Tag: 2026 Model Y Performance

  • Tesla Model Y Performance: Fast Cornering Stability in Spy Video

    Tesla Model Y Performance: Fast Cornering Stability in Spy Video

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is launching two new variants of the 2026 Model Y, including a 7-seater and a Performance version.
    2. The Performance model has been spotted testing on urban roads and racetracks, showcasing design improvements from the Juniper refresh.
    3. It will feature a 510HP dual-motor setup, an increase from the previous 456HP in the 2024 Model Y Performance.
    4. The 2026 Model Y Performance is expected to improve acceleration, surpassing the current 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds.
    5. The new model will offer enhanced cornering stability due to suspension adjustments based on track testing insights.


    After the most affordable Model Y RWD, which offers the longest distance, Tesla is gearing up to launch two unique variants of the 2026 facelift, wrapping up the update of its top-selling SUV.

    Upcoming Variants

    The first variant likely to arrive is the Model Y 7-seater, hinted at in Tesla’s newsletter shared over the weekend. However, the Performance version of the new Model Y is what many are eagerly anticipating.

    This Performance model has already been spotted on urban roads and at the Nürburgring racetrack. For the first time, it has also been recorded while undergoing actual test laps. This Performance trim will naturally inherit all the design enhancements introduced by the Juniper refresh for Tesla’s most popular vehicle.

    Design Features

    As seen in the camouflaged test vehicle at Nürburgring in the video below, it will feature the iconic front and rear light bars, along with a more aerodynamic design.

    Beneath the hood, the quickest Model Y to date is likely to come with a 510HP dual-motor setup borrowed from its smaller counterpart, the Model 3 Performance. This is a significant increase from the 456HP output of the 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance.

    Performance Expectations

    With a better drag coefficient and a lighter frame, the 2026 Model Y Performance is expected to surpass the 3.7 seconds it takes its predecessor to go from 0 to 60 mph. While it won’t reach the astonishing 2.5-second mark of the fastest Model X, it should still be priced at about half of the Plaid’s cost after accounting for the federal tax credit.

    In any case, the 2026 Model Y Performance featured in the video below demonstrates excellent cornering stability without rolling, a feature that is likely to improve as Tesla’s engineers implement suspension adjustments based on insights gained from track testing.

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  • 2026 Model Y Performance Seen Testing at Racetrack Before Release

    2026 Model Y Performance Seen Testing at Racetrack Before Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2026 Model Y Performance has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, aiming for high-speed performance records.
    2. The Model Y Performance is expected to achieve improved acceleration, with a target of 3.2 seconds from 0-60 mph, compared to its predecessor’s 3.5 seconds.
    3. The SUV will likely utilize a 510 HP drivetrain, up from the previous 470 HP, while being lighter and featuring better aerodynamics.
    4. Design changes include a lower stance and a rear lip spoiler for increased downforce, although the final aesthetic may differ from the current camouflaged prototype.
    5. The prototype is equipped with 21-inch Arachnid wheels from the Model S Plaid, indicating ongoing testing for traction and stability.


    After being seen testing on American roads prior to the launch of the 2026 Model Y AWD and RWD variants, the high-speed Performance version has now been observed at its rightful place—the famous Nürburgring racetrack in Germany.

    Record-Setting History

    The Nürburgring is where a modified Model S Plaid, equipped with the Track Package, achieved a record lap time of 7:25.231 for its class in 2023, driven by Tom Schwister. It makes sense for Tesla to aim for a similar accomplishment in the electric SUV category.

    Performance Expectations

    While onlookers who noticed the 2026 Model Y Performance, concealed in camouflage at the racetrack, could not track its lap times for clear reasons, it is anticipated that the SUV will have improved acceleration compared to the 3.5 seconds needed for its older version to reach 0-60 mph.

    The expectation rests on a 3.2-second acceleration for the Model Y Performance, likely utilizing the same 510 HP drivetrain found in the Model 3 Performance, an increase from the previous 470 HP, while also being lighter and featuring enhanced aerodynamics.

    Design Details

    To support this claim, the new Model Y Performance is designed to sit lower than the standard AWD/RWD versions and is equipped with a rear lip spoiler to boost downforce. However, the sporty front bumper seen on the Model 3 Performance is noticeably absent; the final aesthetic may vary from the camouflaged version currently being tested.

    The 21-inch Arachnid wheels borrowed from the Model S Plaid are present, indicating that this is still an engineering prototype of the Model Y Performance, intended to test traction and stability. There is ample opportunity for the design to become more dynamic before the anticipated launch in the latter half of the year.

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