Tesla Model S Performance P90D Project Cupertino
By Glenn Oyoung
You’re looking at “Project Cupertino,” a one-of-a-kind Model S P90D commissioned with the objective of taking this particular Tesla up several notches in the styling and performance department.
If Cupertino rings a bell, you might be the owner of some of the over 1 billion (with a “b”) Apple devices that were in use as of January 2016. We cannot confirm or deny which company the VIP client is based. It makes sense that T Sportline was called in to help differentiate this Model S from the many others cruising the streets of Silicon Valley.
Exterior
The first step of any T Sportline project is to enhance the presence of the Model S. Our client wanted his car to maintain its upscale feel, but add a more aggressive look.
With a black car, the approach was straightforward – black everything out for a more menacing look. All chrome was blacked out using 3M satin black vinyl. The rear trunk was painted in a matching matte black. The greenhouse tinted 70% with 3M Crystalline tint – adding not only a mean look but also reducing UV rays by 99.9%, and improving privacy for our high-profile client. Xpel clear bra was used to protect all the high-impact areas, including front and rear bumpers, hood, fenders, rocker panels, headlights, and door edges.
Every T Sportline project requires a performance upgrade, and this one was no different. A set of TS115 21” forged wheelswere mounted, measuring 21”x9” in front and 21”x9.5” in the rear. These wheels were designed to accommodate the stock Michelin tires, TPMS sensors, and factory center caps. While the fitment is stock, the TS115’s weigh in approximately 26% lighter than the factory 21” turbine wheels. The stylish split-five spoke design adds to the aggression quotient, particularly in gloss black.
Interior
The pièce de résistance of Project Cupertino is its bespoke material that features five hides of Ferrari Red leather. T Sportline’s signature quilt design adorns the doors and segments of the front and rear seats, with matching red stitching. In other areas throughout the interior, contrast black stitching adds a pop of detail.
For our customer, every detail mattered. A gloss carbon fiber dash trim was installed, replacing the stock matte carbon fiber trim. The steering wheel was replaced with and a gloss carbon fiber steering wheel featuring red leather sides, black contrast stitching, and an airbag cover dyed to match the Ferrari Red leather. Seat backs were replaced by gloss carbon fiber seat backs, lending a sophisticated and sporty feel throughout the cabin.
Audio
The Model S’ stock sound system has received much-deserved praise, not only for its enormous screen but also for the actual sound quality. T Sportline improved upon the factory system by installing an Audiophile Sound System to boost power and quality.
The system features a Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.3 EQ Processor, Focal K-Power dash speakers, tweeters, and rear door speakers, and Rockford Fosgate 8” mid bass front door speakers. Amplification comes from a 900-watt Alpine PDX-V9 and a 400-watt Rockford Fosgate amplifier.
Bass comes from an Alpine shallow 10” subwoofer, shrouded in a custom enclosure mounted in the trunk. Dynamat was applied to all door panels to ensure the only noise in cabin comes from the sound system.
Given the ample instant torque on hand, an Escort Passport 9500ci radar detection system was discreetly installed.
Since Project Cupertino has hit the streets, T Sportline has received numerous inquiries as to the identity of the owner. While subtle, the upgrades are eye-catching enough to make folks wonder. We can’t reveal that information, but maybe someday Siri will.
PROJECT CUPERTINO SPECIFICATIONS
Base Car
- 2016 Tesla Model S P90D
- All chrome trim wrapped in 3M satin black vinyl
- Rear trunk trim painted in matte black
- Entire car protected in Xpel clear bra: front bumper, hood, fenders, headlights, rocker panels, door edges, rear bumper
- 3M Crystalline tint 70% on all glass (front windshield, side windows, panoramic roof, rear window
- TS115 21” forged wheels 21”x9” front 21”x9.5” rear.
- Uses original Michelin PS2 245/35-21 265/35-21 factory tire set, original lug nuts, original TPMS and accepts factory center caps
- Bespoke interior - Ferrari Red leather. Signature Quilt design in doors and areas of front/rear seats with matching red stitch.Contrast black stitching in all other areas.
- Gloss carbon fiber dash trim
- Gloss carbon fiber steering wheel with red leather sides and contrast black stitching.
- Airbag cover dyed to match Ferrari red leather.
- Gloss Carbon Fiber Seat Backs
- Audiophile Sound System upgrade:
- Alpine Shallow 10" subwoofer in a custom enclosure in the trunk
- Dynamat sound deadening applied to all door panels
- Escort Passport 9500ci radar detection system