Lifestyle
Tesla Model 3 Performance charms legendary Ferrari test driver
When Former Ferrari test driver Dario Benuzzi retired from the Italian automaker after 48 years of service, he left a legacy that included test driving some of the most famous exotic cars in the world. As Chief Test Pilot, he was responsible for spending multiple hours a day driving Ferrari’s unreleased models and then giving feedback to a team of engineers and designers. Benuzzi retired just a few months ago from the Prancing Horse, leaving his role as key developer in the growth of not only the company but also numerous cars that Ferrari released over the past five decades.
Interestingly, the legendary test driver was recently seen driving a friend’s Model 3 Performance through the streets of Maranello, Italy, home to Ferrari headquarters. One might ask whether the man who was partially responsible for the development of notable Ferrari production models, such as the F40 and the Enzo and racing legends such as the F1 639 or the 333, could even begin to feel a rush when driving an all-electric, four-door family sedan like the Tesla Model 3. The simple answer to that question is: Yes.
Former Ferrari test driver Dario Benuzzi behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3. (Credit: Reddit u/Atellani)
Reddit user u/Atellani shared with members of r/TeslaMotors that the now 73-year old Benuzzi, who started at Ferrari as a mechanic in 1971, recently took a spin in his Tesla Model 3 Performance. Benuzzi complimented several of the vehicle’s features, while stating that he enjoyed the steering in Comfort Mode allowing him to feel a less intense, lighter sensation when operating the Model 3.
While Benuzzi did not get to test the available Autopilot feature, he said that all-in-all, he adored the Model 3, especially the vehicle’s front suspension system. “He loves the technology and ease of use, (and) was not bothered by the dash at all and quite surprisingly adapted to it in less than a minute,”u/Atellani said. Benuzzi first drove a Tesla in 2014, when he took u/Atellani’s first Silicon Valley purchase, a P85+, for a spin.
Friends for 13 years, one of the owners of Atellani American/Italian Design and Innovation Studio in Italy (referred to in this article as u/Atellani) and Benuzzi used to only find time for a quick lunch every once in a while. Now that Benuzzi has retired, the two have more time to spend talking about cars and technology. An owner of eight different Tesla models since 2014 (all driven by Benuzzi at one point or another), u/Atellani told Teslarati that he had enough of ICE cars a few years ago and decided to try a different, more sustainable option.
With EVs not being near as researched as they are today, he considered himself a “Beta-Tester,” and gambled on Tesla. The Tesla Model S P85+ that he purchased in 2014 fit all of his needs, as he wanted a car that could fit his family of 7 and was coupled with great range and performance. He put himself all-in and sold every ICE car he and his wife owned at the time, and hasn’t looked back since. “Nowadays, everything is super easy and we would have a hard time going back,” he said.
Benuzzi enjoys the innovation of automobiles and said that he felt intrigued by Elon Musk’s electric vehicles. He believes that without the development of EVs, a future does not seem possible. He spoke highly of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and believes that he is a pioneer of the industry, who deserves “an immense amount of credit”.
Elon Musk has been pretty open about the idea of FSD being the difference maker for Tesla’s future.
If Tesla succeeds in achieving FSD, it could become the world’s most valuable company. If it doesn’t, then the company would not be able to reach its optimum potential.
FSD Supervised’s safety benefits:
- But even if FSD is still not perfect today, FSD Supervised is already making a difference on the roads today.
- This was highlighted in Tesla’s Q4 2024 Vehicle Safety Report.
- As per Tesla, it recorded one crash for every 5.94 million miles driven in which drivers were using Autopilot technology.
- For comparison, the most recent data available from the NHTSA and FHWA (from 2023) showed that there was one automobile crash every 702,000 miles in the United States.
This morning, Tesla FSD proved to be an absolute godsend. I had to take my brother-in-law to the hospital in Sugar Land, TX, which is 40 miles away, at the ungodly hour of 4 AM. Both of us were exhausted, and he was understandably anxious about the surgery.
— JC Christopher (@JohnChr08117285) January 29, 2025
The convenience of…
FSD user’s tale:
- As per an FSD user’s post on social media platform X, FSD Supervised was able to help him drive a relative to a medical facility safely even if he was exhausted.
- During the trip, the driver only had to monitor FSD Supervised’s performance to make sure the Tesla operated safely.
- In a vehicle without FSD, such a trip with an exhausted driver would have been quite dangerous.
- “This morning, Tesla FSD proved to be an absolute godsend. I had to take my brother-in-law to the hospital in Sugar Land, TX, which is 40 miles away, at the ungodly hour of 4 AM. Both of us were exhausted, and he was understandably anxious about the surgery.
- “The convenience of sending the hospital’s address directly from my iPhone to my Tesla while still inside my house, then just a single button press once inside, and 40 miles later we were precisely in front of the hospital’s admissions area.This experience really underscores just how transformative this technology can be for society,” Tesla owner JC Christopher noted in his post.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
There are few things that prove an enthusiast’s love towards a company more than a dedicated short film. This was highlighted recently when YouTube’s SoKrispyMedia posted a 10-minute action movie starring Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, as well as several of the company’s most iconic products.
The video:
- Shot like a Hollywood action flick, the video featured a rather humorous plot involving a group of thieves that mistakenly targeted a Tesla Model 3 driver.
- The Model 3 driver then ended up speaking to Tesla for assistance, and some high-octane and high-speed hijinks ensued.
- While the short film featured several Tesla products like the Model 3, Superchargers, and the Cybertruck, it is Optimus that truly stole the show.
- Optimus served several roles in the short film, from an assistant in a Tesla office to a “robocop” enforcer that helped out the Model 3 driver.
Future Robo-cop @Tesla_Optimus
— SOKRISPYMEDIA (@sokrispymedia) January 12, 2025
full video: https://t.co/TXpSRhcP5K pic.twitter.com/YFHZ7siAP7
Cool inside jokes:
- The best Tesla videos are those that show an in-depth knowledge of the company, and SoKrispyMedia definitely had it.
- From the opening scenes alone, the video immediately poked fun at TSLA traders, the large number of gray Tesla owners, and the fact that many still do not understand Superchargers.
- The video even poked fun at Tesla’s software updates, as well as how some Tesla drivers use Autopilot or other features without reading the fine print in the company’s release notes.
- The video ended with a tour de force of references to Elon Musk products, from the Tesla Cybertruck to the Boring Company Not-a-Flamethrower, which was released back in 2018.
Check out SoKrispyMedia’s Tesla action short film in the video below.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
Tesla definitely seems to be determined to release the coolest lineup of accessories for its coolest vehicle. As could be seen in an update to the Tesla Shop, the electric vehicle maker has now launched a metal key card for the Cybertruck—because why not?
Cybertruck keys:
- The Cybertruck, similar to Tesla’s other vehicles, is shipped with a regular key card.
- The vehicle could also be accessed and locked through a phone key.
- As per the Cybertruck’s Owner’s Manual, the all-electric pickup truck is capable of supporting a total of 19 keys.
The Cybertruck’s Metal Key Card:
- Tesla’s Cybertruck Metal Key Card functions much like the vehicle’s regular key card, but it is finished using premium stainless steel
- As per Tesla’s description of the item:
- “Convenient, durable, versatile. The Cybertruck Metal Key Card is a premium stainless-steel alternative to our traditional plastic key cards, making it easy to access your Cybertruck without your Phone Key. Ideal for when your phone is unavailable or when sharing your vehicle with a friend or valet.”
- The Cybertruck Metal Key Card costs $60.
- In comparison, the Cybertruck’s regular key card is sold for $40.
- The Cybertruck Metal Key Card comes with the metal key card itself, as well as a bifold key card wallet.
Tesla Cybertruck merch push:
- Being the company’s most eye-catching vehicle, it is no surprise that that Tesla has been releasing quite a lot of merchandise inspired by the all-electric pickup truck.
- These include a $250 levitating Cybertruck model, as well as a $35 Cybertruck wind-up racer, both of which are out of stock.
- Tesla also sells the $35 “CyberMug,” a $40 “CyberStein,” and a $50 “CyberVessel.”
- Other Cybertruck-inspired merchandise are the $60 Cyberwhistle Stealth, and the $50 CyberOpener.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
Armored Tesla Cybertruck “War Machine” debuts at Defense Expo 2025
Tesla Megapacks chosen for 548 MWh energy storage project in Japan
