

Lifestyle
Tesla Model 3 sets REFUEL Production GT lap record at Laguna Seca raceway
A Tesla Model 3 equipped with upgraded brake pads and Hoosier slicks set a new Production GT lap record on the famed Laguna Seca Raceway, during the annual REFUEL clean power motorsports event on July 1. The single motor, non-Performance variant of Tesla’s mass-market electric car was able to complete the 2.238 mi (3.602 km) course in 1:48.6, nearly 10 seconds quicker than the 1:57.50 time set by another Model 3 last March, and a split second quicker than previous REFUEL Production GT record set by a Tesla Model S last year.
The Tesla Model 3’s recent feat was shared with Teslarati by car enthusiast and driver Cameron Rogers. According to Cameron, he first drove the Model 3 around the track on the vehicle’s stock tires. In this initial run, he was able to complete the course in 1:54. After changing his tires to racing slicks, however, the vehicle performed considerably better.
As noted by Cameron in a post on the Tesla Motors Club, his modifications to the Model 3 involved a set of Hawk Performance Blue 9012 Racing Brake Pads, Motul Dot 4 Racing Brake Fluid, a set of 18×9.5 Enkei RAIJIN 5×114.3 + 35 Hyper Silver Wheels, and Hoosier A7 slick tires. To provide him with more control during his drive, Cameron opted to disable the vehicle’s wheel speed sensor as well, allowing him to disable stability control and traction control.
The results of the Model 3 run with the Hoosier slicks were notably better, with the compact electric car completing the course in 1:48.6 seconds. Such figures place the non-Performance Long Range RWD Model 3 above records of gasoline vehicles in its class such as the Honda S2000 (1.50.74), BMW Z3 3 (1:50.80), Subaru BRZ (1:51.30), and even a Porsche 911 Carrera (997), which has a record time of 1:51.80, according to results from FastestLaps.com. The Model 3’s 1:48.6 lap places the compact electric car just a hair away from the record set by the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX — a vehicle iconic for its rally pedigree and its legendary 4-cylinder 2.0-liter 4G63 engine. The Evo IX currently has a 1:47.93 record on the Laguna Seca Raceway.
Perhaps even more notable, however, was that the Model 3 was able to complete its laps without running into any overheating issues similar to those exhibited by early Model S’ when driven hard on the track for extended periods of time. According to Cameron, he was able to complete a total of 15 laps around the track during the entire day without any issues.
The Model 3’s recent feat at the Laguna Seca Raceway stands as yet another proof that the compact electric car is capable on the racetrack. Just recently, a Model 3 with upgraded suspension and brakes, finished in first place at the Canadian Sport Compact Series Time Attack series, defeating a Porsche Boxter in the process.
It should be noted, however, that the Model 3 on the road today are not the Performance versions of the electric car. The dual motor Model 3 Performance, a variant of the electric car with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, is expected to be 15% faster on the track than a BMW M3.
Watch the Model 3’s hot lap around the Laguna Seca Raceway in the video below.
Lifestyle
Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger
The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

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.
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.
Lifestyle
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.

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.
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.
Lifestyle
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.

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.
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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