A Tesla Model 3 Highland was spotted in Spain last week. This Ultra Red Model 3 had an interesting badge on its trunk. Looking closely revealed that it was actually a Ludicrous variant badge.
A Tesla enthusiast Desmond Wisley was coincidentally present at Assut de l’Or Bridge (Serreria Bridge) in Valencia, Spain. Tesla was apparently shooting a promo video of the Model 3 Highland Ludicrous version at this scenic location.
The vehicle was surrounded by Tesla staff and followed by a camera car. The entire setup suggested that the automaker was shooting a promotional video of the Model 3 Ludicrous. At one point, a Tesla employee even stopped Desmond from filming the car from his mobile phone (watch below).
Tesla (TSLA) launched the new design-refreshed Model 3 in China, Middle East, and Europe in the first phase last year. In the 2nd phase, the automaker brought it to North America earlier this year. There are only two variants of the new Tesla Model 3 available on sale globally, the base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and the mid-tier Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Tesla withheld the launch of the top-end performance variant of the Model 3 Highland. Tesla of course had the intent to launch the new Model 3 Performance but it has now been delayed for about 6 months now.
However, last year, the automaker mistakenly added pictures and information of the new Tesla Model 3 performance variant in its online parts catalog. The parts catalog revealed that it is actually a Model 3 Ludicrous.
We have previously explained the difference between a Plaid and a Ludicrous badge. Tesla is going to keep the Plaid analogy for its higher-end luxury Model S and Model X EVs and assign the Ludicrous metaphor for its smaller Model 3 and Model Y cars.
Now that we have some context of the Ludicrous variant, let’s get into the details of the observation from the sighting of this Model 3 performance version in Spain. Later on, Desmond discovered that there were actually 2 Model 3 Ludicrous that the automaker was filming — one was in Ultra Red color, and the other was in black.
Since we don’t have the performance figures and specifications of the Model 3 Ludicrous yet, we can talk about the cosmetic changes Tesla has made to this variant.
The most visible changes on the Ludicrous Model 3 Highland are its new aero wheels, performance brake calipers in red color, rear spoiler, and the front bumper redesign with a splitter.
Apparently, the Model 3 Ludicrous vehicles seen in these videos have different seats than usual. These seats are referred to as Performance Seats as well.
Tesla has redesigned the front bumper/splitter in the Ludicrous Model 3 Highland. The changes can be compared between Ludicrous and the existing production Model 3 Highland variants by looking at the pictures below.
Let us know in the comments box below if you like the front fascia of the Model 3 RWD/Long Range or the new redesigned one on the Ludicrous Model 3.
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