The much-rumoured Performance version of Model 3 Highland appeared uncovered near Valencia, Spain, carrying what looked like a Plaid badge and several visible changes.
On the afternoon before this report, a video began circulating showing what appeared to be the 2024 Model 3, known as Project Highland, in Performance trim—the version still missing from the range at the time.
Rumours suggested that its launch was imminent and that the car was there to film an advertisement. Neither point had yet been officially confirmed.
What looked different?
The video showed substantial differences from the Standard Range and Long Range models, suggesting Tesla wanted to distinguish the trim levels more clearly than before.
Several details were immediately noticeable:
- Sports seats
- Aerodynamic wheel covers
- Red brake callipers
- Front splitter
- Plaid-style rear badge
- Lowered suspension
- Rear spoiler
These were some of the visible details; a full reveal was expected to bring more information.
Plaid or Ludicrous badge?
It was not yet clear which badge had been fitted, but its resemblance to the Plaid or Ludicrous design suggested an emphasis on performance, as already seen on the Plaid versions of Model X and Model S.
Sports seats
The images also appeared to show the sportier seats that had long been rumoured. Tesla seemed to be creating a greater distinction from the SR and LR models, giving buyers more reasons to choose the highest-performance version.
Front splitter
A front splitter also appeared to return. It had initially seemed absent from the Highland redesign, whereas the earlier Model 3 had featured one across all three trims. The new version appeared likely to reserve it for the Performance model.
The wait was becoming more intense as the rumours gathered momentum. Whether the launch really was imminent remained to be seen.
For everyday driving, however, the Performance trim was not essential. Its appeal centred on extra power and driving enjoyment, while Standard Range and Long Range models already met most day-to-day needs.
Buying a Tesla?
Under the referral offer described when this article was published, buyers without a referral code from a friend or family member could use Teslhub’s code to receive a three-month free trial of Enhanced Autopilot with the purchased vehicle.
The article directed buyers to place their order through this link to claim that historical offer.
Enjoy the rest of your day. See you in the next article or on our social channels. 🌐
Until next time!
Let’s discuss it
Experiences, questions and perspectives from the Teslhub community.
Please keep the discussion respectful. Members’ comments are moderated before publication.
Start the conversation. Leave the first comment.