The long-awaited Tesla Model Y Performance has been spotted zipping around the famed Nurburgring in Germany, a popular location for new vehicles to test their limits ahead of public release.

Earlier this year, Tesla executives Franz von Holzhausen and Lars Moravy both indicated that the updated and upgraded Model Y Performance would be on its way by the end of 2025, and it appears that time is coming close.

New images captured by Wilco Blok and Teslaplaidtokde on X show the Model Y Performance wrapped in camouflage, sporting a handful of new features as the lightning-fast version of the world’s best-selling vehicle prepares for a launch in various markets across the world:

New Features

According to Blok and Teslaplaidtokde, the new Model Y Performance will feature a variety of new improvements compared to the past version.

This is something that was expected, as the launch of the new Model Y over the past year has shown various changes that made a great vehicle even better.

With the performance, there are some improvements to interior aesthetics, but the goal with this particular trim of Tesla vehicles is to improve performance and aerodynamics, bringing a truly first-class experience to one of the best and fastest vehicles on the road.

 

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Here’s what was mentioned as changes so far that have been seen on this test mule at Nurburgring:

• New 21″ wheels
• All black headliner, a big change that was included in the Model Y L, the first time a Model Y has had that option
• Updated brakes
• Bucket seats that appear to be similar to the new Model Y L in China
• New Carbon Fiber Spoiler
• Performance Badging
• Changes to both the front and rear bumper
• Suspension with Adaptive Dampers

 

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Expected Performance Metrics

These are not official figures, but this is what is expected based on what has been seen at the Nurburgring:

• 510 horsepower
• 0-60 MPH in 3.2-3.4 seconds
• 280-290 miles of range
• Anticipating the release of a new Track Mode

The previous iteration of the Model Y Performance featured 503 horsepower and a 0-60 MPH of 3.5 seconds. It also had a top speed of 155, which we believe will be improved with the next version of the Y Performance.

Here is some footage of the Model Y Performance running around the Nurburgring ahead of its release:

🚨 The Tesla Model Y Performance appears to have run some spirited laps at the Nurburgring in preparation for its launch https://t.co/PccY2KY2NF pic.twitter.com/Cd1TVwhNZq

— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) August 18, 2025

Tesla has not yet listed any date or timeframe for the Performance variant to be released. However, it is anticipated to be released by the end of 2025.

All eyes today are on the Model Y L, but this does not mean to say that Tesla’s other key projects are being put on the back burner.

Based on recent images taken of the Giga Texas complex, it appears that the electric vehicle maker is still moving full steam ahead with its preparations for the Cybercab, its two-seat dedicated autonomous Robotaxi.

New equipment deliveries

As observed by longtime Giga Texas watcher Joe Tegtmeyer during a recent flyover, Tesla is currently hard at work setting up the Cybercab lines. Based on the drone operator’s observations, much work is being done on the facility’s structural pack area, which has resulted in the buildout of more mezzanine floors and the installation of new equipment.

“The structural pack area has been undergoing a lot of upgrades over the past few months, including more mezzanine floors, production expansion & new equipment installation, & these images are an example of this work underway,” the drone operator wrote in a post on X.

Based on the pace of preparations being done in the Giga Texas complex, it appears that initial production of the two-seat Robotaxi might start soon. Tesla, after all, has an aggressive target for the ramp of the Cybercab.

Cybercab targets

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that he expects a run rate of about 2 million Cybercabs per year. For context, Tesla has yet to produce such a number from its existing lineup to date, even with the company’s production facilities across the United States, China, and Germany. Musk has stated that the Cybercab will be mass-produced at Giga Texas, but it will also be manufactured in other facilities when it is fully ramped. 

The Cybercab has a few tricks up its sleeve that should make it easier to produce. These include its “Unboxed” process, which should allow Tesla to ramp the production of the autonomous two-seater quickly. Elon Musk has noted in the past that the Cybercab line will be unlike anything that the world has ever seen, as it would resemble a consumer electronics line more than a conventional automotive assembly system.

The Tesla Model Y L is several things for the electric vehicle maker. It is a competitor in China’s unforgiving premium family hauler segment, and it is also a dedicated family car that rivals the Model X in space at a far more affordable price.

More importantly, the Model Y L is a deathblow for competitors in the autonomous ride-hailing market, such as Waymo.

All space and comfort

A look at the Model Y L’s cabin would immediately give the impression that Tesla worked hard to ensure that the vehicle is as comfortable as possible. Its second row seats are equipped with cooling and heating functions, and its third row seats are actually spacious enough for regular-sized adults. 

A number of the Model Y L’s features are evidently designed to provide optimum comfort to passengers, such as its second row seats’ electric armrests and extendable thigh support system. Even otherwise minor improvements in the Model Y L like its A/C vents on the third row seem designed to ensure that passengers on all three rows are provided with a luxurious and comfortable ride every time they step inside the vehicle.

The price and scale advantage

The Model Y L’s amenities are great for road trips and short stints across the city, and they are especially great if one were to look at the vehicle as a dedicated autonomous Robotaxi. As a Robotaxi, the Model Y L will be very difficult to challenge. It could easily offer comfortable seating for five passengers while still providing a lot of cargo space for Robotaxi riders. And considering all its amenities, Tesla could even position Robotaxi rides in the Model Y L as a slightly more premium option for customers.

But ultimately, it would be the Model Y’s price and scalability that would be the true killer in the autonomous ride-hailing market. Tesla sells the Model Y L in China for $47,180, which is only a fraction of the cost that it takes to produce one autonomous Waymo self-driving vehicle. The Model Y L is also produced in the same lines as the standard Model Y, which means Tesla would likely be able to build large fleets of Model Y L Robotaxis in a very short time. When that happens, Tesla’s dominance in the Robotaxi market may indeed be undeniable.