The initial experiment involved removing various components from the Model 3 without impacting its drivability. Despite displaying error messages about unbuckled seat belts and disabled Autopilot, the vehicle continued to function flawlessly. Building on this achievement, Chris and his colleagues from B is for Build took it a step further, pushing the boundaries of weight reduction to maximize acceleration.
The team meticulously eliminated all non-essential elements, leaving only the driver's seat intact and a portion of the B-pillar, which supports the driver's side seatbelt. The doors, hood, bumpers, lights, and interior trim were all stripped away, unveiling the raw essence of the Model 3.
While Tesla does not explicitly disclose the horsepower figures, the official specifications boast an impressive acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 162 miles per hour. These numbers hint at the Model 3's remarkable performance capabilities.
To test the impact of the weight reduction, the B is for Build team conducted their own acceleration test. In its original fully assembled form, the Model 3 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 3.56 seconds. However, in its stripped-down state, the vehicle catapulted off the line, reaching 60 mph in an astonishing 2.46 seconds. This acceleration time is nearly on par with the much-anticipated Tesla Roadster, which is speculated to achieve a mind-blowing 1.9-second 0-60 mph time.
Source: B is for Build