Tesla has introduced the high-speed version of the updated Model Y, the Model Y Performance, and it has a starting price of €61,990 in Ireland.
What's new?
Well, as the name infers, the new Model Y Performance has plenty of… performance. In fact, it gets 460hp from its two electric motors, allowing a 3.5-second 0-100km/h sprint. Its top speed is 250km/h.
What about range?
Tesla quotes average energy consumption of 26kWh/100km, giving an official WLTP range of 580km, from a battery for which Tesla still doesn't official disclose a useable capacity.
How can I tell a Performance from a regular Model Y?
The overall shape and styling of the Model Y - with its recently introduced squared-off front end and full-width front light bar — is basically unchanged for the Performance, but there are some detail differences. Those include 21-inch 'Arachnid 2.0' forged alloy wheels with integrated aero covers, red brake calipers, Performance badging on the boot, gloss black exterior trim, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, Performance front seats with extra bolsters, carbon-fibre cabin trim, and aluminium pedals.
Any mechanical changes?
Tesla says that its electric motors — which it calls the Performance Drive Unit — have been upgraded to 16 per cent more peak torque, 32 per cent more peak power, and 22 per cent more continuous power. The battery has also been upgraded, and Tesla claims that it now has higher energy density.
The suspension gets the same adaptive tech from the Model 3 Performance saloon, although Tesla says that the electronic control system for the suspension has been tweaked to provide: “a balanced ride and handling character optimised for all driving scenarios.”
No, I said mechanical…
Good point. There have been some proper mechanical tweaks too, such as new suspension knuckles, new springs, new anti-roll-bars, and new bushings for the suspension. The rear bodywork has also been altered for more stiffness.
The customisable driving modes alter the character of the adaptive suspension and the steering, as well as the power delivery, when you select either Normal or Sport on the big screen.
That big screen is also different, now measuring 16 inches across with thinner bezels, a higher resolution, and 80 per cent more pixels, which theoretically results in a quicker and smoother response when pressed.