Tesla Model 3 with small mods sets new record at Laguna race track

The Tesla Model 3 Performance version is not on the road yet, but owners of Model 3 with the standard rear-wheel drive motor are already finding ways to push their electric vehicles higher.

One of those owners has just set a new record with a Model 3 with small race modifications at the Laguana Seca race track.

As we just reported, Lucid Motors set a new record at the Laguna race track with a Tesla Model S P100D last weekend, but that wasn’t the most impressive achievement that happened at the race.

Cameron Rogers beat the previous electric production GT records on the track with a Tesla Model 3 and only came a second behind the Tesla Model S P100D.

Rogers’ time was 1:48.667.

Here you can watch his full run, the new fastest Model 3 lap, at the Laguna race track last weekend:

In order to get that time, Rogers had to perform some small yet quite smart modifications that help shave a few seconds.

The last time we saw a Model 3 make a hot lap on the race track, the driver was quite surprised by the performance, but he did complain about the brakes.

Rogers addressed the issue by adding Hawk Performance Blue 9012 Racing Brake Pads to his Model 3 and using racing brake fluid.

He also used A7 – SIZE: P255/35ZR18 Hoosier racing tires on 18×9.5 Enkei RAIJIN wheels

Finally, Rogers also found a way to disable stability control and ABS by unplugging the speed sensors on the wheels.

Here he shows the mods and preparation in a video:

Electrek’s Take

That’s an impressive time for the Model 3 with a stock rear-wheel-drive powertrain.

It certainly bodes well for the performance version and it shows what a lighter electric car can do when Rogers managed to come in only a second after a much more powerful (but heavier) Model S P100D.

Though, the drivers also can make a big difference and we don’t know how Lucid Motors’ engineer compares.

For a fairer comparison, Rodgers told Electrek that he previously managed a 1:52 time in a 2016 Model S 85D, which gives us a much better idea of Tesla’s progression with the Model 3.

We are probably only a few weeks away from seeing the Model 3 Performance version on the track. I, for one, am super excited about the prospect of more records being broken and the limits of EVs being pushed further.