Tesla's refreshed Model Y Performance finally breaks cover in California

Few vehicles can generate as much interest as a new Tesla, and for months, there's been a gap in the company's lineup. But now, the missing piece of the puzzle has been found cruising the streets of California. A camouflaged prototype spotted near Tesla's engineering headquarters in Palo Alto strongly suggests the high-performance version of the refreshed Model Y is getting ready for its official debut.

Sharp-eyed observers know what to look for, and Tesla isn't exactly subtle about its go-fast versions. The mystery electric SUV was sporting a set of 20-inch wheels that look identical to the "Plaid" style wheels, a design typically reserved for the brand's most powerful models. Peeking from behind those wheels were large, bright red brake calipers - another dead giveaway. These two clues combined leave little doubt that this is the long-awaited Model Y Performance.

In January 2025, Tesla launched the updated Model Y, bringing a few welcome changes. The refreshed model got a new front-end design with a sleek light bar, updated ambient lighting for the interior, and a rear screen for passengers, bringing it more in line with the updated Model 3 sedan. But when the order books opened for the new Model Y, the Performance trim was conspicuously absent, leaving enthusiasts and potential buyers wondering when the fastest version would return.

The Performance badge on a Tesla means a serious jump in acceleration. The previous generation of the Model Y Performance could sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Its range was rated by the EPA at between 277 miles and 285 miles, depending on the wheel choice, and the expectation is that this new Juniper version will see slight improvements in both acceleration and driving range, thanks to ongoing refinements in battery and motor technology.

Of course, the big question for many interested in this particular EV is the price. Before it was discontinued, the Tesla Model Y Performance started at around $51,500 in the United States. Tesla's history of adjusting prices means it's anyone's guess where the new model will land. It could hold steady to remain competitive, or it could see a slight increase to account for the new features and potential performance gains.

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