Tesla leaked the rear badge for the new Model 3 performance
The Kilowatts
Fasten all seat belts, seal all entrances and exits, close all shops in the mall, cancel the three-range circus, and secure all animals in the zoo... Tesla's New Model 3 may be going Ludicrous! If you're not following, then you don't understand the heart of Tesla and you owe it to yourself to watch the video below; it's Spaceballs.
Since the new Model 3 was unveiled, we've speculated that a unique trim could yet be revealed. Now, thanks to Tesla fan, the Kilowatts, we may know what that new upgraded package will be - Ludicrious.
Tesla Community Spots the Parts
The Kilowatts uncovered Tesla's Parts Catalog that hints at a performance version of the Model 3, initially speculated to be Plaid. The images showcasing the rear badge and the new wheels have since been removed from Tesla's catalog, but not before fans could capture a variety of screenshots.
Tesla's Plaid versions are known for their advanced tri-motor setup, however, after a closer look at the rear badge, it doesn't seem like the Plaid logo. It does resemble when Dark Helmet orders his ship to go to Ludicrous speed. Like the movie, the image appears to be the stars streaking past.
This development aligns perfectly with Elon Musk's well-known quirky sense of humor. He did name his Space X rockets after the Millennium Falcon; he also has the Boring Company.
It also fits Tesla's lineup. The flagship, luxurious Model S and Model X have a Plaid trim. Therefore, putting the Plaid badge on the lesser, more common Model 3 and Model Y could deteriorate the exclusivity of the Plaid brand. As the Tesla Silicon Valley Owners Club has pointed out several times, Musk previously rejected a Plaid version of a Model 3. But Ludicrous is just one step down as we've already passed light and ridiculous speed.
More than Just a Badge
While the badge will look great on the back of the new Model 3, and the new logo will make for a fantastic T-shirt print, there is much more to this new level. Also spotted in the parts catalog are improved sport brakes, suspension, and unique wheels.
Model 3 Performance Motor
This latest discovery aligns well with the vehicle certifications spotted in Europe last month. The letter T appeared in documents issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW. This 'T' in the Model 3 Performance's VIN could indicate the motor/drive unit type.
While there was initial speculation about a potential tri-motor setup for a Plaid Model 3, regulatory filings and certification documents have clarified that the Model 3 Performance will retain its dual motor setup. Given the documented specifications, it's plausible that one of the dual motors has been enhanced, possibly to match the advanced motor found in the Model S/X Plaid. This is anticipated to boost the top-end speed and acceleration of the Model 3.
While the current Model 3 certainly isn't a Cuisinart, it does have hyperjets of its own, especially with the acceleration boost software enhancement. So this latest revelation is just one more thing to entice the current Model 3 owners to consider upgrading and more reasons for potential owners to jump into the Tesla world.
Tesla’s latest FSD update, version 2024.27.5 brings some improvements when parking your vehicle. This is another undocumented, but one we’re happy to see.
Most recently, the Cybertruck received the undocumented change for the Hands-Free Frunk opening (video below). The Cybertruck also recently received Vision Park Assist, which included steering wheel guides in the visualization showing the direction the front and rear wheels were turned. However, it turns out this isn’t just for the Cybertruck.
Update: We’ve updated this article to mention that this feature isn’t included in update 2024.32 yet.
Quick video on the auto frunk. It's literally 🧍♂️📐
Due to the Cybertruck’s unique rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire design, Park Assist in the Cybertruck displayed the path of the front wheels, and how they would swing while reversing.
This enhancement is also coming to every Tesla vehicle in FSD 12.5.2 and later. It’s also expected to be available in a future update for non-FSD vehicles. However, it’s unclear whether it will be a later revision of update 2024.32 or the next major Tesla update. This is a neat little update, as it helps drivers better understand and predict the path their vehicle will take during a turn.
Brandon, going by @teslaflexx on X, originally spotted the new visuals recently on an AMD-based Model Y running 2024.27.5 and FSD V12.5.2.
Any vehicles who are on update 2024.27.5 or 2024.27.20 should have access to this new feature.
Looks like Cybertruck wasn’t the only vehicle to get the new guide visuals with park assist. Much better than the lines! pic.twitter.com/tF9ZsWCcWy
Tesla’s Cybertruck has been used as an awesome off-road vehicle so far, with some great videos from both Tesla themselves, as well as many owners who have been challenging difficult off-road obstacles.
One frequently requested feature, however, is additional armor for the Cybertruck to improve its off-road capabilities. Wes Morril, Program Manager for the Cybertruck, has confirmed that Tesla will be introducing Battery Armor and Rock Sliders as retrofit “options” by the end of 2024.
Battery Armor
The Cybertruck’s underbody plate, while not completely unarmoured, isn’t exactly super thick, and can leave the battery exposed if the weight of the truck is left on a high-center point or a sharp rock. This upcoming battery armor will be similar to the armored undersides offered by other companies specifically for off-roading.
Rivian, for example, sells armor as a single package for $3,950 USD, or $5,800 CAD, along with a 20” wheel upgrade, full-size spare, and a utility panel including an air compressor and enough hose to let you reach any of the tires when airing up or down your tires for off-road. Tesla’s upcoming Battery Armor will be a retrofit option, unlike Rivian’s – which can only be added when purchasing the vehicle.
Rock Sliders
The Cybertruck has a simple and clean bottom corner – but that also means that it exposes the plastic trim directly. Rock sliders go on the bottom edge of off-road vehicles between the wheels to protect the vehicle's body. Rock sliders are a pretty common modification, and some companies have already begun to offer them for the Cybertruck – but a first-party OEM option is always best.
This is especially true since most third-party options use the lift points of the vehicle to attach rock sliders, which can make replacing wheels or lifting the vehicle difficult without removing the third-party additions. This adds considerable time to what should be a quick job.
Release Date
We’re looking forward to Tesla bringing these options to the Tesla store in the coming months. Wes said they’d be available as retrofits before the end of 2024, along with the upcoming Winter Tire Package, which is arriving next month. The Winter Tire Package is already available to order for Cybertruck owners.
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Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
