Photo: @dessiewisley via X
Much has been discussed about the Tesla Model 3 Performance replacement, starting with a possible name change. A Ludicrous-badged Model 3 was spotted in Valencia, Spain, confirming previous rumors and showing the market debut is just around the corner.
Tesla launched the refreshed Model 3 in China and Europe last September. However, the US market had to wait another four months until the Fremont factory started production. Much like in the European and Asian markets, US customers only got the RWD and Long Range AWD variants of the revamped electric sedan. No Model 3 Performance is available to order yet in either market, despite rumors and prototype sightings keeping it fresh in the collective memory.
Since Giga Shanghai is a few months ahead of Fremont with Model 3 production, the most powerful variant is also expected to start sales in Europe before reaching US showrooms. Last October, when Tesla had just opened orders in Europe, a leaked parts catalog revealed a Ludicrous-badged rear end, pointing to a possible rebranding of the Performance variant.
Alternatively, Tesla could offer a Ludicrous version as a new variant above the Model 3 Performance. Except for the performance figures, the outgoing model showed the same design and features as the Long Range variant. Going for a sportier trim would allow Tesla to offer more extreme aerodynamics and track-oriented performance on top of what a Performance trim already provides. However, the downside is a more complex vehicle lineup, which is not Tesla's modus operandi.
Based on this, the successor of the Model 3 Performance might be rebranded as the Model 3 Ludicrous. At least that's the impression from a recent sighting in Valencia, where the sportiest Model 3 was spotted with a Ludicrous badge at the rear. This looked identical to the one in the previously-leaked parts catalog, which means it's production-ready.
Tesla fan Desmond Wisley caught the Model 3 Ludicrous on record while shooting a promo video in Spain, with Ultra Red and Black prototypes involved in this activity. The footage showed the visual upgrades differentiating the most powerful Model 3 from its lesser peers. Among them are the aggressive front spoiler and rear diffuser, matching another prototype we saw earlier this month. The upgraded models also sport a duck-tail spoiler and striking red brake calipers.
Other noticeable differences are the distinctive aero wheels, the Ludicrous bucket seats, and what appears to be a lower suspension setup. While the black Model 3 had black upholstery, the seats in the Ultra Red Tesla were white, showing both interiors in all their glory. This is the first time we see the Model 3 Ludicrous/Performance with no disguise, pointing to an imminent commercial debut. If rumors are accurate, we can expect Tesla to open the order books in China and Europe in March, with deliveries planned to start in April-May.
Since Giga Shanghai is a few months ahead of Fremont with Model 3 production, the most powerful variant is also expected to start sales in Europe before reaching US showrooms. Last October, when Tesla had just opened orders in Europe, a leaked parts catalog revealed a Ludicrous-badged rear end, pointing to a possible rebranding of the Performance variant.
Alternatively, Tesla could offer a Ludicrous version as a new variant above the Model 3 Performance. Except for the performance figures, the outgoing model showed the same design and features as the Long Range variant. Going for a sportier trim would allow Tesla to offer more extreme aerodynamics and track-oriented performance on top of what a Performance trim already provides. However, the downside is a more complex vehicle lineup, which is not Tesla's modus operandi.
Based on this, the successor of the Model 3 Performance might be rebranded as the Model 3 Ludicrous. At least that's the impression from a recent sighting in Valencia, where the sportiest Model 3 was spotted with a Ludicrous badge at the rear. This looked identical to the one in the previously-leaked parts catalog, which means it's production-ready.
Tesla fan Desmond Wisley caught the Model 3 Ludicrous on record while shooting a promo video in Spain, with Ultra Red and Black prototypes involved in this activity. The footage showed the visual upgrades differentiating the most powerful Model 3 from its lesser peers. Among them are the aggressive front spoiler and rear diffuser, matching another prototype we saw earlier this month. The upgraded models also sport a duck-tail spoiler and striking red brake calipers.
Other noticeable differences are the distinctive aero wheels, the Ludicrous bucket seats, and what appears to be a lower suspension setup. While the black Model 3 had black upholstery, the seats in the Ultra Red Tesla were white, showing both interiors in all their glory. This is the first time we see the Model 3 Ludicrous/Performance with no disguise, pointing to an imminent commercial debut. If rumors are accurate, we can expect Tesla to open the order books in China and Europe in March, with deliveries planned to start in April-May.
Source: https://t.co/fzxFXMP18V
— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) February 25, 2024
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