Model S

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

To preserve the life of classic cars before global emissions bans begin in 2025, Zero Labs recently unveiled its Classic Electric Platform that will convert any gas-guzzler into a zero-emissions car. Using this platform, it took Zero Labs just 24 hours to convert a rusty old Ford Bronco into an electric SUV. Electric restomods are becoming increasingly popular, resulting in creations like the world's first Tesla-powered Range Rover that we recently took for a test drive.

YouTube channel Rich Rebuilds is taking the opposite approach by building the world's first V8-powered Tesla. This has never been done before, although you could argue it's a step backwards rather than forwards,

We've been tracking the progress of this unique build since last year, and now the project has reached a significant milestone.

The donor car is a totaled Tesla Model S that was stripped out to make way for a naturally-aspirated, 426-hp 6.2-liter V8 from a scrapped Chevrolet Camaro. Since there's no battery pack, additional aluminum welding was added to strengthen the chassis. Earlier this year, a six-speed manual was fitted, and now the project, affectionally known as ICE-T (internal combustion engine Tesla) is getting closer to completion. To test the engine, the resourceful team created a custom fuel system made with parts sourced from a Mazda MX-5 Miata and Corvette and a fuel tank from a bucket.

An oil filter also needed to be fitted - ironically, the team is so used to working with EVs that they forgot the combustion-powered Tesla needs to have an oil filter.

After filling it up with fuel, the team starts up the engine for the first time and the V8-powered Tesla roars into life. It's a proud moment until spilled fuel causes a small fire to erupt in the engine bay. For the next stage of the project, the team needs to install a custom driveshaft and axles, which we'll no doubt see in the next video. This is probably going to upset a lot of Tesla fans, but we're looking forward to seeing the world's first V8-powered Tesla hit the road and to see how it performs.