Tesla (TSLA) launched the new, design-refreshed Model Y mid-sized electric SUV in January this year. After almost 6 months of its launch, there are only two variants of this vehicle available, i.e., Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD.
The top-tier Performance variant of the new 2026 Model Y is still not available to order. However, the electric vehicle maker is preparing to introduce a Performance version soon.
In the last few days, multiple Tesla Model Y Performance vehicles have been spotted. During the aerial observation of the Tesla Fremont car factory, a Model Y vehicle with covered front and back was spotted. In another instance, a Tesla Model Y Performance was seen in the wild with a slightly different rear design.
The one spotted in the wild has a very different color (orangish) that’s available in the existing Model Y paint options. The rear diffuser has a different design from the RWD and AWD Long Range variants.
The front and rear fascias of the new Model Y Performance have received modifications to enhance vehicle stability and aerodynamics for track performance. All Tesla Performance and Plaid variants come with a custom-engineered Track Mode software that drivers can use to tune the track performance of the vehicle.
A Ludicrous badge is also visible on the right side of the Model Y Performance seen in the wild. A similar badge comes on the Tesla Model 3 Performance cars. The rear spoiler also looks more protruding compared to the non-performance versions and is probably in a carbon-fiber trim.
Tesla hid the front and back of the Model Y vehicle being tested at Fremont (video below). Tesla has built a test track at each of the Fremont factory and Giga Texas.
Tesla has historically tested almost every car and the Cybertruck in the past decade at the Fremont test track. Testing vehicles at its own track provides the automaker with much-needed data and performance metrics to tune the vehicles before offering them to customers.
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