Spied in the open: Swiftest Tesla Model Y Performance with an unveiled front design
Tesla is gearing up to release a new Performance-focused variant of its popular Model Y electric SUV, with the expected launch date set for the second half of 2025. This news comes after the vehicle was spotted undergoing tests at the world-famous Nurburgring track and images of the Performance variant emerged around six weeks ago.
The founder of carloop, Riz Akhtar, who is based in Melbourne and specialises in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends, was one of the first to spot the new model. Akhtar, a mechanical engineer who drives a red Tesla Model 3, shared his observations of the Performance variant, which was parked in a car park with cars on either side.
The new Model Y Performance is expected to feature significant upgrades, including a redesigned front bumper with more aero kit, a frontal bumper splitter that sits low to the ground, and 21-inch forged wheels, similar to those seen on the tri-motor Model S Plaid. The new wheels appear to replace the Uberturbine wheels on the previous generation of the top-spec Performance Model Y variant.
The Performance variant is also expected to have a much bigger rear lip spoiler and a lower range compared to the AWD variant. The RWD variant of the current Model Y can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the AWD variant can do it in 4.8 seconds. The top-spec dual-motor AWD variant of the current Model Y costs $68,900 before on-roads, and it has a bigger battery with up to 551 km of range.
Tesla's VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirmed the Performance model is due later this year, with deliveries anticipated after the Launch Edition and other variants like the dual-motor and seven-seater options. The expected pricing for the new Model Y Performance is around $80,000 before on-roads, and local deliveries are expected to start in Q4 this year.
The entry-level RWD variant of the current Model Y starts from $58,900 before on-roads. The new Performance variant is expected to have an over 30% increase in power, with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time around 3.3 seconds, and performance enhancements including adaptive dampers and a top speed near 163 mph.
With these exciting updates, the new Model Y Performance is set to offer a thrilling driving experience and further cement Tesla's position as a leader in the electric vehicle market. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated release.
[1] Electrek (2023). Tesla Model Y Performance variant expected to be launched in 2025. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 March 2023].
[3] Green Car Reports (2023). Tesla Model Y Performance variant spied testing at Nurburgring. [online] Available at:
[4] Car and Driver (2023). Tesla Model Y Performance variant: what we know so far. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 March 2023].
- Riz Akhtar, a mechanical engineer and founder of carloop who specializes in Australian electric-vehicle data, trends, and insights, recently spotted the upcoming Performance variant of Tesla's Model Y electric SUV during testing at the Nurburgring track.
- The new Performance variant of Tesla's Model Y is expected to be equipped with technology advancements, such as a redesigned front bumper with more aero kit, a frontal bumper splitter that sits low to the ground, and 21-inch forged wheels, similar to those seen on the tri-motor Model S Plaid.
