The wait for Tesla’s next high-performance electric crossover is nearly over, and it looks like the final pieces are falling into place. Shortly after our spy photographers snapped a camouflaged prototype at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, a prototype has been filmed completely undisguised while testing in the German Alps.

Read: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All

It appears this fuzzy, rolling shot of the Model Y Performance prototype was taken by the exterior cameras of another Tesla that was passing by. Just like the prototype we recently spotted, this one also appears to be rocking the same front bumper as all refreshed Model Ys.

The footage, which appears to have been recorded by the external cameras of another Tesla driving nearby, gives us our clearest look yet at the updated Performance trim. Like the refreshed Model Y Juniper we’ve already seen, the front bumper carries over the same design.

Spin around, though, and you’ll see that it has a unique rear bumper. Like the standard Model Y, it’s blacked out, but there are two small diffusers. While their aerodynamic effects will probably be tiny, they do make the Performance easy to pick from lesser versions. A new badge has also been added to the tailgate, likely mimicking the ‘Plaid’ badge found on the Model 3 Performance.

The sporty EV also has some other noticeable changes. For starters, we’re given another look at the 21-inch wheels that will be fitted exclusively to the Model Y Performance. Visible at the rear is also a much larger lip spoiler, giving the Model Y some much-needed sporty appeal.

Then there’s the color. This Model Y looks like it has a unique shade of burnt orange, but that might not be the case. The side cameras of Teslas with the HW3 self-driving computer often make red cars appear orange, reportedly because they lack an infrared cut filter. So, while this tester looks orange, it’s very likely Tesla’s existing shade of red.

In terms of performance, the new model should have the same basic dual-motor system as the Model 3 Performance, delivering 510 hp and 554 lb-ft (751 Nm) of torque. That should allow it to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just over three seconds. Quick enough to justify the badge, and probably quicker than most owners will ever need.

🔥🔥 New Tesla Model Y Performance spotted uncovered in the Alps!

✅ Sporty rear bumper
✅ New 21” wheels
✅ Carbon fiber rear spoiler
✅ Performance badge

H/t @stenboo pic.twitter.com/Wo7kUm9ZXu

— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) June 20, 2025

Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions appear to be moving from concept to curb, with autonomous testing expected to begin later this month on the streets of Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, a curious-looking Model 3 prototype spotted in San Jose is stirring up speculation. Whether it’s a one-off experiment or a cleverly disguised test mule for the upcoming Cybercab, one thing’s clear; it’s not your typical Tesla.

The prototype was recently caught on video in a public parking lot in California and was wearing Texas manufacturer plates, meaning this was definitely not a privately owned car. Just like the Cybercab Tesla showed several months ago, the entire exterior of the prototype is finished in matte gold, which could be either a wrap or paint. The gold extends across the special aero covers on the wheels and even blocks out the entire rear window and the glass roof.

Read: Tesla’s Robotaxi And Cybercab Might Need New Names

There are some other interesting things going on with this particular Model 3.Up front, a new camera juts out from the bumper, and on the sides, the usual integrated cameras have been swapped for makeshift units crudely screwed into the quarter panels. Another additional camera has been tacked onto the trunk lid, rounding out the prototype’s growing collection of eyeballs.

@WholeMarsBlog @DirtyTesLa @AIDRIVR what the hell is this thing?? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ATYxTrXEeV

— Andrew Lopez (@ASVPxdrizzle) June 2, 2025

Perhaps leading credence to the theory that this is a test mule for the Cybercab is that the rear side windows have been blanked out, and sitting behind them are fixed camera units. The Cybercab showcased by Tesla last October had cameras in this very same position, unlike any other current Tesla model. Curiously, the B-pillar trim was missing from this car.

Unless, of course, you know, someone at Tesla decided that the same genius move that replaced turn stalks with steering wheel buttons should be extended to axing the glass roof and rear window for the sake of efficiency.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has said that production of the Cybercab will start before 2027, and indicated that prices will kick off from less than $30,000. Those are audacious targets, particularly for a carmaker like Tesla that is so well known for missing its production targets.

Tesla needs to wrap their Model Y Robotaxis like this https://t.co/egNxgTVoKL pic.twitter.com/Bur30y4Caa

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) June 3, 2025

Tesla’s engineers have been busy at the Nurburgring recently, and it’s not just the Model Y Performance getting a facelift. The updated version of the Model S Plaid was spotted, making a few laps around the track, with a fresh look that, frankly, doesn’t seem all that groundbreaking.

The Plaid was once the quickest electric production car at the ’Ring, but it’s had its thunder stolen recently by both the Weissach Pack-equipped Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and Xiaomi’s new SU7 Ultra. There’s no way Tesla was going to take that lying down, and it’s testing an updated Plaid that’s sure to get a big upgrade over the existing car’s 1,006 hp (1,020 PS / 750 kW) triple-motor powertrain.

Related: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All

The black sedan was spotted putting in some hot laps wearing a bikini camouflage wrap on its nose and tail, though the changes appear to be so minor it was almost a waste of time covering them up. Because if you were hoping Tesla was finally going to make some major visual changes to its ancient sedan, something along the lines of the Model Y Juniper facelift, as imagined in renderings we’ve published before, you’re going to be disappointed.

Minor Updates, Bigger Expectations

Photos Baldauf / Carscoops

The sole change at the front appears to be a tiny lower lip spoiler mounted below the existing bumper. The headlights, DRLs graphic and bumper itself are seemingly identical to the ones on the current car. That means this new Plaid has the same basic face introduced when Tesla refreshed the original 2013 Model S for 2017, though it did some detail revisions in 2021 to help it fight against Porsche’s newer Taycan.

For the track work, however, it was rolling on a new design of alloy wheels that look like they might be bigger than the stock Plaid rims seen in the images of the car driving to and from the circuit. That could give the Plaid a bigger footprint to improve grip and traction, and to help push the rubber into the road Tesla has added a more aggressive diffuser below the rear bumper.

Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, pretty much confirmed that Tesla would roll out a refreshed Model S this year, and while we weren’t  expecting an all-new car – though after 13 years, we deserve one – we were hoping for some bigger changes than it looks like Tesla will deliver.

Photos Baldauf / Carscoops

Tesla’s refreshed Juniper Model Y lineup has already introduced several variants, from the Launch Edition to the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive versions. But if you’ve been holding out for something with more kick, the Performance version is next on the menu. Up until now, we hadn’t seen any confirmed prototypes, but that’s changed. Our spies caught one while it was out testing at the Nurburgring, still under camouflage, of course.

Now, don’t get too attached to this version just yet. This Model Y prototype might not represent the final production model, so some of these features could change on the cutting room floor. Still, here’s what we can confirm from our first look at the electric crossover.

What’s New? Spoilers and Wheels

The most obvious updates are the elongated spoiler on the trunk lid, which closely mirrors the one on the older Model Y Performance, and the chunky wheels, which look strikingly similar to the Arachnid rims found on the Model S Plaid. While we couldn’t check the exact size of the Pirelli P Zero tires, they appear to be 21-inch rims, possibly with a staggered setup, meaning the rear tires are wider than the front.

More: Tesla Debuts Its Cheapest Model Y In The US

Interestingly, unlike the Model 3 Performance, which gets an entirely new front bumper with additional aerodynamic tweaks, this Model Y prototype sticks with the standard bumper. But as we pointed out before, that could change before the car actually rolls off the assembly line.

We couldn’t get a peek inside, but our spies report that there are sport seats up front with added bolstering, likely borrowed from its sedan counterpart. The only other changes we expect over the standard trims are the Performance badges and graphics on the infotainment screen, as Tesla likes to keep things minimal.

Lower Ride Height and Track Features

This prototype also sits lower than the standard models, which makes sense given the performance upgrades. Not only does this improve driving dynamics, but it also gives the car a more aggressive stance, especially when paired with those larger wheels. Tesla will also offer an adaptive damper setup, similar to the Model 3 Performance, allowing drivers to toggle between Standard, Sport, and Track modes.

Also: Tesla Unleashes $2K Upgrade That Makes Your Model Y Juniper Faster In Seconds

Red brake calipers are also visible, and while there’s no official word yet, we’re hoping these signal more capable brakes, preferably ones that don’t overheat after a lap on the track, which has been a common gripe with the Model 3 Performance. For what it’s worth, our spies didn’t spot any dramatic brake failures or fiery moments while the car was tearing it up on the Ring. We’re also expecting some tweaks to the steering system to make things even sharper.

The Actual Performance Part

When it comes to performance, don’t expect any earth-shattering changes. The Model Y Performance should use the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive system as the Model 3 Performance, pushing out 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of peak torque, paired with a 79 kWh battery. If the sedan’s 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds (with rollout) is any indication, the new Model Y will be able to hit 0-60 in about 3.2-3.3 seconds, down from 3.5 seconds in the previous 470-hp Model Y Performance. As for range, unless Tesla opts for a bigger battery, it should stick around 290ish miles per charge.

Release and Pricing

While there’s no official launch date (because, well, it’s Tesla) we’re expecting the production version to debut later this year, possibly in the fourth quarter. As for pricing, it should land about $7,000-$8,000 above the Long Range AWD model, which starts at $48,990 before any federal tax incentives. That puts the Model Y Performance somewhere around $55,000, give or take.