READERS’ RIDES
FINELY TUNED 2
2018 TESLA MODEL 3
My Exhilarating Journey of Modifying My Dream Tesla Model 3
WORDS BY CHUN LIM
PHOTOS BY JEROME ANDRE
ONCE a devoted Mazda RX8 owner, I poured my heart and soul into that car. I cherished its perfect fit, exceptional handling, and thrilling revs. However, as much as I loved the 2004 GT RX8, it became clear that its maintenance costs and fuel efficiency were far from ideal. Eventually, I had to say goodbye and embark on a new automotive adventure. For a while, I settled for leasing practical people movers while awaiting the perfect opportunity.
However, when the announcement of the Tesla Model 3 arrived in 2016, I wasted no time in placing a deposit. This was a revolution in the making. Having experienced the pleasure of riding in my friends’ Model S and Model X, I was ready to embrace the electric revolution. While the RX8 excelled in its agility, it lacked the raw torque that Teslas offered. The thrill of pressing down the “Go!” pedal in a Tesla was simply irresistible. Furthermore, our home already boasted solar panels, so transitioning from 17 mpg to virtually free charging at home felt like a leap toward a greener future. Exciting prospects lay ahead. I promptly ordered a Multicoat Red Model 3, reminiscent of my beloved “Kasumi” (the RX8). I fondly named the Tesla “Ivy” after Poison Ivy, the environmentally conscious Batman character with her fiery red hair.