42 seconds, exceeding Tesla's original 4.5-second claim and demonstrating the effectiveness of over-the-air performance enhancements. In the drag races, the Model 3 proved quicker than the AMG and, despite the Hellcat's massive horsepower advantage, the Tesla's instant torque and AWD traction allowed it to initially pull ahead, though the Hellcat eventually caught up on the longer track. The reviewer highlights the convenience and cost-effectiveness of Tesla's performance upgrades, contrasting it with traditional automotive manufacturers.