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Tesla community participates in epic celebration of 4-year-old’s triumph over cancer

(Credit: Kevin Sadeghian/Facebook)

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The United States commemorated one of the most somber days in its history last Wednesday, but in a quiet, residential area in Alexandria, VA, the morning of September 11 proved to be a time of celebration. The day marked the 4th birthday of Whitaker Weinburger, who has spent most of his young life battling cancer. 

Diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma at 13 months, the young boy had gone through surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and two bone marrow transplants over the years. It was not easy for Whitaker and his family, but fortunately, he finally got healthy enough to attend preschool. Thus, his 4th birthday this past Wednesday was so much more than a regular birthday — it was a celebration of a battle that was won, and a life that will be hopefully be lived to the fullest

(Credit: Kevin Sadeghian/Facebook)

Whitaker is crazy for the beloved Transformer Bumblebee, to the point where he legitimately thinks that all yellow vehicles could transform into the Autobot. There was a yellow car that the family usually passes by when Whitaker goes to school, and his parents thought it would be nice to have the owner of the vehicle park his car on the morning of his birthday. Erin Weinburger, Whitaker’s mom, took the idea further, asking a local social media group if any yellow car owners would like to pay a visit on the morning of her son’s birthday. 

Her call was heard. Behind the scenes, yellow car owners prepared to drive over to the VA neighborhood for an early September 11 surprise. Among the groups that mobilized was the Northern Virginia Tesla Owners Society, with member Kevin Sadeghian sharing Whitaker’s story on the local group. A series of heartwarming things happened soon after, starting with a Tesla Model S for Kids being donated by a member. 

(Credit: Kevin Sadeghian/Facebook)

Businesses such as Exotic Vehicle Wraps pitched in, agreeing to wrap the Model S for Kids in striking Bumblebee yellow, complete with an Autobot sign and a custom plate. Fellow auto shop TLC Auto Detail added an extra flourish by giving Whitaker’s parents free full detail vouchers for their personal cars. Other members of the Tesla owners group also sent over monetary gifts, which was used to purchase gift cards and a whole load of movie tickets for Whitaker’s family. 

Whitaker’s mother was already overwhelmed when she figured out that about 50 yellow car drivers might show up. As September 11 arrived, the whole family was struck by over 100 yellow vehicles of all kinds, from classic muscle cars to large pickups and of course, to a kid-sized all-electric car that was specially wrapped for the 4-year-old survivor. Buses, bulldozers, and firetrucks were also in attendance. 

(Credit: Kevin Sadeghian/Facebook)

Whitaker was not driven to school on his 4th birthday. The number of yellow cars that showed up for his celebration was so much, the cars formed a line that stretched over a mile long. As he was walking to school, the 4-year-old cancer survivor could be heard exclaiming “Bumblebee!” over and over, as he passed each yellow vehicle and groups of well-wishers. Whitaker’s parents were incredibly grateful for the community’s support, extending their thanks to everyone involved. 

Pete Lapp, an FBI agent who drove a friend’s yellow Dodge RAM for Whitaker’s birthday surprise, noted in a statement to The Washington Post that the celebration was a welcome contrast to what he experienced in 2001. Eighteen years ago, he spent 9/11 interviewing a woman who saw one of the planes crash while she was staying at a hotel. Describing the atmosphere in the VA neighborhood, Lapp stated that Whitaker’s little surprise is something that everyone involved will likely remember fondly. “This is a good memory for all of us,” he said.

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Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger

The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

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Credit: Hammer_of_something/Reddit

There comes a time in a driver’s life when one is faced with one’s limitations. For the driver of a Dodge Charger, this time came when he lost control and crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck–an absolute epic fail. 

A video of the rather unfortunate incident was shared on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit.

Charging Charger Fails

As could be seen in the video, which was posted on the subreddit by Model Y owner u/Hammer_of_something, a group of teens in a Dodge Charger decided to do some burnouts at a Tesla Supercharger. Unfortunately, the driver of the Charger failed in his burnout or donut attempt, resulting in the mopar sedan going over a curb and bumping a charging Cybertruck.

Ironically, the Dodge Charger seemed to have been parked at a Supercharger stall before its driver decided to perform the failed stunt. This suggests that the vehicle was likely ICE-ing a charging stall before it had its epic fail moment. Amusingly enough, the subreddit member noted that the Cybertruck did not seem like it took any damage at all despite its bump. The Charger, however, seemed like it ran into some trouble after crashing into the truck.

Alleged Aftermath

As per the the r/TeslaLounge subreddit member, the Cybertruck owner came rushing out to his vehicle after the Dodge Charger crashed into it. The Model Y owner then sent over the full video of the incident, which clearly showed the Charger attempting a burnout, failing, and bumping into the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck owner likely appreciated the video, in part because it showed the driver of the Dodge Charger absolutely freaking out after the incident.

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The Cybertruck is not an impregnable vehicle, but it can take bumps pretty well thanks to its thick stainless steel body. Based on this video, it appears that the Cybertruck can even take bumps from a charging Charger, all while chilling and charging at a Supercharger. As for the teens in the Dodge, they likely had to provide a long explanation to authorities after the incident, since the cops were called to the location.

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Anti-Elon Musk group crushes Tesla Model 3 with Sherman tank–with unexpected results

Ironically enough, the group’s video ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

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Credit: Led By Donkeys/X

Anti-Elon Musk protesters and critics tend to show their disdain for the CEO in various ways, but a recent video from political action group Led By Donkeys definitely takes the cake when it comes to creativity.

Ironially enough, the group’s video also ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Tank vs. Tesla

In its video, Led By Donkeys featured Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran who served in the British army during World War II. The veteran stated that Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is “using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars.” 

He also noted that he had a message for the Tesla CEO: “We’ve crushed fascism before and we’ll crush it again.” To emphasize his point, the veteran proceeded to drive a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Model 3 sedan, which, of course, had a plate that read “Fascism.” 

The heavy tank crushed the Model 3’s glass roof and windows, much to the delight of Led By Donkeys’ commenters on its official YouTube channel. But at the end of it all, the aftermath of the anti-Elon Musk demonstration ended up showcasing something positive for the electric vehicle maker.

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Tesla Model 3 Tanks the Tank?

As could be seen from the wreckage of the Tesla Model 3 after its Sherman encounter, only the glass roof and windows of the all-electric sedan were crushed. Looking at the wreckage of the Model 3, it seemed like its doors could still be opened, and everything on its lower section looked intact.

Considering that a standard M4 Sherman weighs about 66,800 to 84,000 pounds, the Model 3 actually weathered the tank’s assault really well. Granted, the vehicle’s suspension height before the political action group’s demonstration suggests that the Model 3’s high voltage battery had been removed beforehand. But even if it hadn’t been taken off, it seemed like the vehicle’s battery would have survived the heavy ordeal without much incident.

This was highlighted in comments from users on social media platform X, many of whom noted that a person in the Model 3 could very well have survived the ordeal with the Sherman. And that, ultimately, just speaks to the safety of Tesla’s vehicles. There is a reason why Teslas consistently rank among the safest cars on the road, after all.

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Tesla Model 3 driver is using FSD to travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp

The ambitious, nearly 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Tesla FSD journey is being livestreamed on Chinese social media.

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Credit: Douyin 老高懂电车

Count on Tesla drivers in China to push Full Self Driving (FSD) as far as it could go. As could be seen in videos posted on Chinese social media, a brave Model 3 owner is currently going on an epic journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest on FSD.

Recent posts from the Model 3 driver suggest that the ambitious destination may be within reach.

Epic FSD Journey

As noted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Aaron Li, the journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest spans almost 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The journey itself is epic, with stunning vistas and roads that require some drivers to bring oxygen canisters with them. The fact that it is being done using FSD makes it extra impressive. 

Based on the videos that have been recently shared, the Model 3 running FSD seems to be nearing the Everest Base Camp. There seems to be a good chance that the Tesla Model 3 may reach its destination this Friday.

Previous Everest Trips

This is not the first time that a Tesla has driven to Mt. Everest’s base camp.  That would be a Model 3 that was driven in September 2020. That vehicle, which went on a long 5,500 km (3,400-mile) journey, was manually driven to its destination. 

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In April 2021, Tesla China announced that it has completed the buildout of 11 Supercharger stations in the picturesque route from Chengdu to Tingri. This route would allow drivers to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest. Sure enough, in July 2022, Tesla China shared a video of two Teslas—a Model X and Model Y—reaching the Everest base camp without any issues. Numerous other Tesla drivers have since taken on the long, picturesque journey.

Check out this Tesla Model Y’s journey to the Mt. Everest base camp in the video below.

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