Tesla teases major launch for tomorrow – and it looks like it could be the new Model Y Performance

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Acceleration fans, set your reminders for Friday

Tesla Teases Model Y Performance
(Image credit: Tesla X/Twitter)
  • Tesla's teaser images surface online showing a red spoiler
  • Tesla insider believe it signals a new Model Y Performance trim
  • Test vehicles have also recently been spied lapping the Nurburgring

Tesla’s Europe and Middle East X account posted a short teaser image yesterday that appears to show the rear of a Tesla vehicle, complete with a small spoiler. The post was also accompanied by the not-so subtle phrase “Spoiler alert”.

Considering multiple news outlets also spied the recently refreshed Model Y lapping Germany’s Nurburgring, complete with a new 21-inch alloy wheels, bucket seats and updates to the front and rear fascias, all hints point towards a new Performance trim level for the Model Y “Juniper”.

Since Tesla’s popular SUV was updated earlier this year, the company stopped selling the range-topping and fastest Performance model, so it makes sense that the silk sheet could be dropped tomorrow.

While some naysayers have bemoaned the fact that this isn’t new product, merely an update, those looking for a spicier and more focussed Model Y have been eagerly awaiting the announcement.

Sales boost

Tesla Model Y 2025

(Image credit: Tesla)

Although it does’t make a lot of sense to bestow a large, practical family SUV with sports car performance, previous generations of the Model Y Performance have sold well. The refreshed styling of the recently-updated model line will also arguably suit some of the sportier aesthetically changes better than they previously have.

Minor tweaks that were spotted on the vehicles caught lapping Germany’s most famous high performance circuit included Performance badging, upgraded brakes and rumors of upgraded suspension.

Tesla will hope that the release of a more premium and performance-orientated trim line will help boost sales, which have been particularly dreadful across Europe of late, with a 40% drop in July compared to the previous year.

We will have to wait for the full reveal to see what Tesla has in store.

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Leon Poultney
Leon Poultney
EVs correspondent

Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

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