“Unveiling the Tesla Model 3 Performance: A Closer Look at the Ludicrous Upgrade”
For quite some time, there has been anticipation surrounding the possibility of a performance version of the Tesla Model 3 electric sedan, especially after its notable Highland update last year. Now, two new videos have emerged, suggesting that the new car is undergoing filming, possibly indicating an imminent launch. Here’s what we can gather from the footage and what we know about the anticipated updated Tesla Model 3 Performance, which some speculate might be dubbed the Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous.
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The initial video, shared on the X social media platform (previously Twitter), by user Desmond Wisley in late February, showcases a red Tesla Model 3 featuring apparent performance enhancements to its exterior, along with Ludicrous badging on the rear trunklid. The footage captures the car being filmed by a camera crew and accompanying support vehicle equipped with a filming crane, located in Valencia, Spain. Another video within the same thread depicts staff members instructing the user to cease filming with their cell phone.
The red vehicle exhibits several upgrades, including a redesigned contrasting front splitter, updated aerodynamic wheel design, black window trim and door handles, color-matched mirrors, red brake calipers, a rear spoiler, and what appears to be revised interior seating. Notably, the badge on the rear end resembles previous Tesla Ludicrous design motifs, indicating that this may indeed be a new Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous variant.
In a separate video, a black cover is removed from another Tesla Model 3, also featuring similar exterior trim differences. However, due to the video’s shaky quality and the dark color of the car, it is challenging to discern any new features. This footage, captured by the same user in Valencia, Spain, suggests it could be part of a reveal video or future Tesla marketing campaign. While it’s possible that the red car seen in the background of this second video is the same as the one in the first video, confirmation is difficult.
It’s anticipated that the performance-tuned Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous will offer incremental upgrades over the previous Tesla Model 3 Performance sedan. The previous model boasted impressive acceleration, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds with all-wheel drive and a range of up to 315 miles on a single charge, with pricing ranging from $54,880 to $64,190. The only discernible upgrade on the new Highland car seems to be the transition from “Performance” branding to “Ludicrous,” based on the observed badging on the recently spotted vehicles.
Update, March 7: A leak from South Korea, via InsideEVs, has provided potential performance details of the upcoming Model 3 Ludicrous. The rear motor unit is reportedly upgraded, generating 406 hp according to Korean documentation, while the front motor remains unchanged from the previous Performance model, delivering 211 hp. This could result in a total power output of around 600 hp, with peak power expected at a higher speed of 68 mph, enhancing the vehicle’s track performance. Despite these enhancements, weight remains consistent with the older Performance trim at 4,089 pounds.
Update, April 8: A recent media event hosted by Tesla indicates that the new Model 3 performance trim will retain the name “Performance,” contrary to previous beliefs based on the observed badging on leaked cars. It is reported to feature a new 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.9 seconds, representing a 0.2-second improvement over the old Model 3 Performance. Additionally, a new homologation document in Europe suggests that the upcoming Model 3 Performance will achieve a range of 328 miles on the Euro WLTP range test, with an updated top speed of 162 mph. Notably, different battery cells for the U.S. model may contribute to a weight increase of 44 pounds compared to the Giga Shanghai-produced version, resulting in a diminished EPA range of approximately 304 miles in the U.S.
