An undisguised prototype of the Tesla Model Y Performance was recently snapped in Germany
June 23, 2025 at 04:57
- The popular EV has been fitted with a distinctive rear end and new 21-inch wheels.
- Tesla is expected to unveil the Model Y Performance in the coming months.
- Like the Model 3 Performance, the new model includes a special badge on the rear.
The long-awaited Performance version of the Tesla Model Y Juniper is just around the corner. Shortly after our spy photographers snapped a camouflaged prototype at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, a prototype has been filmed completely undisguised while testing in the German Alps. If you’ve been holding out for a Model Y with sports car levels of speed, the wait is almost over.
It appears this fuzzy, rolling shot of the Model Y Performance prototype was taken by the exterior cameras of another Tesla that was passing by. Just like the prototype we recently spotted, this one also appears to be rocking the same front bumper as all refreshed Model Ys. Spin around, though, and you’ll see that it has a unique rear bumper. Like the standard Model Y, it’s blacked out, but there are two small diffusers. While their aerodynamic effects will probably be tiny, they do make the Performance easy to pick from lesser versions. A new badge has also been added to the tailgate, likely mimicking the ‘Plaid’ badge found on the Model 3 Performance.
Read: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All
The aporty EV also has some other noticeable changes. For starters, we’re given another look at the 21-inch wheels that will be fitted exclusively to the Model Y Performance. Visible at the rear is also a much larger lip spoiler, giving the Model Y some much-needed sporty appeal.
Then there’s the color. This Model Y looks like it has a unique shade of burnt orange, but that might not be the case. The side cameras of Teslas with the HW3 self-driving computer often make red cars appear orange, reportedly because they lack an infrared cut filter. So, while this tester looks orange, it’s most likely Tesla’s existing shade of red.
In terms of performance, the new model should have the same basic dual-motor system as the Model 3 Performance, delivering 510 hp and 554 lb-ft (751 Nm) of torque. That should allow it to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in around 3.2 or 3.3 seconds.
🔥🔥 New Tesla Model Y Performance spotted uncovered in the Alps!
✅ Sporty rear bumper
✅ New 21” wheels
✅ Carbon fiber rear spoiler
✅ Performance badgeH/t @stenboo pic.twitter.com/Wo7kUm9ZXu
— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) June 20, 2025