Where Porsche has a real opportunity in my opinion is as a true electric driver's car. The Model 3, even with track mode, misses the mark in my current opinion (I have a M3D coming in 2 days and my brother in law has a P3D coming shortly after, so we'll see if my opinion changes with miles).

The Model 3 is in some ways the anti drivers car. This makes sense when you realize it was designed to be the first self-driving taxi, so it wasn't designed around the driver at all. Suddenly the offset display makes perfect sense, because it's intentionally not designed for the driver. As does the lack of manual switches- everything, right down to the glove box, can be electronically locked out when you've got fare on board.

None of that is what you want if you're driving, unfortunately- you want the displays and interface to be simple, clear and easy to use without distraction. You also want to be in control, something the M3 doesn't fully allow. The P3D chassis and hardware is clearly capable, and it would probably be a blast at the autocross. It's the tuning philosophy, right down to the "no tire noise on takeoff" and lack of power on oversteer, that falls well short.

That leaves Porsche a clear opportunity if they can take advantage of it. I understand Porsche is also using a different battery chemistry that's capable of far more agressive charge/ discharge cycles (but unfortunately at a higher cost). Together with different tuning this might make a car I'd want to take to the track. As it is I didn't spring for the Performance because I could never imagine skipping a track day or autocross in the GT3 in order to bring the Tesla. I could see using some of those features on the road, but that's not what they are tuning for, at least not yet.

It will be interesting to see how Tesla's philosophy develops over time and how Porsche is able to compete. My current blink is that if you're looking for a commuter Tesla has the usual suspects well covered (Audi A3, S3, A4, S4, BMW 3 series, mercs, etc in near luxury). If you're looking for a real driver's car (and you know how to drive) they're not covering the M2s or Porsches even with the M3 Performance. At least not yet...

Pete I’m happy to help with your home charging setup for advice - I’ve got a multi EV house hold and know how to plan for the future - I’m happy to speak with you if you think it would help.

Curious... What 40k car would you recommend instead?

When I spec an Audi S3 identically to the M3 Dual Motor I've got on order I get very similar numbers. Less than $500 difference with the federal tax credit (not including state, which in CA would give the M3 a $3k advantage). Rear seat the Tesla has 1.5" more headroom and slightly more legroom (same leg and headroom as the S4, +/-), front seat it's well ahead on both. The Tesla's quicker (response, 0-60, etc). Dynamically between the turbo lag, DCT and chassis the S3 has issues (based on 3 years ownership experience) and the M3 seems miles ahead- an advantage that can't be understated. M3 fit and finish definitely started awful, but recent cars have made huge strides in that department, while the S3 interior was also nothing to write home about.

I agree the center display is a serious flaw for most, and we'll see how that plays out in the real world soon, but I'd like to know what $40k package (or $46.5k, which is what I'm paying) you feel is superior overall?