Hi, my name is Leo and I drive a ‘23 Model 3 Performance.

 

     My interest with cars definitely started when I was little when I was super into diecast model cars such as Tomica and Hotwheels. Around last year, I was obsessed with exact scale models, and after buying/collecting diecast I started learning about real car knowledge. I really got into cars in the beginning of this year where I started watching F1, super GTs and started to talk to the president Jet in order to learn more. My concept of cars might be different from other people as I don’t really look at the “culture” part of the car and mainly view cars based on their stats. 

 

    I previously owned a 2021 Audi S4, but totaled it on Azusa. While considering numerous options, I realized that gas was getting really expensive at that time, so I was thinking about buying an electric car. After receiving the insurance money, I went ahead and bought a slightly used (12000 miles at the time) 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance. Even though I could have opted for a Base/Long Range, the Performance fascinated me with its stats. With a 3.3 sec 0-60, a frunk and trunk, and enough room for five people, it's a quick car that's practical too. The very first night I got it, I took to Azusa, and it performed amazingly. But I wasn't satisfied with just street driving and wanted to improve my driving skills. Coincidentally, this was the same time that Jet introduced me to Autocross. I then took it to Corner Exit Autocross, when I found out just how good EV's are at Autocross, often being called "AutoX Lethal." Because Autocross has a lot of tight corners, the instant torque and acceleration is able to propel my car out of corners - saving time while also being very fun to drive. After attending several Autocross events, it made me appreciate that improving driving technique can be more beneficial than getting a faster car. Overall, I'm having a lot of fun Autocrossing and I also plan to track this car when I turn 18. 

 

    My Mods right now are mostly OEM+ with some aftermarket. The OEM+ mods are the carbon fiber spoilers (no down force, but more space to put my food on there), the performance brakes (Brembo F50 four piston calipers, front 355 rear 335 rotors, Bosch brake assist system). and the metal acceleration and brake pedals inside of the car (non performance models are plastic pedals). Also stiffer suspension (Bilstein) than the non performance model. While these upgrades aren't considered as "mods," the performance specs gives me a good base for future upgrades. One of my favorite features is the "Track Mode," which I use while Autocrossing. Once turned on, you can adjust the front and rear torque independently, so you can make this car into a fully FWD or RWD car. The aftermarket mods I have done so far are wheels and tires. I got a set of Enkeis TS-5 wheels that are 18x9.5, which increased my tire size from 235 to 255 which is wider. (RIP range). For tires, I'm currently running a set of MICHELIN PS4S, which are great street tires with good performance and tire life. The future mod that I plan is a set of coilovers, sway bars, cambers, semi-slick tires, and a set of bucket seats.

 

So even though Teslas, or all electric cars are controversial, I believe that the car suits me with its stats, practicality, and modification potential.