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The Model 3 Ascension R Is The Most Track-Ready Tesla Yet

I thought bodykits were a thing of the past as the era of Need For Speed and Fast and Furious slowly crumbled, but suddenly they’ve swept back into modern car culture and it has me worrying that we’re soon going to be putting neons under our chassis again.

Electric cars are getting targetted with these body kits at an alarming rate, likely because companies don’t want to touch the powertrain, and this is the latest example from Unplugged Performance who have built the latest and craziest bodykit and performance package for the Tesla Model 3.

The Model 3 Ascension R Is The Most Track-Ready Tesla Yet

It’s called the Ascension R, and is the result of weeks of man hours and $10,000 being shovelled into carbon fibre.

“The Ascension R programme is designed and purpose-built for the hardcore EV performance enthusiast who demands the very best,” says Unplugged boss Ben Schaffer, “and for automotive enthusiasts looking to dive headfirst into the most extreme Model 3 variant available.

The Model 3 Ascension R Is The Most Track-Ready Tesla Yet

“Every Ascension R can be driven on public roads daily and can enjoy using autopilot to the racetrack and back home without needing to change any settings.”

That carbon fibre that I mentioned has been wrapped around the car every which way and is paired with 20-inch forged wheels. The rubber being used are Michelin Cup 2s and carbon ceramic brakes are behind the stopping power. The suspension has had a full overhaul with adjustable coilovers, and inside, racing seats with full harnesses have been fitted.

The Model 3 Ascension R Is The Most Track-Ready Tesla Yet

Of course, they wouldn’t dare touch the powertrain, unlike Lister has with their new SUV-e, but who has ever cared for more straight line performance in a Tesla?

“I’ve always had a deep appreciation of factory tuned, street legal racecars,” says Schaffer. “There is something special about a well-conceived vision that walks the fine line between racecar and grocery getter.

The Model 3 Ascension R Is The Most Track-Ready Tesla Yet

“For years I’ve had my mind set on exploring what a Tesla factory-built racecar would entail and how to strike the right balance in all aspects of the concept. Edgy, hardcore, high performing but not impractical are things not often easy to harness in harmony.”

Prices start at $35,000 plus a Model 3, but I’m hoping they may give us one for a day or two so we can tell you more about how it drives…

Alex Harrington

Alex started racing at a young age so certainly knows his way around a car and a track. He can just about put a sentence together too, which helps. He has a great interest in the latest models, but would throw all of his money at a rusty old French classic and a 300ZX. Contact: [email protected]

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