New Details Emerge About the Original Tesla Roadsters That Were Found in a Shipping Container

New information is uncovered about these brand-new Tesla Roadsters

GruberMotors (Edited by NATA)

In an update to our previous coverage of a remarkable automotive discovery, the bidding period for the three untouched 2010 Tesla Roadsters has been extended. Originally set to close on May 26th, 2023, potential buyers now have until midnight on June 2nd, 2023 to submit their bids, as the vetting of bidders takes longer than anticipated. This auction is making waves in the collector and electric vehicle community worldwide, as these Roadsters serve as relics of a pivotal era in EV history.

Unraveling the Mystery: New Updates and Discoveries

In a series of additional information released on the auction site, several intriguing details have emerged, deepening the narrative surrounding these unique Teslas. Each vehicle comes with its respective Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. A trio of brand new Clipper Creek TS-70 Roadster Wall Chargers still in their original boxes and other Tesla items in bubble wrap are part of the auction lot.

The Enigmatic Fourth Roadster: A Story Unfolding

Investigations into two accompanying crates have revealed intriguing references to a missing fourth Roadster, VIN 1185. This vehicle was rumored to be part of the original shipment but has yet to be located. The crates contained various large parts such as wheels, tires, a complete door assembly, headlight assemblies, and numerous smaller body trim parts, with labels pointing to VIN 1185.

The original plan for these Roadsters was for them to be used by an R&D center of a Chinese auto company that later went bankrupt. The intent was to disassemble the cars for reverse engineering. Instead, these time capsules of Tesla's early history survived intact and are now up for grabs by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The Hunt for the Keys: An Unexpected Hurdle

Adding to the intrigue surrounding the auction, the keys to these untouched Roadsters have become a minor mystery. Originally believed to be held in one of the port offices, retrieval efforts were hampered by the unfortunate passing of the manager who was in possession of them. As a result, the keys are currently missing.

However, the sellers have assured potential buyers that if the keys cannot be located, they will take the necessary steps to replace them. This unexpected hurdle delayed plans to open the cars and trunks for further detailed photographs. Despite this minor setback, the ongoing search for the keys contributes an additional layer of fascination to the unfolding story of these vintage Roadsters.

The Relocation and Future of the Roadsters

While the quest for the keys to the Roadsters continues, the vehicles themselves are being prepared for their next journey. The Roadsters are set to be relocated into new sea containers, ready for shipping either directly to the successful bidder or to a free zone in Dubai, devoid of viewing permit requirements.

The sellers have considered the stipulation by some bidders that the Roadsters needed to be in the USA before bidding. Thus, the Roadsters could be sold out of China, Dubai, or eventually the USA, depending on the circumstances.

These Tesla Roadsters stand as enduring symbols of a watershed moment in the automotive industry and Tesla's ambitious journey. As their past unravels and their future hangs in the balance, these cars offer a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. This auction presents an unmissable opportunity for avid collectors, Tesla fans, and EV enthusiasts worldwide.

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A Closer Look at Tesla's Ambient Lighting Feature in the New Model 3 and Cybertruck [Video]

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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If you look up ambient lights for Tesla, you'll see several ads for third-party light kits. Perhaps this is why Tesla added its own Ambient Lights feature to the new Model 3. So, let's get enlightened.

Tesla's ambient lights are thin light strips that are embedded in each of the vehicle's doors near the top edge. It also curves around the dashboard near the windshield, giving passengers a near 360-degree light effect.

Supported Models

Tesla new ambient light feature is available on the new Model 3 (2024+), and will be available on the Cybertruck in a similar manner. With a refresh ongoing for the Model Y, known as Juniper, it will likely also have ambient lights. That just leaves out the most luxurious flagship vehicles, the Model S and X, for now.

The Model S and Model X could be due for a minor refresh that would not only add ambient lighting, but also include a front-bumper camera that the Cybertruck has and the new Model 3 is expected to have in the near future.

Customization

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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The ambient light settings allow you to light up the interior in a color that reflects your mood or preference. Under Controls > Lights > Accent Lights, you are handed the freedom to choose virtually any color to adorn the interior of your Tesla.

You have control over whether the ambient lights are on, off, or set to an "Auto" setting, though not fully clarified, seems to promise intelligent lighting adjustments akin to our control over dome lights, offering a reduction in reflections during drives.

While the ability to control the brightness level seems missing, Tesla did include color presets, letting you curate a series of your favorite colors.

It should be noted that the changes are confined to the light strips on the doors and dash, steering clear of the footwell lights and other interior lighting.

Future Enhancements

With Tesla, we can be assured there will be enhancements to this feature in a future update. In fact, the Tesla community is already busy coming up with useful suggestions. Some owners thought Tesla should take advantage of the lighting to provide driver feedback, such as automatically changing the ambient lighting to a red hue when there's a vehicle in your blind spot. Tesla could also glow the light strip on a door if it's not closed properly, or use the lighting to provide feedback when Sentry Mode is enabled.

Other uses could be more fun, such as cycling the light through various colors when the 'Rainbow Road' easter egg is activated.

Ambient Lighting in Action

While the possibilities are endless and Tesla engineers will surely have fun coming up with creative uses for the feature, the biggest improvement we can hope for in the near future is the ability to adjust the light intensity.

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Tesla Model 3 'Highland' Performance Details Discovered in European Documents

Tesla's new Model 3 received a host of exterior and interior upgrades

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Tesla outdid itself with the refreshed Model 3, known as the Highland. Despite all the fantastic upgrades, something is missing - the Performance version or perhaps the Plaid. The letter "T" has shown up on vehicle certificates in Europe, and despite Elon Musk's sense of humor, it is unlikely this is a Mr. T reference.

Deciphering the 'T'

A new document shows the new Model 3 Performance will have a dual motor

eivissacopter / X

Diligent scrutiny of the European Type Certificate, issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW and shared on the TFF Forum, revealed a subtle yet pivotal alteration — including the letter 'T' in the eighth digit of the Model 3 Performance's VIN.

This seemingly minor detail, indicative of the vehicle's motor/drive unit type, sparked curiosity and speculation on the forum. Could it be a tri-motor setup to usher in a new Plaid version of the Model 3? This vehicle has already got endless amounts of zip, but three motors? May The Schwartz Be With You!

This could also explain the Model 3+ badging that was spotted during the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China inspection of the refresh. However, the regulatory filings highlighted just two distinct variants of the car: a rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 194 kW motor and an all-wheel drive (AWD) dual-motor setup that combines to deliver a formidable 331 kW of maximum power.

Initial conjectures leaned towards the possibility of a tri-motor setup, drawing parallels with the Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X. However, a deeper dive into the certification document clarified that the Model 3 Performance retained its Dual Motor setup, dispelling the possibility of a tri-motor upgrade.

Strategic Enhancements: A Glimpse into Potential Upgrades

Given the documented specifications, it becomes plausible that Tesla has strategically enhanced one of the dual motors, potentially aligning it with the advanced motor found in the Model S/X Plaid. This modification is poised to augment the top-end speed and acceleration of the Model 3 Performance, addressing its comparative limitations in extended races against traditional gas-powered supercars.

Meanwhile, the Model 3 refresh has become the new Bigfoot of the roads of North America, with rare sightings posted on social media. However, it appears the continent is excluded from the initial launch of the Model 3 Highland. Internal communications within Tesla suggest North American enthusiasts might have to exercise patience until 2024.

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