Connect with us

Lifestyle

Stealthy Tesla Model 3 bullies muscle cars and tuned imports in multiple drag races

[Credit: RaceLegal via 7zerex/YouTube]

Published

on

The Tesla Model 3 is becoming more and more commonplace in the United States. With its ubiquity, the electric sedan is now being spotted rather frequently in drag races, just like its larger siblings — the Model S and X. And just like the Model S and X, the Model 3 is also gaining a reputation for being a serious contender in straight-line races.

One such Model 3 recently made an appearance in a drag strip meet at the SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, CA, where it battled several vehicles including muscle cars, souped-up imports, and even a couple of roaring SUVs in intense 1/8-mile races. Just like a mysterious blue Model 3 that dominated a series of drag races earlier this year, the exact trim of the stealthy red electric sedan that competed in the recent event was not announced. Based on how well the vehicle performed and how it beat its opponents, though, the car was likely a Model 3 Performance or a Long Range Model 3 AWD.

The vehicle in the video, which was uploaded on YouTube’s auto-themed 7zerex channel, did not have a Dual Motor badge or a carbon fiber rear spoiler. The electric sedan did not seem to be equipped with red brake calipers as well, as could be seen from the gaps of its aftermarket wheels. That said, the Model 3 was also fitted with what appeared to be 20″ Michelin Pilot Sport 4S wheels, which were released for the Performance variant. 

The electric sedan battled numerous fossil fuel-powered vehicles during its drag racing session. Included among the Model 3’s opponents were a muscle car and several tuned imports, all of which were thoroughly dominated by the electric sedan. Only one vehicle was able to give the Model 3 a run for its money in the uploaded video — an SUV that seemingly managed to beat the electric car off the line. At the midpoint of its race with the SUV, though, the Model 3 appeared to have caught up with the gas guzzler.

Since the vehicle’s release, the Model 3 has been proving itself as a vehicle capable of performing well both on the drag strip and on the track. Over the past few months, the Model 3 has battled several formidable vehicles like the McLaren 570S, and it was able to hold its own very well. In another RaceLegal.com-sponsored event, a Model 3 Performance actually managed to outrun a Dodge Demon in a 1/8-mile race — a feat that is incredibly impressive since the muscle car was designed to beat the Model S P100D, the Model 3 Performance’s larger, quicker sibling.

Advertisement

When the Model 3 was unveiled back in 2016, Elon Musk candidly remarked that Tesla does not “make slow cars.” Considering the specs of the Model 3 that have been released so far, Musk’s statement definitely appears to ring true. Even the Mid Range Model 3 RWD — Tesla’s most conservative variant of the vehicle — has acceleration that is comparable to a muscle car, with its 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and its top speed of 125 mph. The two dual motor variants of the vehicle — the Long Range Model 3 AWD and the Model 3 Performance — are even more impressive, with the former having a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph, and the latter featuring a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

Watch the stealthy Model 3 battle opponents in the video below.

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.

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