UK the first right hand drive market, but NZ potential for pre-December 31 availability seems possible.

NO word yet from Tesla about when the high-speed version of the updated Model Y will release in New Zealand, but expectation of availability before year-end is high.

The covers came off the Model Y Performance at the weekend, and right hand drive is a certainty. But for now, cars in that configuration appear to be just for the United Kingdom.

As the name infers, the flagship edition has plenty of pep.

In up taking the same par of electric motors that got into the Model 3 Performance, gets 434kW in UK format, with torque not divulged.

The dual motor Y Long Range that presently heads the NZ family as a $77,900 offer makes an estimated 290kW and 510Nm torque.

Tesla quotes a 3.5-second 0-100kmh sprint and top speed of 250kmh.

It also indicates the Performance’s set-up — which it calls the Performance Drive Unit — has 22 percent more continuous power, 32 percent more peak power, and 16 percent more peak torque than the alternate dual motor, in the Long Range.

Tesla doesn’t quote the usable capacity of its batteries, but it strongly indicates it is a version of the Y Long Range’s type, which is held to be a nickel manganese chemistry producing 75kWh. The battery has also been upgraded for the Performance, and Tesla claims that it now has higher energy density.

The make quotes average energy consumption of 26kWh/100km from the Performance, giving an official WLTP range of 580km - so 29km further than the Long Range.

The overall shape and styling that arrives with the newly installed facelift for regular Y is basically unchanged for the Performance, but there are some detail differences.

The racer achieves 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.

The suspension gets the same adaptive tech from the Model 3 Performance sedan, 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.”

There have been 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 between Normal and Sport alter the character of the adaptive suspension and the steering, as well as the power delivery.

The car’s big screen is also different, now measuring 16 inches across with thinner bezels, a higher resolution, and 80 percent more pixels, which theoretically results in a quicker and smoother response when pressed.

Telsa New Zealand and Australia boss Thom Drew has previously told media across the Tasman that he considered in probable the derivative would be in local circulation before end of this year.