Lifestyle
Tesla Model S Pulls 1.2 G-Force on the Most Challenging Track Yet

Even with 7 different tracks under our belt, Sonoma Raceway pushed the 48 Tesla Model S to the extreme limits.
This turned out to be the most challenging track we’ve ever raced on. Hardly anything comes close in terms of danger and complexity. Not only is the layout of the course challenging in itself, having walls everywhere added an even greater degree of difficulty. We were happy to have survived the track by not hitting any walls despite having loss control on several occasions.
The Track
Sonoma, formerly Infineon Raceway, is in Northern California, just half an hour north east of San Francisco. It’s a 2.5 mile very technical road course with 12 turns and 160 feet of elevation changes. The track has retaining walls very close to the track so any loss of control can have very serious consequences.
The Tesla Model S
Following correct race lines was of outmost importance on this track and deviating from it could mean sub-optimal times or even loss of control.
Track
- Turn 1: We experienced something alarming right in the middle of turn 1 where the track goes uphill. Our steering wheel locked-up after 1 G of lateral pressure was applied to the front wheels on-camber into the turn.
- Turn 2: More off-camber than it appears, and we ended up sliding there a couple of times. Following the correct racing line and applying acceleration on track out prevented that from happening.
- Turn 3a: Exhilarating! Takes place right over a hill so you can’t really see where you’ll end up on track out. It was fun to be able to follow our instincts and exit within inches off the edge of the track.
- Turn 6 “the carousel”: Pushed our Model S to the upper suspension limits as we pulled a 1.1 to 1.2 lateral G force through the turn without loss of control.
- Turns 8 and 8a: Extremely tricky. The turn appears like a regular S but the slight elevation and camber changes make it a challenge. On exit of 8a, we had to apply a lot of acceleration because without it the Model S will slide sideways until traction control catches it.
- Turn 10: Not technically challenging but a true test of courage since it’s very close to the wall.
Out best lap time was 2:06 in session 3, lap 1. Top speed we reached on the track was 105 mph. Power limitation degraded lap times by approx. 6 seconds per lap.
Charging and Power Consumption
The track has a single 220V/50A outlet at the end of the garage next to the Sunoco fuel station. It had a male twist-on adapter, but unfortunately all we had was a SS2-50P male adapter that we weren’t able to use with the outlet. No RV hookups onsite. We ended up running for two sessions in the morning, going to Vacaville supercharger that’s 37 miles away, and getting back with enough time to complete 2 afternoon sessions. Inn Marin hotel in Novato 10 miles away has a J1772 ChargePoint network charger that we used overnight.
Power consumption was similar to other tracks. The 48 Tesla Model S consumed approximately 4 miles of range per 1 actual mile of distance. A 7 lap session (5 timed laps, 1 warm-up, and 1 cool-down lap) consumed 80 miles of range.
Power limitation due to overheating came up on the first lap despite chilly 55 degree temperature in the morning. Power limitation remained at 160 kWh/mile for most of the day.
Travel
Travel from San Diego to Sonoma took 11 hours, including four 45-minute charging stops in San Juan Capistrano, Tejon Ranch, Harris Ranch, and Gilroy.
ALSO SEE: Interactive Tesla Supercharger Map
Contrary to last year when we were hoping to run into other Tesla owners at a Supercharger, nowadays every supercharger was full when we arrived. Even the newer Supercharger facilities were 7+ stalls were occupied. It makes us wonder what the charging experience will be like as Tesla Motors continues to scale out production of the Model S and upcoming Model X.
Vacaville Supercharger | Tejon Ranch Supercharger |
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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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