For most of 2023, rumours had been floating around that Tesla may release a refreshed Model 3. Hundreds of sightings of camouflaged vehicles were spotted on multiple continents until September 1 when the upgraded Model 3 was officially launched in various markets, including Australia.
However, the performance variant of the popular electric sedan was missing in the upgraded version. Ā ButĀ one Tesla enthusiast, The Kilowatts on X, has spotted an upgraded Tesla Model 3 Performance variant being tested in the streets of San Francisco.
This particular example appears to have the front and bumpers still covered, suggesting that Tesla is looking to visually change the car’s looks from the currently available RWD and Long Range variants.
Looking more closely at this most recent sighting, the front bumper appears to have a front splitter. This is to help increase the downforce and redirecting air from the front section of the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds when on a race track.
š«Ø pic.twitter.com/LJoSrZPmKI
— The Kilowatts šā”ļø (@klwtts) January 21, 2024
On top of that, the front bumper also appears to have styling upgrades. These highlight more aerodynamic changes that are not seen on the refreshed Model 3ās existing front bumper.
Some in the community suggest this could be brake cooling, although itās quite difficult to spot. If thatās what is underneath the covered front bumper, itād be another key upgrade that many performance EV fans had been looking for in the Model 3.
I highlighted some differences here in blue, possible brake cooling? pic.twitter.com/d0Pk5xynk2
— Connor Grafius (@WidgeonRBLX) January 21, 2024
With these most recent sightings, Dominic 20 on X, released some renders of what the front section of the new Model 3 Performance could look like with the front splitter and aero-styling updates.
After the recent spy shots by @klwtts I can finally post my personal renders of the upcoming Model 3 Performance / Ludicrous that have been sitting on my desktop for some weeks now. š
– Aggressive Front Aero
– Front Splitter
– Bucket SeatsWhat do you think? š pic.twitter.com/jBT2wff1CI
— ā”ļø Dominic ā”ļø| 20 (@CYBRTRK420) January 22, 2024
On the back of these renders, one enthusiast said: āI think you’re going to be pretty close. Tesla is stepping it up with this car, and I’m more excited for it than any other Tesla product.ā
As of January 2024, customers still cannot order a refreshed Tesla Model 3 Performance. The last generation model had a few headline specifications, including 0-100 km/h sprint capabilities in 3.3 seconds along with a top speed of 261 km/h. Very few EVs have been able to surpass that in the Australian market, even to this day.
Speculations around a Q1 2024 release are growing and with the latest sighting on the streets of San Francisco near Teslaās Californian design studio, we will likely be seeing the official launch of this high-performance variant in multiple markets before Easter this year.
RizĀ is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.