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REFUEL 2015 – New Tesla P85D Competition Awaits

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We’re confirmed on attending this year’s REFUEL 2015 to be held on June 26th at the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway. Join TESLARATI for a little spirited track action fun or watch us take on the new 691hp Model S P85Ds during the official Time Trial (TT) electric vehicle competition!

REFUEL is Speed Ventures‘ annual clean power motorsports extravaganza where a wide range of EVs, ranging from Teslas, BMW Active-Es (we imagine there will be a large showing of BMWi’s this year), along with some competition specific EVs, will be on track to test their skill and might on the world famous course.

Driving an EV on a race track is, not only a heck of a lot of fun since you get to really experience the agility of the car through turns and sweeping banks, but it’s the only event outside of professional racing where you can compare your results with other EVs.

Laguna Seca 2

What’s most fun about the track is the blind crest, known as the Corkscrew, which sharply descends three stories through a quick sequence of turns.

Although last year was our first-ever REFUEL attendance, we quickly realized that we’d be coming back for more, especially having experienced the exhilarating lure of the fast, yet twisty, track.

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We managed to peform fairly well last year in the REFUEL TT race in our 48 Tesla, taking first place in the Model S and second place overall, bested by Joe Nuxoll’s Tesla Roadster.

>>> TESLARATI @ REFUEL 2014 RECAP [VIDEO]

It’s always tough to compete against a Tesla Roadster, that is smaller, lighter, and doesn’t have as much overheating issues as the Model S does. This year we have a whole new challenge awaiting us – the Ds. We’re talking about the Model S 70D and the insane 691hp P85D. While these dual drive Model S’ are unbelievably quick off the line, there’s still no reports on how well they’ll fair when placed in a track environment.

Needless to say, we look forward to finding out!

Register for REFUEL 2015 and the TT competition here: Register. The event sells out quickly (if not already), so be sure to hurry!

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Even if you don’t plan on taking your EV onto the track, but happen to be in the area, stop by and say hi to our Teslarati 48 team! We met a lot of great people last year including engineers from Tesla Motors, as well as new Tesla friends from TMC who went on track ride-alongs with us, so we hope this year will be just as rewarding and fun!

Laguna Seca 4

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Tesla owner highlights underrated benefit of FSD Supervised

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Credit: Tesla

Elon Musk has been pretty open about the idea of FSD being the difference maker for Tesla’s future.

If Tesla succeeds in achieving FSD, it could become the world’s most valuable company. If it doesn’t, then the company would not be able to reach its optimum potential.

FSD Supervised’s safety benefits:

  • But even if FSD is still not perfect today, FSD Supervised is already making a difference on the roads today.
  • This was highlighted in Tesla’s Q4 2024 Vehicle Safety Report.
  • As per Tesla, it recorded one crash for every 5.94 million miles driven in which drivers were using Autopilot technology.
  • For comparison, the most recent data available from the NHTSA and FHWA (from 2023) showed that there was one automobile crash every 702,000 miles in the United States. 

FSD user’s tale:

  • As per an FSD user’s post on social media platform X, FSD Supervised was able to help him drive a relative to a medical facility safely even if he was exhausted.
  • During the trip, the driver only had to monitor FSD Supervised’s performance to make sure the Tesla operated safely.
  • In a vehicle without FSD, such a trip with an exhausted driver would have been quite dangerous. 
  • “This morning, Tesla FSD proved to be an absolute godsend. I had to take my brother-in-law to the hospital in Sugar Land, TX, which is 40 miles away, at the ungodly hour of 4 AM. Both of us were exhausted, and he was understandably anxious about the surgery.
  • “The convenience of sending the hospital’s address directly from my iPhone to my Tesla while still inside my house, then just a single button press once inside, and 40 miles later we were precisely in front of the hospital’s admissions area.This experience really underscores just how transformative this technology can be for society,” Tesla owner JC Christopher noted in his post.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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Tesla Optimus “stars” in incredible fanmade action short film

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Credit: @SoKrispyMedia/YouTube

There are few things that prove an enthusiast’s love towards a company more than a dedicated short film. This was highlighted recently when YouTube’s SoKrispyMedia posted a 10-minute action movie starring Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, as well as several of the company’s most iconic products. 

The video: 

  • Shot like a Hollywood action flick, the video featured a rather humorous plot involving a group of thieves that mistakenly targeted a Tesla Model 3 driver. 
  • The Model 3 driver then ended up speaking to Tesla for assistance, and some high-octane and high-speed hijinks ensued.
  • While the short film featured several Tesla products like the Model 3, Superchargers, and the Cybertruck, it is Optimus that truly stole the show.
  • Optimus served several roles in the short film, from an assistant in a Tesla office to a “robocop” enforcer that helped out the Model 3 driver.

Cool inside jokes: 

  • The best Tesla videos are those that show an in-depth knowledge of the company, and SoKrispyMedia definitely had it. 
  • From the opening scenes alone, the video immediately poked fun at TSLA traders, the large number of gray Tesla owners, and the fact that many still do not understand Superchargers.
  • The video even poked fun at Tesla’s software updates, as well as how some Tesla drivers use Autopilot or other features without reading the fine print in the company’s release notes.
  • The video ended with a tour de force of references to Elon Musk products, from the Tesla Cybertruck to the Boring Company Not-a-Flamethrower, which was released back in 2018.

Check out SoKrispyMedia’s Tesla action short film in the video below.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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Tesla releases Cybertruck metal key card—because why not?

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Credit: Tesla Shop

Tesla definitely seems to be determined to release the coolest lineup of accessories for its coolest vehicle. As could be seen in an update to the Tesla Shop, the electric vehicle maker has now launched a metal key card for the Cybertruck—because why not?

Cybertruck keys:

  • The Cybertruck, similar to Tesla’s other vehicles, is shipped with a regular key card. 
  • The vehicle could also be accessed and locked through a phone key. 
  • As per the Cybertruck’s Owner’s Manual, the all-electric pickup truck is capable of supporting a total of 19 keys.

The Cybertruck’s Metal Key Card:

  • Tesla’s Cybertruck Metal Key Card functions much like the vehicle’s regular key card, but it is finished using premium stainless steel
  • As per Tesla’s description of the item: 
  • “Convenient, durable, versatile. The Cybertruck Metal Key Card is a premium stainless-steel alternative to our traditional plastic key cards, making it easy to access your Cybertruck without your Phone Key. Ideal for when your phone is unavailable or when sharing your vehicle with a friend or valet.”
  • The Cybertruck Metal Key Card costs $60.
  • In comparison, the Cybertruck’s regular key card is sold for $40.
  • The Cybertruck Metal Key Card comes with the metal key card itself, as well as a bifold key card wallet.

Tesla Cybertruck merch push:

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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