Last week, Teslaās newly refreshed Model 3 in right-hand-drive configuration had just begun deliveries in the UK. And, it appears, Ā Top Gearās former co-host, James May, has taken delivery of one himself.
After taking delivery of the blue Model 3 with the 19-inch Nova wheels, May decided to share a video of him peeling the screen protector, which caught the attention of Martin Viecha, who is the director of investor relations at Tesla.
In his response, Viecha confirmed that the Performance model is in the works.
Congrats @MrJamesMay! Watched your show all my childhood. Hope you like the car. You should get the Performance one, once that comes out š https://t.co/H8tZKt4iHk
— Martin Viecha (@MartinViecha) January 26, 2024
Viecha is the most senior executive at the company so far to confirm the new variant, although no further details were shared.
It comes less than a week after a suspected Tesla Model 3 Performance variant was spotted while being tested in the streets of San Francisco.
That vehicle had the front and rear bumpers still covered. This was thought to be different from the currently available RWD and Long Range variants.
Following that sighting, Cybrtrk420, a Tesla enthusiast and graphic designer, came up with an artistās impression of the upcoming Model 3 Performanceās front bumper with vents and aggressive look provided by the front splitter.Ā
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
Customers looking for the top-spec variant cannot order the new Tesla Model 3 Performance variant as it has been off the order page since the beginning of September.Ā
For comparison, the last generation model had a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 261 km/h. This figure top-speed figure is still above what is achieved by Porscheās top-spec Macan EV which was unveiled this week, capping at 260 km/h.
The last generation car also had 20-inch Uberturbine wheels which are expected to be upgraded in the new variant.
This upcoming Performance variant will be welcomed by many EV enthusiasts who have seen and driven the last generation model which has been available for over 5 years.
It is also expected that the new Model 3 Performance will be called the Model 3 Ludicrous as spotted in Teslaās parts catalogue of the refreshed Model 3.
Teslaās Parts Catalog confirms Tesla is working on a Performance version of the new Model 3, potentially PLAID!! pic.twitter.com/N7qxt0LUqM
— The Kilowatts šā”ļø (@klwtts) October 19, 2023
From recent accounts, the new top-of-the-range performance-focused Model 3 is likely not too far away from the official launch. We look forward to seeing when the official orders open and taking one of the first ones for a test drive when they land later in 2024.
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.