Tesla has long been rumored to be preparing a new performance version of its latest Model 3 Sedan. Today, a video surfaced online, potentially providing our first glimpse of this new trim level. These short clips offer a peek into several promising and potentially concerning aspects of the design.
The facelifted Model 3, dubbed Project Highland, is already in production and Tesla is changing up its trim lineup too. Gone from the menu is the Performance trim level and so far, nothing has officially taken its place. These new clips from X user (formerly Twitter) Desmond Wisley appear to show that instead of being called Performance, the new top trim level will dawn the Ludicrous badge previously used on the Model S.
These car was reportedly spotted in Valencia, Spain, where Tesla was evidently filming a promotional video for the trim. In the first we see a red Model 3 with unique wheels, along with what appear to be the sport seats previously leaked, and a very special badge at the back. In the past, patent drawings have shown the badge, but it was unclear what exactly it signified. Now, it appears as though Ludicrous is the intention.
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Ludicrous refers to one of Elon Musk’s favorite movies, Spaceballs, a satire of the Star Wars franchise in which one of the fastest speeds that one can travel is “Ludicrous.” The badge itself is very similar to the Plaid badge, another Spaceballs reference, but has subtle differences. A second video shows a couple of folks pulling the cover off of another Model 3 that again, appears to have the sport seats.
These very well could be the real deal, but if they are, they leave at least one major question up for debate. For years, Tesla fans and critics have complained that the top-end models are nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the lineup. Place a six-figure performance version of a Tesla next to its base-level trim and the average person would have trouble picking one from the other.
On the other hand, many prefer subtle sleeper-esque styling over more overt and macho design themes. Regardless of how the final product looks, we can be sure it’ll be quick, and that’s what really counts.
Unfortunately, we’re left in the dark regarding just how fast or powerful a potential Tesla Model 3 Ludicrous could be. However, considering that the Model S and X Plaid boast an additional 350 hp over their 670 hp Dual Motor siblings, totaling a jaw-dropping 1,020 hp, it wouldn’t be utterly ludicrous to speculate that the top Model 3 should pack well over 500 hp, maybe even nearing the 700 hp mark – yeah, we know, that’s quite a canyon to bridge.