SEMA Show: Renowned car designer reimagines a bolder look for the Tesla Model S [Video]

The SEMA show in Las Vegas is the largest automotive specialty parts trade show in the world drawing over 70,000 attendees. I was delighted to see so many companies featuring a Tesla on display at their booth last week. That said, it's worth highlighting one particular Tesla Model S transformation that had a splashy premiere at SEMA this year. The crowd at the show was absolutely thrilled when this Tesla was unveiled. 

Above: Kenny Pfitzer at Zero to 60 designs created a new front end bumper that gives a far more aggressive aesthetic (Photo: EVANNEX)  

After the unveiling, I got a chance to sit down with Kenny Pfitzer at Zero to 60 designs to discuss his Zero TS body kit custom-designed for the Tesla Model S. Pfitzer had gotten started restoring cars like the 1960 Volkswagen Microbus in his Dad's garage. As a teenager, he learned the craft from his father, Karl Pfitzer, a rocket scientist with NASA. Later, Kenny went on to a prolific 20-year career at Metal Crafters, Foose Designs, and West Coast Customs where he worked on high-profile celebrity car builds made popular on their TV show.

Above: Interview with Kenny Pfitzer of Zero to 60 designs, designer of the new Zero TS aftermarket body kit for Tesla (Youtube: EVANNEX Aftermarket Tesla Accessories)

Pfitzer started Zero to 60 designs to be one of America’s top creative automotive design houses. He decided his marquis project for SEMA this year would be a completely reimagined Tesla Model S. Pfitzer explained that he designed a full Model S body kit including a customized front, rear, rockers and optional side fenders to give it a bold, performance look.

Above: Subtle side fenders add style along with new wheels (Photo: EVANNEX)

Pfitzer noted that the Tesla Model S he had on display at SEMA included a $40,000 exterior PPG paint job in dolphin gray with a Solar Gard clear topcoat to help protect the finish. In addition, this Model S was also fitted with black HRE wheels, custom Brembo brakes, and Nexen Nfera tires.

Above: This stunning $40,000 "dolphin gray" paint job flatters the lines and curves of Pfitzer's new design (Photo: EVANNEX)

Pfitzer also showed me the interior which was transformed with a European red leather — double-stitched in an ornate diamond-shaped pattern. Bolsters were also added to the seats for extra comfort. In addition, the windows were tinted with Solar Gard’s LX Series protective window film. Pricing for the Zero TS hadn't been finalized but Pfitzer said the body kit starts around $6,500 and goes up from there.

Above: Pfitzer forgoes carbon fiber accents and (instead) chose a glossy piano black finish on the spoiler, logo area, and redesigned rear diffuser (Photo: EVANNEX)

In the past, Pfitzer had worked with the Ford Motor Company to develop their Ford Bronco Concept. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he's angling to have this customized Model S catch the eye of Tesla's internal design team. In any event, judging by the chatter at the unveiling, the SEMA crowd seemed quite impressed with the car. And based on this successful showing at SEMA, it's likely you'll be seeing more from Fitzer (soon) with the Model 3.