Tesla sets Model Y Performance release date with a new teaser

Tesla may be preparing to release the promised 2026 Model Y Performance version ahead of the federal tax credit expiration deadline.

It posted a teaser that says "spoiler alert" and depicts reflections running down a vehicle rear to rise up where they meet the ostensible spoiler, hinting at a sports or Performance version announcement.

The Model Y Performance has already been caught testing both on the famed Nürburgring racetrack, and on public roads in Europe.

The alleged Model Y Performance teaser is also posted from Tesla's European account, indicating that the most powerful Model Y to date may be released in Europe first.

Model Y Performance release date

In the "Spoiler alert" teaser, Tesla runs light reflections over a shiny new vehicle in a flashy red color and ends with depicting August 29 as the potential Model Y Performance release date.

The last Friday of the month may see other significant announcements by Tesla, too, as it is also preparing to release something new in Australia, which local media teases might be the long-awaited FSD launch Down Under.

If Tesla launches Model Y Performance in Europe first, this might mean that it will wait for the US release until after the tax credit expires to spur up demand when the government subsidies are gone. Europe, on the other hand, has been its softest market this year thanks to Elon Musk's political activism, so it makes sense that it would try to drum up excitement about its offerings in a quarter that is shaping up to be otherwise great in terms of sales thanks to the US and China, where Tesla just launched a larger Model Y L six-seater.

The Model Y Performance is expected to be more powerful than its predecessor and offer longer range on a charge thanks to the improved aerodynamics and efficiency of the 2026 Juniper refresh. The 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance should land the 510 HP powertrain of the Model 3 Performance, which should catapult it from 0-60 mph in a bit over three seconds.

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