Tesla Model 3 with V12 exhaust note (video) – Gimmick done right?

Tesla Model 3 with Milltek Sport Active Sound System

Tesla Model 3 Performance gets its supercar note from a Milltek Sport ‘active sound system’

Tesla Inc might not be the favourite car brand among ‘proper’ automotive enthusiasts, but one cannot deny that the California-based company has set a high benchmark in the field of electric mobility. Model 3, the most affordable product from Tesla, is a well-rounded package (especially in its Performance avatar) which showcases stiff competition to other ICE alternatives that cost way more.

As a famous automotive YouTuber coins it, Tesla Model 3 is full of “quirks and features”. However, this particular Tesla Model 3 Performance places the bar a bit higher. It is equipped with an ‘active sound system’ developed by Milltek Sport — one of the leading performance exhaust manufacturers in the world. In other words, this Tesla can sound like a V12 supercar. Check out the video by Archie Hamilton Racing to know more:

Yes, it’s a strong example of modern-day automotive gimmicks but does it really matter? Tesla products have always stood apart in the way it presents itself to its ‘user’. From the popular ‘Insane’ and ‘Ludicrous’ modes to onboard video games, Teslas have had a certain way of making overall experience fun rather than being direct and dull (of course, we are not talking about the driving part).

Coming back to Milltek Sport active sound system, the unit is not merely a speaker which funnels fake exhaust notes (there are lots of cars which do this). Instead, it is a sound generator kit fitted under the vehicle to replicate exhaust notes in the most convincing way. The characteristics of exhaust can be adjusted using a dedicated smartphone app. As of now, the system has only a few exhaust notes on offer and Milltek Sport will be providing more choices via app updates. This system costs roughly 1,200 GBP in the UK (more than Rs 1 lakh). Sound output is quite linear to blend with the gearless powertrain.

Premium or performance-focused EVs work best with a “sci-fi” or “cyberpunk” note rather than being dead silent. In this regard, Porsche Taycan Turbo S has got a very satisfying motor whine that is amplified in the top driving modes. Its sound is artificial but goes really well with the car. In Tesla Model S, X, 3 or Y, the motor note need not be that obvious. Their designs are not desperately trying to be different from regular ICE examples either (Tesla Cybertruck is a terrible shift though). For the same reason, one can live with Teslas sporting artificial ICE exhaust notes in the world of CDI AMGs and 320i M3s.

Tesla Model 3 has already become a success in all markets it is available, especially in the US. In fact, American market witnessed sales of the electric sedan overtaking that of all BMW sedans combined, last year.