Tesla is getting close to finally launching the new Model 3 Performance/Ludicrous as the company hosted a media event for the new electric sedan on Monday.
Tesla launched the new Model 3 last October, first from Giga Shanghai, and then brought the updated design to North America earlier this year. The only thing missing from both launches was the Performance variant, with only the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range (LR) variants being built at Giga Shanghai and Fremont.
Despite it not being in production, Tesla has been actively testing the new Model 3 Performance, with numerous camouflaged vehicles being spotted on public roads in the US over the last few months. It looked like we were getting close to an official launch in late February or early March when the new Model 3 Performance, or possibly Model 3 Ludicrous, was spotted fully uncovered in Spain for a promotional photo and video shoot.
We are now into April and still without an official announcement, but it looks like we won’t have to wait much longer. On Monday Tesla held an event in Malibu, California, for select media to learn more about the new Model 3 Performance and get the opportunity for time behind the wheel.
Some photos of the event were shared online, showing at least six Model 3 Performance cars under covers, and another set up inside a building, also under a cover, presumably for a presentation for attendees to get an overview of the changes and updates from Tesla.
Model 3 Ludicrous. pic.twitter.com/Uti6HFdqs4
— Chris Zheng (@ChrisZheng001) April 1, 2024
Those cars were later driven around Malibu, with several of them being spotted by Tesla enthusiast Zack (@BLKMDL3).
Spotted some interesting Model 3s around Malibu today…
— Zack (@BLKMDL3) April 2, 2024
Didn’t get any closer since I didn’t want to invade their space and wanted to respect their privacy even though it was in public.
Let’s just say this new product looks awesome, excited to hear more! pic.twitter.com/y3DxlG4by5
Given that the event was held on April 1 (and no, it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke), Tesla’s media embargo will likely be in place for a week or two. This puts a potential release date in mid-April, allowing those in attendance time to create their content and have it ready for a release on the same day Tesla announces the new Model 3 Performance.
