Performance version of refreshed Tesla Model 3 spotted on streets for first time

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.  But 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.

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 3’s existing front bumper.

Some in the community suggest this could be brake cooling, although it’s quite difficult to spot. If that’s what is underneath the covered front bumper, it’d be another key upgrade that many performance EV fans had been looking for in the Model 3.

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.

On the back of these renders, one enthusiast said: “I 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.”

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 Tesla’s Californian design studio, we will likely be seeing the official launch of this high-performance variant in multiple markets before Easter this year.