Is this the new Tesla Model Y “Juniper” performance?

Like its sedan sibling, the new Tesla Model Y will have a completely refreshed interior

Tesla is deep into development on a completely refreshed Model Y, a new version of the world’s best-selling electric car that features significant upgrades to the current model. Several prototypes have been spotted in recent months, and earlier this week a bright red model was photographed up close in Palo Alto, California. This prototype is particularly interesting as it could be a new performance variant.

Several spy videos shared with X show the new Model Y secretly being driven by a Tesla engineer. Like other recent sightings, the car has no camouflage on the sides, with just some black covering the front and rear fascias. Like the updated Model 3, the new Model Y will be distinguished from the model it replaces by these new dashboards rather than different door skins.

Read: Tesla Model Y Juniper comes with split headlights and taillight bar

Although the front of the car is hidden by black cladding, some small but interesting details are visible. For example, the front bumper looks different than any regular prototype we’ve tested in the past. It appears to have sharper vents on the sides, similar in shape to those on the new Model 3 Performance. The rear fascia may also hide a small enlarged lip spoiler, adding to the SUV’s edgier look.

Tesla also equipped this Model Y tester with some basic aviation covers. It’s hard to say exactly why this was done, as other prototypes have had their wheels exposed, and it’s likely that the new Model Y will have the same wheel options as the Model 3. In fact, the rims look like the same 19-inch “Nova” wheels the sedan is equipped with, prompting Drive Tesla Canada to suggest the brand might hide these wheels to protect the Model Y Performance’s enlarged brakes and calipers.

While it’s unclear whether this prototype is a new performance version of the Model Y Juniper, one thing is certain: Tesla will launch a new variant of its flagship SUV. The launch strategy of the updated Model Y is likely to be the same as that of the revised Model 3, with the standard version launched first and the performance version a few months later. While not officially confirmed, this staggered schedule seems logical and gives Tesla time to refine performance specs.

In terms of power, the new electric car should use the same powertrain as its lower sibling, which means it should also offer 510 hp and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm).