Published on January 30, 2025 Author Jerome Andre Share article Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Mail 0 Meet Casper: The Insanely Modified Tesla Model 3 Turning Heads Everywhere When CJ Cardinalli first laid eyes on his Tesla Model 3 in 2018, he was immediately drawn to its minimalist design, advanced electric powertrain, and the untapped potential it represented. These features were an open invitation to reimagine what an EV could become. A seasoned car enthusiast and builder with a history of creating custom BMWs, CJ saw Tesla’s sleek electric sedan as the ultimate blank canvas to redefine what was possible in the, then, burgeoning world of EV customization. Today, that vision has come to life in “Casper,” CJ’s extensively modified Tesla Model 3. With four major iterations since its debut, Casper’s current form combines performance upgrades, jaw-dropping styling mods, and an interior that feels like stepping into a starship! The Visionary Behind Casper CJ Cardinalli is no ordinary car enthusiast. As the founder and president of Ruined EV (ruined.cc), he has become a leading figure in the Tesla modification community. Ruined EV is not simply a car club; it has evolved into a full-on global movement. CJ’s leadership has fostered a community of like-minded enthusiasts who believe that electric vehicles can be just as personal, exciting, and full of character as their internal combustion counterparts. CJ also launched CEEJ Customs (ceejcustoms.com), a company specializing in unique, reasonably-priced Tesla modifications. Known for its innovative frunk and trunk setups, including custom infinity mirrors, starlight displays, and SpaceX-inspired designs, CEEJ Customs has quickly become an integral part of the growing Tesla modification scene. The Evolution of Casper From the beginning, CJ’s mission was clear: build a Tesla that could hold its own against the wildest show cars. “I wanted something brand new that no one had modified,” CJ explains. “It was about breaking ground and showing that EVs can be just as fun and exciting as any car.” Casper’s evolution has been anything but static. Each iteration has brought new ideas, technologies, and bold design choices. From incorporating a full ADRO widebody kit to upgrading the Ingenext Ghost module for additional horsepower, CJ has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Early versions of Casper included subtle cosmetic upgrades, but later iterations introduced revolutionary features like programmable underglow lighting, SpaceX-inspired frunk displays, and full airbag suspensions. The bold ADRO widebody kit gives Casper a unique aggressive stance and futuristic flair. Today, the car wears a full Avery Brushed Titanium wrap, giving it an industrial, futuristic vibe that complements its ADRO widebody kit and carbon fiber accents. The widebody setup accommodates massive 20-inch HRE 540 three-piece wheels with aggressive 7-inch lips, wrapped in Yokohama AD09 tires for maximum grip. The exterior also features Teslux Innovations Plaid-style headlights and fog lights, Alpha Rex taillights, and a host of custom details from CEEJ Customs, including carbon fiber chrome delete, and a rear tail light wrap. Performance Meets Precision Casper isn’t just a looker; it’s a performer. Thanks to an Ingenext Ghost module, the car’s dual-motor AWD powertrain delivers an extra 110kW/150 horsepower, unlocking capabilities like drift mode and advanced launch control. Supporting this newfound power is a custom suspension setup that’s as versatile as it is effective. Universal Air’s Solution Series air struts paired with an Air Lift Performance 3H system provide the perfect balance between show stance and street performance. At the push of a button, Casper can go from slammed to aggressive corner-carving mode. The addition of MPP camber and toe arms further refines handling, ensuring Casper feels planted even when pushed to its limits. To ensure the car stops as well as it goes, CJ added a Brembo-based Don Marconi big brake kit with slotted 370mm rotors, purple-painted calipers, and silver anodized hats. The Frunk of the Future If the exterior and performance upgrades are impressive, the frunk is where Casper truly becomes a work of art. CEEJ Customs transformed this often-overlooked space into a galactic showcase. The setup includes a SpaceX Falcon 9-inspired air tank, LED-lit clear hardlines, a starlight frunk tub, and infinity mirrors that create an optical illusion of endless depth. LED accents, a Matrix 500 LED hood panel, and purple-painted frunk details complete the look, making this display one of the most photographed aspects of the car at shows. A Cabin Unlike Any Other Inside Casper, CJ has crafted an environment that feels like stepping into the future. Custom Status Racing GTX seats with carbon fiber backs and exotic stitching provide both comfort and style. The rear seats have been replaced with a custom delete kit, and a Bavarian Car Tuning roll cage adds a motorsport vibe that ties the entire interior together. The interior lighting is a spectacle in itself, featuring RGB flow LEDs, fiber-optic starlights in the headliner, and ambient footwell lighting. CJ has also incorporated carbon fiber elements throughout the cabin, including a custom-wrapped dashboard, center console, and glovebox. CJ even designed a custom infinity mirror display for the trunk, complete with galaxy-wrapped sides and a 15-inch Cadence subwoofer. The audio system is powered by Cadence amps and features sound-deadening materials for a crisp, immersive experience. It’s an audio-visual setup that turns Casper into a rolling concert hall, showcasing CJ’s dedication to both form and function. Casper rides on stunning 20-inch HRE 540 three-piece wheels with 7-inch lips, wrapped in Yokohama AD09 tires. Casper’s Insane Trophy Collection Here are some of the AwardsCJ has collected over half a decade: SEMA Booth Car 2024 Ruined EV Central Hall Best EV – Irwindale 2024 BEST OF SHOW – Electrified Showoff – San Francisco 2024 1st Place Best EV – Spocom 2024 BEST OF SHOW – Electrified Showoff – Long Beach 2024 2nd Place post 1980Local Car Scene 2024 Best Sedan – Electrified Showoff – Phoenix 2024 Best Interior Winter Wonder Slammed Top 10 – Garagelife show 2023 Best Team – Garagelife show 2023 Top 20 – Winter Showdown 2023 1st Place Best EV – Spocom 2023 1st Place Best Sedan – Electrified Showoff – San Francisco 2023 1st Place Best Crew – Electrified Showoff – Long Beach 2023 1st Place Best InteriorTheLineup 2023 1st Place Best EV – Spocom 2022 1st Place Tesla – Winter Wonder Slammed V 2021 1st Place Tesla – Slammedenuff – 2021 1st Place Best Interior – Spocom 2021 1st Place – Canyon Hills Car Show 2021 2nd Place Best Exotic Wheels and Masks 2 – 2021 3rd Place Domestic – Winter Wonder Slammed IV 2021 Top 20 – AL and Eds 2020 1st Place EV – Local Car Scene 2019 2nd Place Domestic Winter Wonder Slammed III 2019 3rd Place EV/hybrid – Extreme Autofest 2019 SPECS TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE 2018 Dual-Motor AWD Long Range in Pearl White Premium Interior Package in White Enhanced Auto Pilot Wheels/Tires/Brakes HRE – 20” 540 3 Piece 7” Lips Yokohama – AD09 Don Marconi – 370mm Brembo BBK Slotted Rotors Purple Painted Calipers Silver Anodized Hats Project Kics Monolith T1/07 Lug Nuts Air/Suspension/Frunk Air Lift Performance 3H System 3/8” AccuAir ENDO-CT 5 Gallon Air Tank ^ Custom SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Tank Universal Air – Solution Series 2 Air Struts Universal Air – Custom Height Sensor Brackets Custom Air Line Shut Off Valves CEEJ Customs – Custom Frunk Show Display CEEJ Customs – 11 Piece “Broken Glass” Infinity Mirror Floor CEEJ Customs – Spiral Hardline Setup CEEJ Customs – Custom Infinity Mirrors CEEJ Customs – Starlight Frunk Tub CEEJ Customs – Matrix 500 Led Hood Panel Custom Backlit False Floor} Galaxy Wrapped Tank Stand Purple Painted Frunk Accents MPP Camber Arms MPP Toe Arms Exterior Full Wrap – Avery Brushed Titanium ADRO – Widebody ADRO – Carbon Fiber Front Lip ADRO – Carbon Fiber Side Skirts ADRO – Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser ADRO – Carbon Fiber Swan Neck Wing Infinite Auto Design – Carbon Fiber Hood TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Headlights TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Fog Lights TesLuxInnovations – Plaid Underglow Alpha Rex Tail Lights APR Formula Mirros LED Rear Reflectors CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Chrome Delete CEEJ Customs – Custom Mesh Grill CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Tail Light Wrap Blueghozt Controller (X2) Carbon Fiber BMW M3 Style Mirrors Charging Port Carbon Fiber Wrap Madico 20% Ceramic Tint Ceramic Coated Flexshield PPF Interior Metal Rivet Door Jamb + Back Of Door Wrap STATUS: Racing GTX – White W/Exotic Stitch And CF Backs CEEJ Customs – Custom Rear Seat Delete Bavarian Car Tuning Roll Cage CEEJ Customs – Roof Display Custom RBG Flow LED Ambient Lighting STATUS: Racing Steering Wheel NRG Quick Realease EV Annex – Carbon Fiber Door Trim EV Annex – Swivel Screen CEEJ Customs – Custom Galaxy Headliner With Fiber Optic Stars CEEJ Customs – Custom Steering Wheel Center Wrap CEEJ Customs – Custom Carbon Fiber Frunk CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Top Dash Board Wrap CEEJ Customs – Metal Rivet Full Dash Wrap CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Side Trim Center Console CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Glove Box CEEJ Customs – Carbon Fiber Under Dash Pieces CEEJ Customs – Metal Rivet Center Console Wrap CEEJ Customs – Metal Rivet/Snowstorm Blue Screen Back Wrap CEEJ Customs – Custom Snowstorm Blue Stripping Accents CEEJ Customs – Custom Accessory LED Switch Plate AutoBeam – RGB LED Ambient Footwell Lighting White Full Coverage Floor Mats Metal Rivet Arm Rest Carbon Fiber Window & Door Switch/Surrounds Peekaystudio Gated Shifter Cup Holder Hansshow LED Door Sills Model 3 Performance Pedals Abstract Ocean – (9H) Tempered Glass Display Protector RUINED – LED Puddle Lights Trunk / Audio Custom Trunk Floor Enclosure CEEJ Customs – Custom Galaxy Headliner With Fiber Optic Stars CEEJ Customs – Custom Infinity Mirror Galaxy Wrapped Sides Cadence 15” Wild Beast | SUB Cadence QRS1.1500GH | AMP Audiocontrol LC2i Audiocontrol Bass Knob Ohmmu 12v Battery Crydom D06D100 Solid State Relay Kilmat Sound Deadening Misc. / Other Ingenext – GHOST Module THOR Dual Sound Generator CEEJ Customs – Auto Pilot No NAG Kit CEEJ Customs – LED Hood Prop Valentine One Radar Detector Ohmmu 12v Battery (X2) Partners / Brand Ambassador CEEJ Customs ADRO Yokohama STATUS: Racing Don Marconi Brakes TesLuxInnovations Mod Bargains EV Annex Alpha Rex Barneys Wheel And Tire
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