2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance leaked: This is it

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance electric car has been caught without disguise for the first time ahead of a formal unveiling due in the coming weeks.

Video footage captured by X (formerly Twitter) user Desmond Wisley shows the updated Model 3 Performance – as executives have confirmed it will be known – on a photo shoot in Valencia, Spain without camouflage.

It is highly unusual for Tesla – known for its extreme secrecy on future models – to roll such an important new car into a public space without disguise weeks before its global unveiling.

The videos confirm many of the upgrades already reported by Tesla insiders – and that differences between the facelifted Performance and regular models will be more significant than ever before.

As expected of Tesla Performance models, there are large alloy wheels – new-design 20-inch alloys – hiding performance brakes with red calipers, and a carbon-fibre lip spoiler on the boot lid.

However, for the first time there is a new front bumper – with air inlets on the side, and a black front splitter below – plus sporty fins stuck onto the rear diffuser.

The red-underlined Dual Motor badge typical of Tesla Performance models has been replaced by a 'Ludicrous' badge, depicting the pattern seen in the 1987 movie Spaceballs – of which Elon Musk is known to be a fan – when the spaceship in the film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.

Contrary to speculation online, the badge does not signify Plaid – and the hottest Model 3, which will retain dual electric motors rather than move to three, will still be called Performance, according to Tesla executives.

Inside, there are unique sports bucket seats – available in black or white, the videos show – with more bolstering than the regular Tesla Model 3.

It is unclear if the new Performance will be any quicker than its predecessor, however executives have promised it will "exploit untapped potential" in the original version dating back to 2019.

The electric motors – one front, one rear – are expected to be upgraded to exceed the outgoing Performance's 393kW, good for 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds with all-wheel drive.

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance is expected to be unveiled by the end of next month, according to overseas reports.