Model 3 Highland US release may be in January as Tesla tips insane 2024 Performance trim return in Australia

A Tesla Australia employee has shared the good news about the launch of a maximized Tesla Model 3 Performance trim before the second quarter of next year had passed. A covered Tesla was recently caught testing with what looked the Sport Wheel and Winter Tire Package for the Model 3, complete with sporty red calipers and all, just without the black hubcaps with the Tesla logo.

At the time, it was thought that this might be the top-shelf Model 3 version as the Highland wasn't even released yet, and there is now a tangential confirmation about the existence of said trim. A "pretty special" Model 3 Performance is apparently prepped for release in the first half of 2024, which will allow Tesla to add the "few things we left on the table" when developing the 2017 Model 3 Performance.

At the time, Elon Musk was going through "production hell" trying to ramp up manufacturing of Tesla's first midrange electric car, and the Performance version was somewhat of an afterthought.

Insanely quick afterthought, though, and if a "special" 2024 Model 3 Performance materializes indeed, it may have a 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 3 seconds this time. Upgraded brakes and special tires might be a go, too, as well as a much higher price than the base Model 3 Highland trim that will cost about US$40,600 when it is released for purchase in Australia this coming January.

Coincidentally, that is when the Model 3 Highland release in the US may happen as well, but it is unclear if Tesla fans in America will also be getting a Performance version in the same January-June timeframe, too. Tesla reportedly thought about calling the "special" 2024 Model 3 things like Plaid or Ludicrous, but the beaten Performance naming path won out in the end.

Get the 48A Tesla Wall Connector with 24" cable on Amazon