Tesla’s upgraded Model 3 Performance has leaked yet again, baring all in a California car park and previewing what we can expect from the facelifted fast electric sedan.
Previously the Model 3 Performance has looked almost identical to the base rear-wheel drive and Long Range all-wheel drive versions of the electric sedan, though the latest iteration seems to follow the larger Model S by adopting more overt visual upgrades.
Images submitted to electric vehicle specialist Electrek show the new Tesla Model 3 Performance with its new front bumper, integrated splitter, ducktail rear spoiler, and diffuser to give it a more aggressive look than the pre-facelift model.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen the Tesla Model 3 Performance undisguised, but interior photos as clear as these haven’t previously surfaced.
The pictures show the sports front seats are inspired by those in the Model S Plaid, with thick side and thigh bolstering, addressing concerns from the previous version which was criticised for not holding occupants well enough.
It appears below the headrests is a motif similar to that seen on the boot, depicting the pattern from the 1987 cult film Spaceballs when the protagonist’s spaceship accelerates to “Ludicrous Speed”.
This further fuels speculation that the Model 3 Performance will be renamed to the Model 3 Ludicrous, which is also one speed down from “Plaid” in the film – the name given to the flagship Model S.
Other details include the new 20-inch wheel design, though the tyres haven’t changed in size from the 235mm wide rubber on the previous model.
As reported earlier this month, source code discovered by an InsideEVs reader on Tesla’s UK website showed the updated flagship Model 3 will produce “more than 500 horsepower [373kW]”, while attendees at a private Tesla presentation were told it could accelerate from 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in 2.9 seconds.
It’s not yet clear whether the new Tesla Model 3 Performance/Ludicrous will deviate from the pre-facelift’s $83,400 before on-road costs when it comes to Australia.
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