The new Tesla Model Y Performance is perhaps the most affordable street-legal car made for spirited driving. In a new video, the electric vehicle maker shared the design philosophy and the ‘why’ behind the new Model Y Performance.
Tesla (TSLA) first launched the 2026 Model Y Performance in Europe at the end of August. About a month later, the automaker put this variant of the Model Y on sale in North America.
Company’s Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Lead Engineer Lars Moravy explain the design and engineering philosophy behind the new Model Y Performance.
Model Y Performance is really a vehicle that’s designed for the person who really cares about their activity, really pays attention to the training, the equipment, the pieces the equipment, the pieces, that go into their adventure, their activity. The thing that they’re really passionate about
Franz von Holzhausen / Tesla Chief Designer
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Design sketches of the new 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance released by the automaker to share its design philosophy of the vehicle. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
Tesla also shared interesting design sketches of the new Model Y Performance as well. These sketches (above and below) show us the level of dedication that the Tesla design team put into creating the best performance-oriented mid-sized electric SUV.
Actually, not just an EV, but the best performance SUV as well. The new Model Y Performance comes with a stunning 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.3 seconds. This level of performance demands an equally supportive aerodynamic design, which the new Model Y Performance shows from every angle.
Tesla redesigned the front and rear fascia and the wheels of the new Model Y Performance to achieve even better aerodynamics and a super-smooth driving experience.
“The Model Y Performance is better than it’s ever been in terms of its performance specs,” Lars Moravy said.
The rear fascia and side profile view of the 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance in Quicksilver color. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
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Video: Tesla designing the new Model Y Performance.
The aerodynamic platform of the new Model Y Performance has been vastly improved compared to the previous product. You look at the vehicle, you will notice how we have now a longer front splitter and rear diffuser together with the reduced ride height and extended rear spoiler.
Guilio / Tesla Designer
The automaker developed the 2nd generation of the Tesla Model Y under the codename ‘Project Juniper‘. Although the new Model Y Performance is based on the Juniper platform, Tesla made design changes that look subtle but have a great impact on the car’s performance, handling, and agility (adaptive suspension).
The new Model Y Performance, with its upgrades and tailor-made Track Mode software, is fully capable of showing impressive action on racing tracks like the Nurburgring, Laguna Seca, and Pikes Peak.
Currently, this top-end Model Y variant is in production in the US (Giga Texas) and Europe (Giga Berlin). As soon as the vehicle hits the streets in larger numbers, we’ll have more to share about its performance, so stay tuned.
Design sketches of the 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance Interior and the 21″ Arachnid 2.0 wheels. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
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According to Tesla’s engineering lead, Lars Moravy, the new Arachnid 2.0 wheels of the Model Y Performance are the “most engineered” parts of the vehicle.
These newly-designed wheels are specifically made for the Model Y Performance, which not only help in acceleration but also assist in decelerating the vehicle. The Arachnid 2.0 wheels are engineered to enhance the airflow around the vehicle, improving range and aerodynamics.
Tesla hasn’t just redesigned the new Model Y Performance from the outside; the seats of the vehicle are also specific to this top-end variant.
Inside the new Model Y Performance, has a very sporty contoured upper portion that helps with lateral support whilst driving spiritedly, but also is extremely comfortable.
On the lower, we have an all-new powered bolster that can extend to support the thigh.
The 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance comes with 21″ Arachnid 2.0 Wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
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