Alright, let’s dive into the 2026 Model Y Performance like we’re kicking back with a smoothie, not poring over a spec sheet. A prototype of Tesla’s souped-up electric SUV was spotted cruising around, no camouflage in sight, and it’s clear this thing’s ready to turn heads. Borrowing tricks from the Model 3 Performance, this Model Y is shaping up to be a wickedly fast, sharp-looking ride that still handles your daily errands like a champ.
🔥🔥 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
The design’s getting a glow-up, with just enough tweaks to make you do a double-take. Spy shots show a front end that’s channeling Tesla’s Cybertruck vibes, rocking a sleek full-width LED light bar and narrower headlights. Out back, a beefier bumper, carbon-fiber spoiler, and diffuser give it a low, mean stance. Those new 21-inch wheels—think Model S Plaid’s spider-like rims—scream “I’m fast,” and there’s buzz on X about a possible “Burnt Orange” color popping up. The “Performance” badge is back on the rear, and some folks are even whispering about a Ludicrous or Plaid version.
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Under the hood—or, well, floor—this Model Y is all about power. It’s got a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, likely pumping out 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of torque, just like the Model 3 Performance. That should rocket it from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.2 seconds, a smidge quicker than the current Model Y Performance’s 3.5. A 79 kWh battery keeps it rolling for roughly 290 miles—not quite as far as the Long Range AWD, but plenty for most commutes. With adaptive dampers and a tweaked Track Mode V3 from the Model 3, it’ll carve corners better and smooth out the old model’s bumpy ride.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by the Juniper refresh Tesla showed off in 2023. The cabin’s sleek, with a slim-bezel touchscreen, glowing LED strips, and ventilated seats in vegan suede for the Launch Edition. An 8-inch rear screen keeps the backseat crew happy, while a hands-free power liftgate and folding rear seats make loading up groceries a breeze. Acoustic glass and quieter tires hush the road, making it feel like a proper luxury cruiser. Good news for sticklers: unlike the Model 3 Highland, this one keeps the turn signal stalk. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is still an $8,500 add-on, but the standard cameras and sensors have it ready for Tesla’s big autonomy push.
Now, pricing and rollout? Tesla’s playing it close to the chest, as usual. The Model Y Performance should cost about $7,500 more than the Long Range AWD, landing around $56,500. A $7,500 federal tax credit could make it more tempting, though that’s iffy with a new administration. States like Colorado and New Jersey might chip in $3,500 or $4,000, too. Deliveries could start late 2025 or early 2026, with the U.S. probably waiting a bit after China, where the Juniper Model Y’s already hitting roads.
