A new spy video has emerged on the internet, showing the 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance tackling the challenging Nürburgring in Germany. This higher-performance version is expected to be released in October 2025 and is said to offer a remarkable increase in speed and handling compared to existing trims.
Since the past few months we have been seeing clips and photos of Model Y Performance variant undergoing testing at several places and now a recent video posted by CarsSpyMedia shows a Model Y Performance prototype going around the Nürburgring quickly, leading us to believe Tesla is working on the car’s abilities on the race track before it is released. You can see several updates on the car, especially a lowered suspension, a wide rear lip spoiler, impressive 21-inch wheels with a Plaid-style design, and strong brake calipers.
Powertrain and Performance Expectations
Even though Tesla has not revealed the official specs of the vehicle, many industry analysts believe that performance will roughly match the Model 3 with about 510 hp and 554 lb‑ft of torque. The new model should make it from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 3.2 seconds, faster than the previous 3.5‑second Model Y Performance.
The sports suspension and excellent heat management in the Tesla SUV emphasize how seriously they take the task of moving the electric SUV segment ahead. You can expect the Dual-Motor setup to give about the same range as the regular AWD version (around 290 miles/466 km), or perhaps a little more.
The spy car has some distinctive aspects to improve its aerodynamics, such as a strong rear spoiler for more downforce, side skirting, and a calmly updated bumper. After noticing carefully, one can see that the car is positioned deeper and wider, implying that it is meant for performance driving.
Although the clip only looks at exterior testing, some insiders believe the Model Y Performance might provide fans with the sport seats from the Model 3 Performance as well. Through its software updates, Tesla might add acceleration improvements as well as special modes for driving on race tracks.
Launch Timeline and Pricing Expectations
Analysts predict that the Model Y Performance, the 2026 version, will be shown to the public in the fall of 2025. Tesla is working on closing an important space in its new “Juniper” lineup by including a full-performance SUV designed for the track. The production schedule would allow delivery by the year-end.
Experts predict that the pricing of Performance will begin at $55,000 and will be around $7,000 more costly than the basic Long Range AWD model. Depending on how the exchange rate turns out, the price in Canada should be just under C$100,000.
Why does the Nürburgring matter?
The Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop), often called “The Green Hell”, is a 12.9-mile (20.8 km) track in Germany known for its intense complexity. The Nürburgring is known for being the reference point for top car performance.
- Over 150 corners (fast, blind, banked, and technical)
- Elevation changes of nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters)
- High-speed straights and rough pavement
- If a car can survive here, it can survive anywhere.
Previously, Model S Plaid on the track with custom enhancements reached a blazing 7:25.231 lap time in 2023, and now Tesla plans to use that information for the Model Y Performance to provide better speed and reliability. Just a few weeks ago, the 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid was also spotted testing in the Nürburgring. A Nürburgring-capable vehicle strengthens Tesla’s high-performance reputation.
