Meet Casper: The Ever-Evolving Tesla Model 3 That Pushes the Limits of Modification
An Out of This World Model 3
CJ Cardinalli is a tech-driven California native, so it makes perfect sense that he would own something driven by the latest tech, which also happened to be born in California. Already a car guy with a modded E36 BMW M3, CJ was one of the first to buy a Model 3 in 2018, and he knew that the road to modifying one was uncharted.
But, that didn’t scare him one bit. In fact, being a pioneer was kind of the point! As CJ told us, “I wanted something brand new that no one had modified. The vision was to build a full-blown show car. I learned that it’s just like any other car when it comes to modifying it. In fact, I think it’s easier once you understand how the electrical works.” So, let’s introduce you to “Casper,” CJ’s 2018 Model 3.
Casper’s transformation is nothing short of spectacular, and this is actually just the latest version of this ever-evolving electric wonder.
Casper’s transformation is nothing short of spectacular, and this is actually just the latest version of this ever-evolving electric wonder. According to CJ, there have been at least four iterations of the car so far, and he has done all of the modifications himself in his home garage.
The exterior currently features a stunning full wrap in Avery Brushed Titanium vinyl, which covers the wild ADRO widebody kit and perfectly complements the ADRO carbon fiber aero. Other changes, such as the Teslux Innovations headlights and AlphaRex taillights, add to the otherworldly nature of CJ’s ride. While some might consider mods like these to be a bit much, they blend right in when your Tesla is as wild as this!
The exterior currently features a stunning full wrap in Avery Brushed Titanium vinyl, which covers the wild ADRO widebody kit and perfectly complements the ADRO carbon fiber aero.
And speaking of wild, that ADRO widebody kit allowed for some pretty serious wheel fitment. A set of 20-inch HRE 540 three-piece wheels with 7-inch lips (!) sit flush in the fender wells, along with appropriately wide Yokohama AD09 rubber for plenty of traction. This, along with the Brembo-based Don Marconi 370mm big brake swap, left the door wide open for some drivetrain upgrades. For example, an Ingenext Ghost unlocked an extra 150 horsepower, added a “drift” mode, as well as a host of other features that make CJ’s Tesla a lot more fun to drive.
But there’s even more fun to be had with the M3’s custom air suspension, which allows CJ to go from a show-stopping stance to a more performance-minded altitude at the push of a button. Universal Air’s Solution Series air struts provided a quick and easy way to adjust each corner, with an Accuair CT compressor/air tank combo and an Air Lift 3H manifold supplying the pressure needed to fill each airbag.
One of the most striking features of Casper is the custom frunk air management display, which includes clear air lines with LEDs, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket air tank, and a starlight-laden tub for the ultimate intergalactic experience. Inside the cabin itself, you’ll find even more mods to rock your world, such as Status Racing GTX seats, a Bavarian Car Tuning roll cage, and a custom infinity mirror display that has to be seen to be believed.
“I’ve always continued to improve different things on my car throughout the years,” CJ says. “I have built six different air displays in my frunk for the air suspension, three different trunk displays for my audio, and a ton of different custom interior setups. But right now, I think it’s in a really good place and I’m going to leave it alone for a few months!”
So how does CJ manage to knock out a new version of his car so often? “I made templates of the things I change the most on the car like the trunk and frunk,” he says. “Saves a lot of time when creating new versions each year.”
Genius! At this rate, he’ll have a new version ready for every future issue of Tesla Trends!
