Tesla Modified Cars

This Model S Plaid takes on a highly tuned sub-nine-second Dodge Demon. Thankfully, both cars are modified. The showdown took place at Xtreme Raceway Park, down in Dallas, Texas.

Have you ever seen a Tesla Model S powered by a jet engine? Well, this particular Model S P85 has not one, but three of them sitting at the back, and not only does it look outrageous, but as you can already imagine, it sounds phenomenal. The brilliant, as well as an insane idea, comes from Warped Perception, who decided to put this idea to the test, for his YouTube channel.

German tuning studio Manhart is mostly known for its tasteful modifications to various BMW models. For years, the tuning specialists have taken BMW vehicles and have enhanced their looks, as well as performance. In more recent times, the company has started branching out and we’ve seen their work on cars like the Lamborghini Urus and Land Rover Discovery. Apparently, they’ve decided that the Tesla Model 3 could use a grille, despite being an EV, and the results are interesting to say the least.

Tuning cars has gotten a lot harder since EVs have hit the market, and there’s usually no real need for more power, so what are you to do? Well, Senner Tuning set out to squeeze even more range out of the Tesla Model 3 performance. It actually managed to do so, squeezing out an extra 60 km of range or around 37.28 miles. What’s even more impressive is that it happened without altering the better or playing with Tesla’s software.

The big highlight of this tune, believe it or not, is the new suspension system. The stock springs and shocks were removed and replaced with KW Variant 3 coilover suspension. This system allows for stepless body lowering and adjustments to control both the compression and rebound stages. The big point here, though is the new lowered stance that actually improves the ride and reduces wind resistance by around 7-percent on a Model 3 RWD, so you can expect a similar enhancement with the Model 3 Performance. The next step was adding in new weight-optimized tires and rims that reduced rotating mass by as much as 40-percent – something that can increase range by as much as 57 km. The wheels you see here are lightweight Kharma rims from Cor.Speed Sports Wheels. The measure 20 inches and feature a two-tone finish from left to right.

In the end, all it took was a revised suspension and lighter wheels to push the Model 3 Performance’s range to 634 km or 387 miles.

Custom-made electric vehicles are a trend that’s slowly picking up. They aren’t as popular as internal combustion-engined cars for now since there aren’t a lot of moving parts in EVs that you can play around with. We’ve seen some tuners crack the system to unleash more power for a much cheaper price than the company offers. Apart from playing with the mechanicals, some aftermarket companies have worked on the body of EVs as well. From equipping it body kits and turning them into station wagons, we’ve seen it all already.

Now, however, a company called Ares Designs has transformed a Tesla Model S into a convertible. This isn’t the first time we’re seeing a convertible Tesla, but it is arguably the cleanest one we’ve seen.

It was only a matter of time before the Model 3 went under the knife. As is the case with all popular vehicles, aftermarket companies lay their hands on them and try to give a twist in their own ways. We’ve seen the Tesla Model 3 being experimented on in the past, but we haven’t seen anything like this before. Newport Convertible Engineering has laid its hands on the electric car and converted it into a drop-top model. Do you like it?

Have you ever wondered how the aftermarket tuning works for EVs? You don’t have much stuff in the powertrain that you can play around with. These machines are so different that a power boost can be done via an over-the-air update. There aren’t a lot of companies who have worked on electric cars yet.

However, a company called RevoZport, has laid its hands on the Tesla Model 3 Performance and experimented with what can be done. The result is an electric car with supercar-like aerodynamics that makes it a hoot-and-a-half to drive. Not to mention, it also looks sporty with those body kits. Do you think aerodynamics will play a big part in customizing an electric car for performance?

RevoZport already provides kits to fit the Tesla Model S and Model X, but now they’ve launched one for the smaller Tesla Model 3 too. They call it the R-Zentric Model 3R Aerokit, and it is essentially a widebody aero kit for Tesla’s smallest offering, one that completely transforms how the EV sedan is perceived.

Don’t look now, but Ares Design might remain relevant in the ever-changing news cycle in the coming months. The Italian coachbuilder made headlines last week when it announced plans to develop a modern-day version of the Ferrari 412. Now it’s back in our feed with what looks to be another project in the fold, this time for the Tesla Model S. If you’ve been pining to see a convertible version of the Model S, you can stop begging Tesla to do one. Ares will do it for you.

For a company that was founded less than 15 years ago, Tesla is definitely doing great things for the auto industry. Its cars are the quickest and most powerful mass-produced EVs you can buy, their range is also segment-leading, while the Supercharger network makes owning and driving one a lot easier. On the flipside, Tesla current lineup is very limited, as it includes only two sedans and an SUV. A two-door sports car and a semi truck are underway, but Elon Musk’s company doesn’t have plans for more utilitarian body styles, such as a station wagon and a pickup truck. But if your dream is to own a Model S with a bigger trunk, the folks over at Qwest Norfolk will get you covered.

Over the years, Mansory has built a reputation as one of the most provocative tuning firms in the world. That reputation was on full display at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show as the German tuning firm presented a handful of programs, including one for the Ferrari 488 GTB. But there was one program that didn’t get as much time in the spotlight: this somewhat mild kit for the Tesla Model S. Now I can argue that this kit could actually turn into one of the most important programs in Mansory’s recent history.

The Model S program is different in a lot of ways, not the least of which is because it’s for an electric car. But more than that, it’s different because it isn’t what I’d come to expect from the tuner. For one, the exterior upgrades are limited to a few aerodynamic components. It also doesn’t have the kind of horsepower upgrades that Mansory has staked its name on. You know those 1,000 horsepower monsters it’s built in the past? Don’t expect to see it here on the Model S.

Instead, we get a simple program that includes the aforementioned carbon aero kit, a new set of wheels, and a plush and luxurious interior. Some fans of Mansory might be disappointed that the tuner didn’t turn the Model S into a full-blown Decepticon, but for those who appreciate the subtleties of the tuner’s genius, this kit is a good representation of what Mansory is capable of, even if it took the road less traveled to get there.

Continue after the jump to read the full review.

One of the best ways to determine that a car has reached mainstream acceptance is the arrival of the tuners, and for electric cars that moment may have arrived. German tuner Brabus, known for hot-rod versions of Mercedes and Smart vehicles, has turned its attention to the 2015 Tesla Model S. Brabus revealed its Zero Emissions range of Model S upgrades at Frankfurt. While many electric cars would seem unlikely recipients for tuning upgrades, the Model S has already turned heads thanks to its luxury-class ride and ultra-high-performance “Ludicrous Mode.”

Brabus says that more Zero Emissions products are on the way. For now, the company is sticking to cosmetic upgrades – sensible, considering that the Model S can be insanely fast on its own. Exterior and interior upgrades are designed to allow Tesla owners to personalize their cars in proper moneyed sports-sedan style: Brabus wheels, aero components and leather interior upgrades will be offered. Whether Brabus will find a way to make the 772 maximum-horsepower 2015 Tesla Model S P85D even more powerful remains to be seen.

Continue reading to learn more about the Tesla Model S By Brabus.

While today’s market is packed with tuning shops and aftermarket suppliers, there aren’t many modified electric cars you can buy. That’s mostly because there aren’t many EVs on offer to begin with, but it’s also because most shops would rather stick to conventional vehicles. As a result, the Tesla Model S, an electric sedan of great potential, got very little attention, mainly from Saleen and Revozport, which didn’t do much as to enhance its styling. That changed recently, as Larte Design, a custom kit builder known for upgrading Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover vehicles, came up with a wild-looking package for the Model S.

Dubbed Elizabeta and designed as a tribute to famed inventor Nikola Tesla, the body kit adds "lightning-like clear lines" to the Model S. And while this might sound like fancy PR talk, it is not. Larte’s Model S is unlike any other Tesla released as of 2015, featuring completely redesigned components that change its appearance quite dramatically. Making it that much more spectacular is that’s so well integrated into the stock shell, it could easily pass as an official Tesla product. More good news comes from the fact that it is based on the outrageous P85D. Find out more about that in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Tesla Model S Elizabeta By Larte Design.

Saleen may have built its reputation on tuning the most iconic American cars like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger, but company front-man Steve Saleen seems bent on making his mark in the budding performance electric car category as well.

Rumors have circulated for more than a year regarding Saleen’s entrance into the category, with TopSpeed’s own firsthand confirmation coming from Steve himself in a late-2013 interview.

Well the rumors and speculation can all be put to rest as the company debuts the Saleen Tesla Model S Foursixteen at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This Tesla Model S receives a bespoke exterior design, interior updates, and of course, increases in power and performance.

Thankfully this isn’t some one-off show car, but rather a pre-production example of what will be publicly available to those looking for extra spice in their Model S. The performance upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, upgraded rear differential, and more aggressive aerodynamic surfaces.

Updated 9/8/2014: Saleen has revealed a video of the Foursixteen in action, and "breaking the sound barrier." It doesn’t literally break the sound barrier, like supersonic jet, but rather it makes a noise unlike any other Tesla Model S. Have a look at the video (above) and let me know if you think the noise is cool or annoying as all hell.

Updated 11/21/2014: Saleen announced it has now begun deliveries of the Model S based Saleen Foursixteen. Next to the 2014 model, the company is also accepting orders for the 2015 model lineup, including 60, 85, and P85D Model S chassis. Details after the jump.

Click past the jump for all the info on the Saleen Tesla Model S Foursixteen.

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, it only makes sense that high end tuners like Brabus are delving into the world of Tesla tuning along with the forward thinking electric charging station chain RWE with this modified electric roadster. RWE recognizes that the single largest drawback of an EV is the amount of time that it takes to recharge the batteries and feels that if owners had access to in home rapid charging stations, like their Eco-Power unit, that we would see a lot more on the road already. So at this year’s Essen Motor Show Brabus and RWE will have this lightly modified Tesla Roadster on display complete with the more practical Eco-Power charging station that fits in your garage and is able to top off the batteries three times faster than with a conventional outlet.

The TESLA Roadster Sport Brabus Green Package kit includes a carbon fiber front lip and the obligatory highly efficient LED driving lights integrated into the roadster’s grill. Out back Brabus has incorporated a rear wing made from the lightweight woven black stuff and a downforce producing rear diffuser, while a set of staggered Monoblock S alloy wheels measuring 18 inches up front and 19 inches on the back axle. For those high performance electric car owners who miss the sounds of the internal combustion engine, Brabus has also incorporated a space sound generator that can produce tones ranging from race cars and V8s to futuristic songs that are referred to as Beam and Warp. And if that still isn’t enough to convince you, RWE is also offering the use of all their public charging stations to their Eco-Power customers free of charge for up to one year.

UPDATE 12/07/10:Tesla and Brabus have finally released a new set of photos of the Roadster Sport Brabus Green Package. We don’t really know why it took more than a year for these new photos to hit the streets, but some things are just worth waiting for. This is one of those times.

Press release after the jump.

Who knew the folks over at Brabus are really Star Trek nerds? The German tuning house got its hands on a Tesla Roadster, and while it didn’t add any engine performance parts, it did manage to add sound effects.

The car comes with the usual type of body enhancements. This new kit includes a carbon-fiber front apron, new daytime running LEDs integrated in the front bumper activated by the keyless fob or by pulling the door handle, matte-white surrounds for the headlights, new carbon-fiber air inlets, a new rear spoiler and a new carbon-fiber diffuser. The kit is completed by the Brabus Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 7Jx18 in front and in size 8.5Jx19 in back.

What makes this kit interesting (geeky) is that it features a "space sound generator". This is a system that simulates the engine sounds such as a V8 engine, a racecar engine and two futuristic soundscapes named "Beam" and "Warp".

More details in the press release after the jump.