Connect with us

Lifestyle

Tesla Model 3 owners experience Track Mode with racing champ Randy Pobst

Published

on

Electric car owners participating in the recent Tesla Corsa track event at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in California had a visit from 2010 World Challenge GT Champion and Tesla ‘Track Mode’ consultant Randy Pobst.

Randy took a few performance-rated Tesla vehicles with varying levels of modifications from Unplugged Performance around the track, providing insights and commentary throughout the day. Tesla enthusiast and YouTube personality DÆrik shared his “hot lap” ride-along with Randy in his Model 3 Performance where they reached speeds of 110 mph and easily overtook racing favorites at the event including a Camaro ZL1 Convertible and a late model Shelby Mustang.

“Now, we can’t outrun all of this group, but we can outrun most of them,” Randy chimed confidently before their ride began. He remarked several times about the features offered by the Tesla Model 3, particularly focusing on its unexpected yet impressive handling. “Amazing what electricity can do, isn’t it?” Randy exclaimed before citing his use of regenerative braking force to slow down in the middle of a corner because it’s “easier on the brakes”.

The Model 3 Performance being driven in the video had lowering springs and sway bars installed as its modifications; Track Mode was engaged for the full ride and gave the car a great performance, all while its battery was only at 30% charge.

DÆrik also shared part of his and Randy’s discussion about his time working with Tesla with Teslarati. The all-electric car maker’s engineers were able to provide instant results based on his feedback during Track Mode tuning and testing, something the championship racing veteran appreciated. Overall, Randy’s review and experience with the Model 3’s track development reinforced the high-performance, super-quick reputation the all-electric midsize sedan has earned since its 2016 reveal.

Tesla Corsa is a Tesla-only racetrack event that aims to give Tesla owners the opportunity to experience the all-electric performance benefits of their vehicles in a safe, controlled environment. Participating drivers are separated into two groups based on experience levels as well as their vehicle’s power and handling characteristics. Along with the driving portion, the event provides Tesla owners with the opportunity to socialize and network with others in the community, using the event as a platform for exchanging tips and techniques.

Advertisement

Randy Pobst’s input during Tesla’s development of Track Mode proved invaluable when pre-release and full release versions of the software were tested in a Model 3 Performance against the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio late last year. Laps around Willow Springs International Raceway in California initially timed the Model 3 at 1:23.90, a fair amount slower than the Alfa Romeo’s 1:22.78. However, once tweaked and updated with Randy’s feedback, the electric sedan completed the same course in 1:21.29, which not only beat the Alfa Romeo, but matched the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 and beat the 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia’s time of 1:22.30.

Watch DÆrik and Randy Pobst’s drive around the track at Tesla Corsa below:

Accidental computer geek, fascinated by most history and the multiplanetary future on its way. Quite keen on the democratization of space. | It's pronounced day-sha, but I answer to almost any variation thereof.

Advertisement
Comments

Lifestyle

Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger

The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Published

on

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. 

Advertisement

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.

Continue Reading

Trending