Tesla electric cars have long proved that in acceleration from a standstill they can leave no stone unturned even from the most powerful, fastest and most expensive supercars. Neither turbines nor a huge number of cylinders (8 or 12) help owners of internal combustion engines. However, in the conditions of a real racing race, something more is required than just a strong start: handling, powerful brakes and, of course, a range that will at least allow you to reach the finish line. But it turns out that even the cheapest Tesla has all this: the Tesla Model 3 was able to bypass the legendary McLaren F1 hypercar on the track!
We’ll clarify right away that not quite the factory version of the “troika” took part in the race. A set of improvements was installed on it from the American company Unplugged Performance, which specializes in Tesla tuning.
In the case of this car, the kit included an aero package, revised suspension, ultra-light forged wheels, Michelin OE Porsche 997 GT3 Tires 305/30ZR19 Cup 2 tires and a more efficient brake system. The entire interior remained in place: not a single element was eliminated for the sake of weight reduction, as is often the case. Only the standard seats were replaced with racing buckets.
Compared to tuning cars with internal combustion engines, such a set looks quite modest: no turbines or mechanical superchargers, no forged pistons and "evil" camshafts. However, such a kit from Unplugged Performance costs $35,000, which is comparable to the price of a base Model 3.
As a result, an electric car with standard electric motors, a battery and other elements drove the Japanese Tsukuba track in 1:03.38. McLaren F1 spent a little more time on this - 1:04.62.
In fairness, we note that the British hypercar race (and the McLaren F1 is considered the world's first hypercar) did not take place simultaneously with the Tesla Model 3, but six years ago. And judging by the video, the weather conditions were not the best then: fog and high humidity. At the same time, Tesla drove in clear skies and a dry track.
However, the fact that one of the most inexpensive electric vehicles with four doors, five seats and a roomy trunk can bypass the sports car icon from the 90s is well worth it.
Tesla Model 3 bypassed the legendary hypercar McLaren F1 on the track
