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Tesla Model 3 shows off cornering prowess in impressive autocross run

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7 years ago

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The Tesla Model 3 recently proved its worth in an autocross course at ZMax Dragway in Charlotte, NC. Despite being completely stock, the vehicle performed admirably during its runs, planting itself on the track and taking advantage of its electric motor’s instant torque to propel itself hard around corners.

In a written communication with Teslarati, Chestley Couch, the owner of the Model 3, stated that the instructor he had with him during his first run was pleasantly surprised at the vehicle’s performance, considering that it was completely stock. Chestley further noted that overall, the Model 3 exhibited similar times around the autocross track as the Subaru BRZ, the Mazda Miata, and the BMW Z3 — cars that he has driven in the past.

The Model 3 had 75% battery when it began its runs, and over the course of five laps around the track, never once did the car lose power, with the vehicle averaging 1480 Wh/mi. During his entire autocross session, Chestley noted that he did not even hear the Model 3’s cooling fans kick in at all. Responding to a comment on YouTube, the Tesla owner stated that the electric car “could have run all day.”

If there’s one point of improvement that could be seen in the video of the Model 3’s autocross run, it was the fact that the vehicle exhibited some understeer at the most challenging parts of the track. Tire noise was also audible as the electric car was pushed from one corner to the next. As noted by Chestley, however, this could partly be due to the fact that he used the 18-inch OEM tires that his Model 3 came with. With a better set of tires, such as the 19-inch or 20-inch Sport Wheels that Tesla offers, the Model 3 could have performed better.

Overall, Chestley was thoroughly impressed with his Model 3’s autocross course performance. The Model 3 owner noted that he believes the upcoming dual-motor AWD variant will be even more impressive in autocross events, and that there’s a good chance the compact electric car would be the vehicle of choice for those who would like to take their Teslas to the track for some spirited driving.

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“Not having to shift gears and the instant torque  were a huge advantage in the turns. The AWD version  will be very competitive. The (Model) 3 is a blast to drive. Where the Model S is more of a cruiser, I think you see a lot more people racing Model 3s when they become more common,” Chestley wrote.

The Model 3’s recent autocross run at Charlotte, NC stands as yet another notable example of the electric car’s capability to be driven hard for extended periods of time. Last March, we reported on a Tesla owner driving his mostly stock Model 3 for several laps at the Laguna Seca Raceway, in what could very well be the first real-world high-performance test of the vehicle. Just like Chestley’s experience in the autocross course, the Model 3 lasted the entire racing session at Laguna Seca without limiting its power.

Prior to the Model 3, Tesla’s cars such as the Model S have exhibited tendencies to limit their power and speed when driven hard on a track. As noted by professional race car driver Robb Holland when he took the full-sized sedan around 12.9-mile Nurburgring, the Model S’s track performance gets compromised by its software, which protects the car’s batteries from generating too much heat.

Check out the Tesla Model 3’s autocross course run in the video below.

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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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Lifestyle

Tesla brings perhaps the coolest interior feature to cars in latest update

Tesla adds on to the “fun” aspect of its vehicles.

Published

5 days ago

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July 30, 2025

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has brought perhaps the coolest interior feature to its cars in a new update that is rolling out to vehicles now.

The feature will require a newer vehicle that has interior ambient lighting, which is present on the new Model S, Model X, Model 3 “Highland,” and Model Y “Juniper.” The Cybertruck also has ambient lighting strips throughout.

Tesla Model Y’s ambient lighting design changes revealed in leaked video

With the Version 2025.26+ Software Update, Tesla is rolling out a new “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music” feature, which is available on the Tesla Toybox:

To enable the feature, you’ll access the Toybox, choose “Light Sync,” and then choose “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music.”

Although it does not improve the performance of the vehicle, it is yet another example of Tesla making one of the coolest cars out there. This is truly a cool add-on that can be used to impress your friends and family.

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xAI, Musk Foundation helps schools near Memphis supercomputer site

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

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1 week ago

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July 26, 2025

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xAI-supercomputer-memphis-environment-pushback
(Credit: xAI)

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI and the Musk Foundation have been supporting Memphis-Shelby County Schools with HVAC repairs and facility upgrades, while also funding youth programs for students in the area. 

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

xAI’s school visits lead to facility repairs

Representatives from xAI visited John P. Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School, all of which are located near its Colossus supercomputer site, to assess HVAC systems, plumbing, gym facilities, and athletic fields. The visits resulted in a list of priority repairs, some of which were completed in April and May.

In addition to the repairs, xAI also shared a number of initiatives that are planned for students in the area, as stated in a Commercial Appeal report.

“xAI is working on providing STEM workshops for local students, donating equipment to technical training programs, and supporting job fairs to boost employment opportunities. These initiatives reflect xAl’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” xAI noted in a statement.

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Musk Foundation donation

Apart from xAI, the Musk Foundation also donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, enabling the reopening of two club sites located at Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School. Both locations had closed earlier this year due to lapses in funding. As per xAI, the Musk Foundation’s donation allows clubs to reopen for almost 1,000 students. 

The donation will fund staffing, supplies, and transportation, among others. “Kids are the future of humanity,” Elon Musk said in a statement, adding that students need “every chance to shoot for the stars.”

“We’re honored to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in reopening these sites, giving kids in underserved communities the tools to build brighter futures,” Musk said.

The gift was praised by local officials, including Boys & Girls Clubs board chair Michael Garriga, who stated that the “commitment will ensure the youth of our community have the opportunities they need to develop their skills and talents to become successful students and future citizens.”

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EV fans urge Tesla to acquire Unplugged Performance for edge in fleet and security industry

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles.

Published

3 weeks ago

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July 12, 2025

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Credit: Unplugged Performance

A growing number of Tesla enthusiasts and longtime community voices are calling on the electric vehicle maker to acquire Unplugged Performance, a California-based aftermarket company best known for tuning Tesla vehicles and developing specialized government fleet solutions under its UP.FIT division.

The idea was once considered a niche proposal among EV fans, but it is now gaining serious attention not just as a performance play but as a strategic move to deepen Tesla’s roots in the fleet and security industry. 

A strategic fit

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, from track-optimized components to visual and aerodynamic upgrades. But in recent years, its UP.FIT division has pivoted toward a more functional future by outfitting Tesla vehicles like Model Ys for police, military, and government use.

That work has sparked growing calls for closer collaboration with Tesla, especially as the EV maker increasingly leans into autonomy, AI, and fleet services as core components of its next chapter.

“I posted this four years ago, but I think it’s more true now than ever,” wrote Whole Mars Catalog, a well-known Tesla investor and FSD Beta tester, on X. “Tesla should buy Unplugged. But not just as a Performance division. What they are doing with UP.FIT unlocks large government and commercial fleet purchases that can improve utilization.”

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Tesla fans such as shareholder Sawyer Merritt echoed the sentiment, calling Unplugged a “great fit within Tesla.” adding, “They are literally located directly next to Tesla’s design studio in Hawthorne.”

Enabling the next wave

Supporters of the idea noted that integrating Unplugged into Tesla’s corporate structure could help accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in government sectors. With UP.FIT patrol cars already in use across some U.S. police departments, Tesla fans envisioned a future where self-driving Teslas could potentially revolutionize law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and public service logistics.

“Just imagine how autonomous patrol cars could transform policing and bring us into a safer future,” the veteran FSD tester wrote.

The benefits could also extend to Tesla’s existing consumer base. “They also have some incredible products in the works that I think will appeal to many ordinary Tesla drivers — not just those looking for performance or mods. Stuff that’s so good it should have come straight from the design studio next door,” Whole Mars Catalog noted.

Unplugged Performance, founded in 2013, shares not just a product vision with Tesla, but also geography. Its Hawthorne headquarters sits directly adjacent to Tesla’s design studio, and the two companies have maintained a close working relationship over the years. The aftermarket firm has long positioned itself as a “mission-aligned” partner to Tesla.

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In response to the recent calls for acquisition, Unplugged Performance acknowledged the support from the community. “Our very existence is to support the Tesla mission with @UpfitTesla and @UnpluggedTesla,” Unplugged CEO Ben Schaffer posted on X. “We love working with Tesla and are grateful for the community’s support since 2013!”

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