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Tesla Model 3 Performance possibly spotted ahead of dual motor rollout

Unique Tesla Model 3 rumored to be a Performance variant spotted Supercharging at the Hawthorne Design Center [Credit: TeslaOwnersLA via Facebook]

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Tesla’s Chief Designer was recently spotted Supercharging a never-before-seen Model 3 with unique badging and red brake calipers. If speculations are proven right, the Tesla community just got its first glimpse of what could very well be the Model 3’s dual-motor Performance version.

The sighting was reported over the weekend on the Tesla Owners Los Angeles Facebook page, where a member of the community shared a photo of a red Model 3 being charged at Tesla’s Design Center in Hawthorne, California. This particular Model 3 seemed to be special, however, since it was being driven by none other than Franz von Holzhausen, the man who designed the electric car.

While red Model 3s are already an eye catcher anywhere, several aspects of Franz’s vehicle immediately stood out. The car, for one, was equipped with red brake calipers, accessories which are commonly used in the Performance versions of the Model S and Model X. The Model 3 also appeared to be fitted with larger wheels than the optional 19-inch Sport Wheels currently offered at the Tesla Model 3 online configurator, prompting many members of the online community to speculate that Franz’s Model 3 was equipped with 20-inch wheels.

[Credit: TeslaOwnersLA via Facebook]

Lastly, the badge at the back of the car was different from other Model 3s as well, featuring the word “Tesla,” like the next-generation Roadster, on its trunk. All Model 3s that have been spotted so far had the company’s logo fitted on the trunk of the vehicle.

Considering the number of visible modifications on Franz’s Tesla, many members of the online community believe that his car might be a Model 3 Performance variant with AWD. Signs, after all, have been emerging that Tesla would be offering the dual-motor configuration to Model 3 reservation holders soon. Just recently, we reported that Tesla’s online Model 3 Design Studio now includes references to the upcoming dual motor configuration of the vehicle. Furthermore, Tesla enthusiasts noted that the latest batch of Model 3 VINs has references to dual-motor units as well.

Photos courtesy of TeslaOwnersLA via Facebook

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The release of the AWD Performance Model 3 is arguably one of the most highly anticipated developments in the production of the mass market electric car. Since unveiling the vehicle, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has teased several exciting aspects of the performance upgrades for the Model 3, such as smart air suspension and the option to add Ludicrous Mode. Considering that the Model 3 is a far lighter vehicle than its larger siblings — the Model S and the Model X — Ludicrous Mode on the smaller sedan would likely result in some incredibly impressive performance.

Based on the update to the Model 3 online configurator, the recent batch of VINs, as well as the sighting of Franz’s modified Tesla Model 3, it seems like the California-based electric carmaker is definitely gearing up for the imminent release of the AWD Performance variant of its most disruptive vehicle yet.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Elon Musk

Elon Musk shares unbelievable Starship Flight 10 landing feat

Flight 10’s Starship upper stage demonstrated impressive accuracy when it came to its target landing zone.

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Credit: SpaceX/X

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently shared an insane feat accomplished by Starship’s upper stage during its tenth test flight.

Despite the challenges it faced during its return trip to Earth, Flight 10’s Starship upper stage demonstrated impressive accuracy when it came to its target landing zone.

Against the odds

Musk’s update was shared on social media platform X. In a conversation about Starship upper stage’s return to Earth, Musk revealed that the upper stage splashed down just 3 meters (under 10 feet) from its intended target. Considering the size of the Starship upper stage and the ocean itself, achieving this accuracy was nothing short of insane.

Starship Flight 10 was a success as both the Super Heavy booster and Ship upper stage completed all their mission objectives. However, videos and images released by SpaceX showed the upper stage’s heat shield scorched golden-brown and parts of its aft skirt visibly missing. The flaps and other surfaces also bore signs of heavy stress from reentry.

SpaceX highlighted this in a post on X: “Starship made it through reentry with intentionally missing tiles, completed maneuvers to intentionally stress its flaps, had visible damage to its aft skirt and flaps, and still executed a flip and landing burn that placed it approximately 3 meters from its targeted splashdown point,” SpaceX noted.

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A key milestone

The result stands in stark contrast to Starship’s earlier test flights this year, when all three prior upper-stage flights in 2025 ended in premature breakup before splashdown. Flight 10 not only marked the first successful splashdown of the year for the Starship upper stage, but it also delivered near-perfect precision despite its battered state, according to a Space.com report.

For SpaceX, this success is a critical proof point in developing a fully reusable launch system. A spacecraft capable of surviving severe reentry conditions and still landing within meters of its target underscores the robustness needed for future missions, including orbital payload deliveries and, eventually, landings on the Moon and Mars.

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New Tesla Model Y Performance launches from Giga Berlin

The vehicle is produced at Gigafactory Berlin and is available to order now in Europe and the Middle East.

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Credit: Tesla

It took some time, but the new Tesla Model Y Performance is finally here. The new Model Y Performance features a blend of aerodynamic improvements, upgraded interior comforts, and high range enabled by new battery cells. 

The updated Model Y Performance is produced at Gigafactory Berlin and is available to order now in Europe and the Middle East. First deliveries are expected in 1-2 months.

Key Model Y Improvements

The new Model Y Performance sharpens the vehicle’s design and driving dynamics while adding subtle interior refinements. The revised variant now delivers 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds, slightly quicker than its predecessor’s 3.5 seconds, while offering an EPA-estimated 308 miles of range, just about 1% less than the non-performance Dual Motor All Wheel Drive variant. Top speed is listed at 155 mph.

The exterior of the new Model Y Performance features new front and rear fascias, along with a carbon fiber spoiler designed for greater downforce and reduced drag. Staggered wheels and tires provide improved steering precision and grip, while high-performance brakes offer enhanced pedal feel and better heat management. The ride is supported by adaptive suspension that adjusts damping based on road conditions, paired with unique drive modes tailored for high-speed performance. Ground clearance is listed at 6.1 inches, and weight is listed at 2,033 kilograms (4,482 pounds).

Tech and Interior

Inside, Tesla has added carbon fiber decor, expanded ambient lighting in the footwells and door pockets, and upgraded seating. The first-row sport seats now include power recline, power tilt, heating, ventilation, and powered thigh extensions for added support during cornering. Rear passengers receive perforated heated seats with power recline. A new 16-inch QHD center touchscreen anchors the cabin’s technology suite.

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Additional upgrades include eight exterior cameras, with the refreshed design introducing a new forward-facing unit. The high-density battery pack also boosts charge capacity but also helps maintain range despite the Performance model’s added power output.

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Elon Musk reveals when SpaceX will perform first-ever Starship catch

“Starship catch is probably flight 13 to 15, depending on how well V3 flights go,” Musk said.

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Credit: SpaceX

Elon Musk revealed when SpaceX would perform the first-ever catch attempt of Starship, its massive rocket that will one day take life to other planets.

On Tuesday, Starship aced its tenth test flight as SpaceX was able to complete each of its mission objectives, including a splashdown of the Super Heavy Booster in the Gulf, the deployment of eight Starlink simulators, and another splashdown of the ship in the Indian Ocean.

It was the first launch that featured a payload deployment:

SpaceX Starship Flight 10 was so successful, it’s breaking the anti-Musk narrative

SpaceX was transparent that it would not attempt to catch the Super Heavy Booster, something it has done on three previous occasions: Flight 5 on October 13, 2024, Flight 7 on January 16, and Flight 8 on March 6.

This time, it was not attempting to do so. However, there are bigger plans for the future, and Musk detailed them in a recent post on X, where he discussed SpaceX’s plans to catch Starship, which would be a monumental accomplishment.

Musk said the most likely opportunities for SpaceX to catch Starship itself would be Flight 13, Flight 14, and Flight 15, but it depends on “how well the V3 flights go.”

The Starship launched with Flight 10 was a V2, which is the same size as the subsequent V3 rocket but has a smaller payload-to-orbit rating and is less powerful in terms of initial thrust and booster thrust. Musk said there is only one more V2 rocket left to launch.

V3 will be the version flown through 2026, as V4, which will be the most capable Starship build SpaceX manufactures, is likely to be the first company ship to carry humans to space.

Musk said that SpaceX planned to “hopefully” attempt a catch of Starship in 2025. However, it appears that this will likely be pushed back to 2026 due to timing.

SpaceX will take Starship catch one step further very soon, Elon Musk confirms

SpaceX would need to launch the 11th and 12th test flights by the end of the year in order to get to Musk’s expected first catch attempt of Flight 13. It’s not unheard of, but the company will need to accelerate its launch rate as it has only had three test flights this year.

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