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Model Y Juniper refresh Performance trim filmed with new wheels and mysterious side mirror functions

The Model Y Juniper Performance version (Image source: Yann Masoch/X)
The Model Y Juniper Performance version (Image source: Yann Masoch/X)
A side-by-side encounter of the Model Y Juniper facelift's Performance version with the current Performance trim has revealed some intriguing new details about Tesla's upcoming Model Y refresh.

With the Tesla Model Y Juniper price expected to be much higher due to the expected abolishment of the EV tax credit by the upcoming Trump administration, its most powerful and expensive Performance trim has been caught road testing.

Currently, the AWD Model Y Performance starts from $51,490 without the tax credit, and offers the rather breathtaking for its class and weight 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds.

Granted, that comes at the expense of range as it can only cover 277 miles on a charge - 60 miles fewer than the RWD version - but the Model Y Juniper might remedy that as it is expected to come with a larger battery pack and Tesla's more efficient 4th-gen electric motors.

The Tesla driver who filmed this Model Y Juniper Performance test mule actually owns the current Performance trim in the same color, so they were able to compare the looks and road behavior better than with other spy shots and sightings.

For starters, they were convinced that this was the Model Y Juniper Performance version not only because of the Ultra Red hue, but the ride height and stiffer suspension characteristic of the sportiest Model Y trim, as well as the rear spoiler stretching the camo tarp.

The other telltale sign was the side vent at the front bumper that mimics what Tesla introduced exclusively for the better cooling and more aggressive looks of the powerful Model 3 Performance version facelift, too. Another novelty on the Model Y Juniper Performance that they spotted seems to be taken directly from the Model 3 Highland Performance trim playbook as well, namely a new set of 20-inch wheels.

Tesla calls them Proton, but it remains to be seen if they will be called the same as a Model Y Juniper Performance option. Another indication that this is a brand new wheelset that will be available specifically for the Model Y Juniper Performance version was that they were covered in camo tarp, just like the front and rear of the refresh.

Tesla now sometimes camouflages the side mirrors of the Model Y Juniper test mules, after multiple sightings deduced that there will be a new set with more angular shape and, perhaps, additional functions. Here they aren't covered, but rather have a set of mysterious wires running to the side mirrors from underneath the camo tarp on the Model Y Juniper.

Besides a dropped and more aggressive yet streamlined exterior design, the interior styling has also received an overhaul. The driver of the Model Y Juniper test mule is apparently sitting on a new seat version, still with the nylon cover, and previous sightings have confirmed an edgier, more angular shape of the headrest padding.

In any case, it would be interesting to see what the Model Y Juniper Performance specs like range and acceleration will be, what with the new motors and larger battery size, not to mention the more aggressive styling. Tesla is expected to release the Model Y Juniper in January, with the Gigafactory in Shanghai already gearing for mass production.

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The camo tarp of the Model Y Juniper Performance test mule seems to be stretched by a protruding rear spoiler
The camo tarp of the Model Y Juniper Performance test mule seems to be stretched by a protruding rear spoiler
 

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 01 > Model Y Juniper refresh Performance trim filmed with new wheels and mysterious side mirror functions
Daniel Zlatev, 2025-01- 8 (Update: 2025-01- 8)