Tesla Model 3 "Plaid" In The Works To Win Over Younger Performance Junkies?

Two models of the brand-new Tesla Model 3—the Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive and the Model 3 Long Range—were officially unveiled to Malaysian buyers yesterday.

However, something much more desirable (we are certain it would be priced at a premium) has been simmering in cyberspace as "The Kilowatts" discovered what appeared to be a prospective Tesla Model 3 Plaid mentioned in the since taken down (surprise!) Tesla parts catalogue.

For those who are in the dark, the Plaid version has only ever been available on the Model S and X, which are Tesla's premium variants. Even though Elon Musk previously stated that Plaid would never be made available for the Model Y and 3, as far as we are aware, Elon has frequently gone against his word.

Thanks to its 1034HP and 1424Nm of torque, the Model S, in Plaid guise, can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.1 seconds, outperforming most hypercars and capable of hauling passengers and luggage with ease.

Another reader, however, pointed out that the Plaid logo that "The Kilowatt" saw is actually the symbol for "Ludicrous Speed" in the post's comments. They also mentioned that a Tesla employee had mentioned before accidently that Tesla is working on a Model 3 Performance+ variant that would have a range of 676 kilometres and a 0-100 sprint time of just 2.5 seconds.

(Left) The Ludicrous Speed emblem vs (Right) the Plaid emblem 

In relation to the Model 3, which is rumoured to be the company's entry-level model, the Performance+ variation would seem to make more sense than the Plaid. Let's hope this happens so that a Tesla Model 3 Performance+ will be released soon as most young buyers who opt for this when switching from their high-performance ICE sedans and hatchbacks to EVs.