Tesla Model 3 Performance Fleet Ready for Export From the Shanghai Port

Tesla has been very secretive about the upcoming Model 3 Performance. The regular variants of the refreshed Model 3 have been delivered to customers since last September (in Asia and Europe) and January (in North America). However, the Performance trim is still missing from Tesla's website, and we have no clue when it might become available.

Recent reports showed that Tesla has already unveiled the Model 3 Performance to journalists and influencers from around the world during a media event in Malibu. The event also offered us the best view of the Ludicrous-badged electric sedan yet. It was the first time we saw the unique front bumper design and the rear diffuser. An intriguing detail was the Texas manufacturing plates of the test vehicles.

Although the event took place on April 1, Tesla remained tight-lipped about the Model 3 Performance specifications. People expected an official unveiling soon, but almost three weeks after the Malibu gathering, we still have no information about the event or the Model 3 Performance. Amid the turmoil caused by Tesla restructuring, the sporty electric sedan has slipped under the radar.

However, the spirited Model 3 variant made a surprising appearance in China. Recent aerial footage from Giga Shanghai watcher Wu Wa showed that Tesla hoarded about 40 Model 3 EVs at the Shanghai Southport terminal. They all had an intriguing protective wrap around the front and rear spoilers and the wheels. These are coincidentally the parts that also differ from the regular variants of the refreshed Model 3. The protective wheel covers were missing on some vehicles, revealing the red brake calipers unique to the Performance variant.

It's unclear whether the white wraps had a protective role or were there to hide the Model 3 Performance details. If the former is true, Tesla appears more careful with protecting the Model 3 Performance. However, it's more likely that the wraps were there to hide the details of the new model, which means that these could be just prototypes destined for testing or demo vehicles. The video Wu Wa recorded shows that, alongside the LHD versions, there were also RHD vehicles, pointing to a wider rollout.

People speculate that Tesla might open the Model 3 Performance order book on April 20 to match 4/20, a number combination very dear to Elon Musk. However, since this is on Saturday, Tesla might actually choose another day, including the Q1 2024 earnings call on April 23. Rumors indicate that Tesla might start customer deliveries of the Model 3 Performance in May, so it should not be too far now.