2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance could be named Ludicrous, first photos leaked

The successor to the Tesla Model 3 Performance electric car – based on the facelifted line-up – looks set to draw naming inspiration from its bigger Model S sibling to match a power boost and visual update.

But the variant – which was absent from the updated Model 3 range unveiled last month but is poised to return – may be delayed until mid next year, rather than later this year, based on information shared with customers.

Plans for a new flagship Tesla Model 3 were outed in a Dutch vehicle certification document listing a new Performance variant with mechanical changes – possibly more power from its dual electric motors – late last month.

Now X (formerly Twitter) user The Kilowatts has uncovered a parts catalogue for the updated Model 3, showing a new badge that points to the Performance adopting the 'Ludicrous' moniker – as well as sport brakes, suspension and wheels.

MORE: Updated 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance is go

While some on social media have speculated the badge points to the Plaid name being used, the Ludicrous moniker has emerged as a more likely alternative.

The pattern shown on the badge is the effect seen in the 1987 movie Spaceballs – of which Elon Musk is known to be a fan – when the spaceship in the film approaches "Ludicrous Speed", said to be faster than light.

This "Ludicrous Speed" was the naming inspiration for the rapid acceleration mode in high-performance Tesla Model S electric cars prior to 2021, which had a Ludicrous Mode that enabled a claimed 0-100km/h time of as low as 2.5 seconds.

In the film, shortly after the spacecraft reaches Ludicrous Speed the view from the cockpit turns to "plaid" – a graphic which appears on an emblem on the back of some Tesla Model S Plaid electric cars.

Crucially, it is distinct from the badge seen in the Model 3 leak – lending weight to the Ludicrous name for the smaller car, rather than Plaid.

In announcing plans for the Model S Plaid in 2019, Elon Musk posted on Twitter: "The only thing beyond Ludicrous is Plaid".

The Dutch certification document shows the updated Performance/Ludicrous will continue with dual electric motors, rather than the three motors of the larger, 761kW Model S Plaid.

There have been reports out of China of a power boost for the updated model, compared to the 393kW – and 3.3-second claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time – of the outgoing Performance.

It is possible the new model could remain marketed as the Performance, but the Ludicrous badge simply used as the replacement for the red underline beneath the Dual Motor badge which distinguishes the Model 3 Performance today.

In addition to the badge, the parts catalogue uncovers a new 20-inch alloy wheel design available in black or silver – reportedly known as the 'Warp' – as well as a new 19-inch black and silver wheel design distinct from the 19-inch 'Nova' alloy already unveiled.

The Model 3 Performance has always used 20-inch alloys – the latest standard design known as the 'Uberturbine', with the option of a 'Zero-G' design in a Track Package available in overseas markets.

Also listed in the parts catalogue are "sport" brake calipers, brake pads and springs. Upgraded brakes and lowered suspension have long been hallmarks of the Model 3 Performance variant.

Photos have also leaked in China claiming to show the carbon-fibre rear lip spoiler of the updated Performance.

Arrival timing for the updated Tesla Model 3 Performance is yet to be disclosed, and Tesla is yet to confirm the vehicle's existence.

Previous reports suggested it could go into production by the end of this year in China – a few months after the standard line-up, which arrives in European showrooms this month.

However it appears there has been a delay.

Customers in Europe who ordered a Model 3 Performance prior to the announcement of the updated line-up – which did not include a Performance – have had their estimated delivery dates pushed from the end of this year to mid next year.

One buyer in Germany saw the estimated delivery date on their order pushed from between November 2023 and January 2024, to between March and June 2024 – while another customer in Sweden had their dates pushed to between April and July 2024.

That Tesla has kept Model 3 Performance orders in Europe in place is unusual, given they were cancelled in Australia when the updated line-up was unveiled last month.