ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MODE WITH INTENTIONAL WHEEL SPIN FOR TIRE HEATING

An electrified vehicle includes a controller programmed to implement performance mode control of first and second electric machines and wheel brakes associated with wheels of respective first and second axles to provide a braking force to a first axle while providing torque to the second axle to intentionally spin the tires of the second axle to provide a peelout and associated heating or smoking of the tires to improve traction and provide a visual display of power. The maneuver may be repeated for the first axle by providing torque to the first axle while applying braking force to the second axle. A sequential maneuver that spins tires of the first axle followed by tires of the second axle may be performed by specified manipulation of the brake pedal and accelerator pedal.