A new prototype of the Model Y has been spotted near Tesla’s engineering headquarters in Palo Alto, Elecktrek reports. From the photos provided, it is speculated that this variant could be a Performance version of the EV, specifically the facelifted “Juniper” model that was introduced this year.
This is evident from what appears to be 21-inch wheels with a design very similar to the ‘Plaid’ style, a design that is usually reserved for high-end performance models by the automaker. Additionally, upon closer inspection, you can see that the car comes with large brake callipers. These design cues alone raise the possibility that the camouflaged model is a Model Y Performance variant, rather than what was previously rumoured to be a stripped-down of the EV.
Although most of it is covered in black cloth, it can be observed that the model features much sharper and more angular taillights. It also seems to be bigger than the facelifted Model Y.
Just to recap, in Malaysia, the Model Y was one of the first cars from the EV marque to debut in July 2023, with a starting price of RM199,000. As mentioned earlier, the Juniper facelift was later added to the lineup for the local market in early January 2025, priced from RM195,450.
It is unclear when Tesla may officially introduce this supposed Performance variant of the Model Y. Seeing that the Juniper facelift did make its way to Malaysia, there’s a chance that the upcoming variant may arrive as well in the not so distant future.
(Source: Electrek)
