The refreshed Tesla Model 3 was launched locally back in September last year. At the time, two variants had been revealed on the Tesla configurator, with the Performance variant no longer available.
In recent months, speculation has grown on what the new Model 3 Performance (likely to be called Model 3 Ludicrous) is to offer that the current models lack. Now, a recent sighting by Reddit user Salty_Astronaut_7567 shows a Model 3 Performance revealing new details.
The car is on the back of a transporter truck with US Californian number plates being driven along a road with the rear end of the updated car showing the new wheels along with the larger rear lip spoiler.
The wheel design is unique and unlike the last generation Performance model, it appears to have inserts to improve aerodynamics.
Behind the new wheels are red brake callipers that are synonymous with the Performance Model 3 can also be seen.
Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous prototype spotted š
Seen by Reddit u/Salty_Astronaut_7567 pic.twitter.com/DlZmFi0PIe
— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) March 1, 2024
Staying on the wheels, the tyres have āP-Zeroā embossed on them. This indicates that the new Performance could be offered with the Pirelli P-Zero 20-inch tyres.Ā
According to Pirelli, the P-Zero tyres have been developed for performance cars which helps with handling and control: āP ZEROā¢ has been chosen as original equipment for the performance-oriented and powerful car models on the market. Its asymmetric tread pattern improves braking performance and enhances handling and control.ā
Above the tyre, there is also a sticker on the side window āEUā, hinting this car is a left-hand-drive Europe configuration vehicle.Ā
Tesla delivers Model 3 vehicles from Shanghai to Europe so it’s likely that this vehicle was made at Teslaās Shanghai plant. The same factory has made and delivered every Tesla to Australia since early 2021.
From the photo, itās easy to see that this is the new model thanks to the new tail lights although the rear has got camouflage wrapping around the boot and parts of the rear panel.
The latest sighting comes only days after a short video of the new Model 3 Ludicrous in Ultra-red paint was being filmed for a promotional video. It also had the Ludicrous badge on the rear, hinting that this is what itās likely to be called once itās unveiled.
New model 3 Plaid being Filmed in Valencia Spain @garyblack00 @WholeMarsBlog @Teslaconomics @teslaownersirl pic.twitter.com/N1du5ERjoy
— Desmond Wisley (@dessiewisley) February 25, 2024
More on the updated model is likely to surface in the coming weeks with the official launch imminent, exciting many Tesla enthusiasts, looking for the next generation of the track-focused Performance vehicle from the brand.
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.