Fastest Tesla Model Y Performance demos cornering stability in spy racetrack video

After the cheapest Model Y RWD with the longest range, Tesla is preparing to release two niche trims of the 2026 facelift that will complete the portfolio refresh of its bestselling SUV.

First in line will probably be the Model Y 7-seater that Tesla teased in its newsletter sent over the weekend, but more interesting will be the Performance version of the new Model Y.

It has already been caught on city streets and at the Nürburgring racetrack, but for the first time it has been filmed doing actual testing laps. The Performance trim will obviously inherit all the design upgrades that the Juniper refresh brought to Tesla's most popular vehicle.

As can be seen from the camouflaged test mule at Nürburgring in the video below, it will have the signature front and rear light bars, as well as the more aerodynamic shape.

Under the hood, however, the fastest Model Y to date is expected to be equipped with the 510HP dual-motor configuration of its smaller Model 3 Performance sibling, a big jump from the 456HP that 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance produces.

Coupled with the improved drag coefficient and lighter body, the 2026 Model Y Performance should handily beat the 3.7s 0-60mph acceleration of its predecessor. It will still be far from the 2.5-second acceleration of the fastest Model X, but it will probably also cost half of the Plaid's price after the federal tax credit.

In any case, the 2026 Model Y Performance in the video below shows very good cornering stability without rolling that is only going to get better once Tesla's engineers apply the suspension tweaks learned from the track trials.