More differences than with the Performance
The updated Tesla Model 3 is still missing one version from the range: the Performance. The lightning-fast top version was seen and filmed in Valencia, Spain, and seems to be definitively called ‘Plaid’. That is promising.
The Tesla Model 3 Plaid drives around in and around the famous ‘City of Art and Science‘ from Calatrava in Valencia. Bystanders were so keen to film the thing and thanks the Instagram accounts of Cochespias and Theprotohunter we now also know about this incident.
Why do we think this is the Plaid? Well, for starters, it’s on there. This Model 3 has the ‘checked cloth’ on the lid that we also find on the Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid, but that could still be a diversionary maneuver. But there’s more. For example, we spotted the spoiler known from the previous Performance versions, there are unique wheels and red brake calipers.
The Model 3 Performance is similar in terms of appearance, but Tesla now seems to be putting more effort into distinguishing the fastest Model 3 with its appearance. For example, the front bumper of the spotted car is really different from that of a regular Model 3. It has a clear spoiler edge at the bottom and two tight, but still present vertical openings in the normally very tight and empty bumper.
The alleged Plaid above, the regular Model 3 below. Note the design of the front bumper, with an extra opening.
Even inside there are unique parts to see: the seats. Under the photographed angle they do not look that different from those of the Model 3, but the back reveals that they are. On a regular Model 3, the back of the headrest is also covered, which in this case should make it white. The black back here reveals sportier furniture, undoubtedly unique to the Plaid.
Tesla Model 3 ‘Plaid’.
The fact that Tesla puts so much effort into visually distinguishing the Model 3 Plaid from less fast versions is quite remarkable. With the Model S Plaid and Model
Plaid
But what is that again, Tesla Plaid? The name is a reference to the fastest mode of a spaceship in the parody film Spaceballs. The Tesla Model S Plaid and Model in the future, after this model has been updated, also a Tesla Model Y Plaid.
The fact that the super-fast top model of the Model 3 Plaid is the first to appear in Europe is less remarkable than you might think. Tesla was the first to present the facelifted Model 3 here and that enabled us to be one of the first to take it on the road. In the US they now also have the so-called ‘Highland’ version of the Model 3, but only recently.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl