Leaked: Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous To Replace Performance Model

Oct. 20, 2023 7:57 AM ET byKarl Furlong Leaked /1 Comment

The top Model 3 is also expected to come with updated motors and wheels.

New information has surfaced about the upgraded Tesla Model 3 Performance, not long after thefacelifted Model 3- known internally as Project Highland - was revealed. Thanks to X/Twitter userThe Kilowatts, a parts catalog for the Model 3 Performance has been uncovered, revealing that the powerful sedan could adopt the Ludicrous name. The Kilowatts initially thought it was a Model 3 Plaid, but closer inspection of the badge pattern suggests the Ludicrous name is likelier.

An image in the catalog shows the rear of the faceliftedModel 3with a patterned badge visually linking it to a scene inSpaceballs, the 1987 film known to be appreciated by Elon Musk. In this film, the spaceship approaches "Ludicrous Speed," and that served as the inspiration for the high-performance Ludicrous mode on prior Teslas. Models like the Model S Plaid followed, with the name inspired bySpaceballs, too, as the only speed faster than Ludicrous.

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This all means the new Model 3 Performance could be badged as a Model 3 Ludicrous, especially since Musk previously said a Model 3 Plaid wouldn't make sense. Besides the badge and the possibility of a new name, the catalog reveals a few other details about the Model 3 Performance.

We can see new wheel designs, sport brakes, and a sport suspension setup. One of the wheel designs is a 20-inch item known as Warp, but there are other new 19-inch alternatives, too. Images from China have also leaked, showing what seems to be the new Model 3 Performance with a carbon fiber spoiler. The special brakes and suspension will be necessary to manage the bump up in power over lesser Model 3s.

According to recent reports, the facelifted Model 3 Performance/Ludicrouswill have a new electric motor, and although specs are unconfirmed, it's been suggested that a carbon sleeve rotor will deliver even better performance.

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For reference, the pre-facelift Model 3 Performance is already capable of a 3.1-second 0-60 sprint, so the promise of improved performance could take its numbers into true supercar territory. The lighter weight and improved aerodynamics of the Highland range should also improve performance.

As for when the new Model 3 Performance will arrive, well, Tesla first needs to confirm it's coming. We can't see any reason why that wouldn't be the case. Already, one customer in Germany claims to have had a Model 3 Highland Performance order pushed back to as late as June next year.

We'll keep you updated as new information about the updated Model 3 Performance reaches us.

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