New Model 3 Performance vs Highland design comparison pegs front splitter differences

According to Tesla code, the new Model 3 Performance sedan will come with "redesigned front and rear fascias," and a direct design comparison with the Highland's front lip confirms it.

The curved open front splitter on the Model 3 Performance gives it a more aggressive style, while "the rear diffuser and carbon fiber spoiler give a unique look, and work together to optimize high-speed stability," tips Tesla.

The Model 3 Performance has been spotted numerous times over the weekend, including on chargers in Santa Monica.

Tesla is not even bothering with a test mule camouflage now, indicating that the rumored April unveil of the Performance may hold water in the end.

Judging from the elevated number of random sightings, Tesla may even release the Model 3 Performance this week, to offset some of the bad publicity that could arise from its earnings report tomorrow.

Over the weekend, Tesla cut the Model S/X, and Model Y prices across its global markets, and dropped FSD to $8,000. It would now be interesting to see if it has managed to fit the Model 3 Performance price under the government's $55,000 tax credit threshold, too, as its battery sourcing would otherwise make it eligible.

According to the leaked specs, the Model 3 Performance will come with a new, more powerful 406HP rear motor.

In the placeholder description, however, Tesla simply says that the combined output is more than 500HP, rather than the 600HP bandied about before.

The rumored Model 3 Performance 0-60mph acceleration is hence expected to be pegged at 2.9 seconds, rather than some crazier number.

There is new design and Track Mode V3, though, bringing "all-new calibration for the powertrain and adaptive suspension to give you more authority behind the wheel," brags Tesla.

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