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Upgraded Tesla Model 3 Performance prototype spotted with new front splitter
Perhaps the upgraded Tesla Model 3 Performance will indeed be a bit more special than the regular variants of the all-electric sedan. This was hinted at in a recent sighting of an upgraded Right Hand Drive (RHD) Tesla Model 3 prototype, which was equipped with what appears to be a front splitter.
The upgraded Tesla Model 3 is currently only offered in two trims: the base Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) variant and the Long Range Dual Motor All Wheel Drive (AWD) version. The Model 3 Performance, a popular trim that has become a favorite among spirited drivers and track enthusiasts, has been strangely absent from the new Model 3’s order page.
As observed by Tesla watchers, however, it appears that the electric vehicle maker has been busy testing the next-generation Model 3 Performance. This was hinted at by sightings of upgraded Model 3 units whose front and backs are still hidden behind covers. Considering that both the new Model 3 RWD and Model 3 AWD have already been unveiled, it seems reasonable to assume that the protective covers are intended to hide design elements of a Model 3 variant that’s yet to be unveiled.
? pic.twitter.com/LJoSrZPmKI— The Kilowatts ?⚡️ (@klwtts) January 21, 2024
Tesla enthusiast group The Kilowatts spotted one such vehicle recently. As shared by the group on social media, it was able to spot a black upgraded Model 3 Performance prototype that happened to be an RHD variant. Similar to other suspected Model 3 Performance prototypes, the vehicle in the group’s sightings was covered in its front and rear. Its brake calipers were painted red as well.
More importantly, the vehicle seems to be equipped with a front splitter that’s quite different from the bumper of the upgraded Model 3 RWD and AWD. The front splitter on the covered vehicle seemed fairly subtle, but it did give the prototype a very distinct look.
While Tesla has not confirmed that an upgraded Model 3 Performance is coming, reports and leaks suggest that the vehicle would be quite interesting, with dedicated Sport bucket seats and what appears to be a Ludicrous badge at the rear. Comments from Tesla Australia chief engineer and Model 3 program veteran Daniel Ho also revealed that Tesla had to take a conservative approach with the top-tier Model 3 in the past.
As noted by the Tesla engineer, the company “left a few things on the table” when it released the original Model 3 Performance, partly because the company was still in the middle of “production hell” at the time. With the upgraded Model 3 Performance, however, Tesla could truly realize the vehicle’s true potential.
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Tesla Cybercab is changing the look of Austin’s roads, and it’s not even in production yet
Videos and photos showed the sleek, two-seat autonomous vehicles navigating traffic.
Even before entering production, Tesla’s Cybercab is already transforming the appearance of Austin’s streets, with multiple prototypes spotted testing in downtown areas recently.
Videos and photos showed the sleek, two-seat autonomous vehicles navigating traffic. Interestingly enough, the vehicles were equipped with temporary steering wheels and human safety drivers.
Recent Cybercab sightings
Over the weekend, enthusiasts captured footage of two Cybercabs driving together in central Austin, their futuristic silhouettes standing out amid regular traffic. While the vehicles featured temporary steering wheels and side mirrors for now, they retained their futuristic, production-intent exterior design.
Industry watcher Sawyer Merritt shared one of the vehicles’ videos, noting the increasing frequency of the autonomous two-seater’s sightings.
Previewing the autonomous future
Sightings of the Cybercab have been ramping in several key areas across the United States in recent weeks. Sightings include units at Apple’s Visitor Center in California, the Fremont factory test track, and in Austin’s streets.
The increased activity suggests that Tesla is in overdrive, validating the autonomous two-seater ahead of its planned volume production. Elon Musk confirmed at the 2025 Shareholder Meeting that manufacturing begins around April 2026 with ambitious targets, and during an All-Hands meeting earlier this year, Musk hinted that ultimately, Tesla’s factories should be able to produce one Cybercab every 10 seconds.
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Tesla celebrates 9 million vehicles produced globally
The achievement, announced by Tesla Asia on X, celebrated not just the Shanghai team’s output but the company’s cumulative production across all its factories worldwide.
Tesla has achieved a new milestone, rolling out its nine millionth vehicle worldwide from Giga Shanghai.
The achievement, announced by Tesla Asia on X, celebrated not just the Shanghai team’s output but the company’s cumulative production across all its factories worldwide. The milestone came as 2025 drew to a close, and it inspired praise from some of the company’s key executives.
Tesla’s 9 million vehicle milestone
The commemorative photo from Tesla Asia featured the Giga Shanghai team assembled on the factory floor, surrounding the milestone Model Y unit, which looked pristine in white. The image was captioned: “Our 9 millionth vehicle globally has just rolled off the production line at Giga Shanghai. Thanks to our owners and supporters around the world.”
Senior Vice President of Automotive Tom Zhu praised Tesla’s factory teams for the remarkable milestone. He also shared his gratitude to Tesla owners for their support. “Congrats to all Tesla factories for this amazing milestone! Thanks to our owners for your continued support!” Zhu wrote in a post on X.
Giga Shanghai’s legacy
Tesla’s nine million vehicle milestone is especially impressive considering that just 207 days ago, the company announced that it had built its eight millionth car globally. The eight millionth Tesla, a red Model Y, was built in Giga Berlin. The fact that Tesla was able to build a million cars in less than seven months is quite an accomplishment.
Giga Shanghai, Tesla’s largest factory by volume, has been instrumental to the company’s overall operations, having reached four million cumulative vehicles earlier in 2025. The plant produces Model 3 and Model Y for both domestic Chinese and export markets, making it the company’s primary vehicle export hub.
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Tesla officially publishes Q4 2025 vehicle delivery consensus
By releasing these numbers directly, Tesla establishes a clear, transparent benchmark ahead of its actual results.
Tesla has taken the rather unusual step of officially publishing its company-compiled Q4 2025 delivery consensus on the Investor Relations site. As per analyst estimates, Tesla is expected to deliver 422,850 vehicles and deploy 13.4 GWh of battery storage systems this Q4 2025.
By releasing these numbers directly, Tesla establishes a clear, transparent benchmark ahead of its actual results, making it harder for narratives to claim a “miss” based on outlier estimates.
Official consensus sets the record straight
Tesla’s IR press release detailed the consensus from 20 analysts for vehicle deliveries and 16 analysts for energy deployments. As per the release, full-year 2025 consensus delivery estimates come in at 1,640,752 vehicles, an 8.3% decline from 2025’s FY deliveries of 1,789,226 cars.
Tesla noted that while it “does not endorse any information, recommendations or conclusions made by the analysts,” its press release does provide a notable reference point. Analysts contributing to the company compiled consensus include Daiwa, DB, Wedbush, Oppenheimer, Canaccord, Baird, Wolfe, Exane, Goldman Sachs, RBC, Evercore ISI, Barclays, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, UBS, Jefferies, Needham, HSBC, Cantor Fitzgerald, and William Blair.
Tesla’s busy Q4 2025
Tesla seems to be pushing hard to deliver as many vehicles as possible before the end of 2025, despite the company’s future seemingly being determined not by vehicle deliveries, but FSD and Optimus’ rollout and ramp. Still, reports from countries such as China are optimistic, with posts on social media hinting that Tesla’s delivery centers in the country are appearing packed as the final weeks of 2025 unfold.
The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are also still performing well in China’s premium EV segment. Based on data from January to November, the Model Y took China’s number one spot in the RMB 200,000-RMB 300,000 segment for electric vehicles, selling 359,463 units. The Model 3 sedan took third place, selling 172,392. This is quite impressive considering that both the Model Y and Model 3 command a premium compared to their domestic rivals.
Tesla Cybercab is changing the look of Austin’s roads, and it’s not even in production yet
Tesla celebrates 9 million vehicles produced globally
