The upgraded Tesla Model 3 Performance is expected to be released soon, and when it does looks like it will be getting some exterior design updates that will set it apart from the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range (LR) variants.
Tesla first launched the new Model 3 last year, commonly referred to as the Model 3 Highland. The new car has some relatively minor updates to the exterior, including new headlights and taillights, but barring those changes, the overall exterior design of the car remained the same.
Since its launch in China, Europe, and most recently in North America, the Performance variant has been missing from the lineup.
During its absence, European certification documents suggest the new Model 3 Performance will be getting an upgraded motor, upgraded brakes and suspension. Along with new Sport seats with additional bolstering, it looks like Tesla will also be adding a new front bumper that will be exclusive to the top-of-the-line Model 3.
Over the weekend a prototype Model 3 was spotted in San Francisco by The Kilowatts. This Model 3 had red brake calipers, giving away which variant this was, and despite having camouflage we can see this Model 3 also has a new splitter added to the front bumper.
SPOTTED: Right-hand drive Model 3 Performance refresh prototype testing with camouflage in San Francisco just now!! 👀 pic.twitter.com/rm6HRRISJS
— The Kilowatts 🚗⚡️ (@klwtts) January 21, 2024
It is a little difficult to make out from the video if you don’t know what you’re looking for, so X user @WidgeonRBLX highlighted the new parts of the front bumper.
I highlighted some differences here in blue, possible brake cooling? pic.twitter.com/d0Pk5xynk2
— Connor Grafius (@WidgeonRBLX) January 21, 2024
To give you an even better idea of what these changes might look like, X user @CYBRTRK420 created this render (right) of the new Model 3 Performance, including the new Sport seats. We have included an image of the front bumper from the RWD and LR variants (left) for an easy comparison.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait too much longer to see the final design of the Model 3 Performance. If recent rumours are correct, it could be announced later this month with a potential start of deliveries in March.
What do you think of this potential new design? Let us know in the comments below.
