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Tesla Model 3 Performance goes head-to-head against Model X P100DL, souped up Ford Falcon drag racer

[Credit: DÆrik/YouTube]

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Since Tesla started releasing the Model 3 Performance, the high-performance electric sedan has gained accolades from numerous publications, from The Wall Street Journal to Popular Mechanics. While Tesla did not design the Model 3 Performance to be quicker on the quarter-mile than its larger, more expensive siblings — the Model S P100D and the Model X P100D — the electric car is proving to be a performer on the quarter-mile just the same.

Latest case in point? A series of drag races recently shared by Tesla owner-enthusiast Erik Strait, better known as the host of YouTube’s DÆrik channel. After fitting the Model 3 Performance with staggered tires and lightweight wheels, Erik opted to test out the electric sedan at a local drag strip to see how well it stacked up against other vehicles.

The Model 3 Performance faced several notable opponents in its day at the drag strip, including a Tesla Model X P100D with Ludicrous Mode. The battle between the two Teslas proved interesting, considering that the Model 3 Performance finished the quarter-mile in 11.74 seconds at 115.46 mph, which was incredibly close to the Model X P100DL’s 11.66-second, 115.73 mph pass.

It should also be noted that the Model X P100D ended up launching ahead of the Model 3 Performance, and the SUV’s driver had a better reaction time (0.014 secs vs. Erik’s 0.338 secs). Had the two vehicles launched at the same moment, the race could have been even closer. This was despite the Model X P100D with Ludicrous Mode being listed with a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds, while the Model 3 Performance is listed with a 3.3-second 0-60 mph time.   

Apart from the Tesla Model X P100D, the Model 3 Performance also battled a unique opponent in the form of a souped-up 1964 Ford Falcon. The vintage car is fully set up for the drag strip, as could be seen in its upgraded suspension and its drag-optimized tire setup. The souped-up Falcon looked and sounded daunting before the race, causing the YouTube host to note that the Model 3 Performance would probably lose.

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The Falcon actually got the jump on the Model 3 Performance when the race started, getting a slight lead before the all-electric sedan caught up and overtook it. Once it established a lead, the Model 3 Performance just pulled away, dominating the souped-up vintage racer. The race ended with the Model 3 Performance hitting the quarter-mile mark in 11.76 seconds at 115.49 mph. The Ford Falcon drag racer completed the run in 13.21 seconds while traveling at 103.73 mph.

Tesla has not given the Model 3 Performance a feature that allows it to perform better in straight-line races, though it is set to become the first vehicle that receives Tesla’s dedicated Track Mode feature. Elon Musk dubs Track Mode as an “Expert User Mode” for the Model 3 Performance, in the way that it would allow drivers to modify the vehicle’s settings to optimize it for hard hard driving. Track Mode has not been fully released yet, but early reviews of the feature, such as those from auto publications like Car and Driver and Road & Track, have been positive so far. 

Watch the Model 3 Performance battle the Model X P100D and a souped up Ford Falcon in the video below.

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Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger

The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

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Credit: Hammer_of_something/Reddit

There comes a time in a driver’s life when one is faced with one’s limitations. For the driver of a Dodge Charger, this time came when he lost control and crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck–an absolute epic fail. 

A video of the rather unfortunate incident was shared on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit.

Charging Charger Fails

As could be seen in the video, which was posted on the subreddit by Model Y owner u/Hammer_of_something, a group of teens in a Dodge Charger decided to do some burnouts at a Tesla Supercharger. Unfortunately, the driver of the Charger failed in his burnout or donut attempt, resulting in the mopar sedan going over a curb and bumping a charging Cybertruck.

Ironically, the Dodge Charger seemed to have been parked at a Supercharger stall before its driver decided to perform the failed stunt. This suggests that the vehicle was likely ICE-ing a charging stall before it had its epic fail moment. Amusingly enough, the subreddit member noted that the Cybertruck did not seem like it took any damage at all despite its bump. The Charger, however, seemed like it ran into some trouble after crashing into the truck.

Alleged Aftermath

As per the the r/TeslaLounge subreddit member, the Cybertruck owner came rushing out to his vehicle after the Dodge Charger crashed into it. The Model Y owner then sent over the full video of the incident, which clearly showed the Charger attempting a burnout, failing, and bumping into the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck owner likely appreciated the video, in part because it showed the driver of the Dodge Charger absolutely freaking out after the incident.

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The Cybertruck is not an impregnable vehicle, but it can take bumps pretty well thanks to its thick stainless steel body. Based on this video, it appears that the Cybertruck can even take bumps from a charging Charger, all while chilling and charging at a Supercharger. As for the teens in the Dodge, they likely had to provide a long explanation to authorities after the incident, since the cops were called to the location.

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Anti-Elon Musk group crushes Tesla Model 3 with Sherman tank–with unexpected results

Ironically enough, the group’s video ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

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Credit: Led By Donkeys/X

Anti-Elon Musk protesters and critics tend to show their disdain for the CEO in various ways, but a recent video from political action group Led By Donkeys definitely takes the cake when it comes to creativity.

Ironially enough, the group’s video also ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Tank vs. Tesla

In its video, Led By Donkeys featured Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran who served in the British army during World War II. The veteran stated that Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is “using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars.” 

He also noted that he had a message for the Tesla CEO: “We’ve crushed fascism before and we’ll crush it again.” To emphasize his point, the veteran proceeded to drive a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Model 3 sedan, which, of course, had a plate that read “Fascism.” 

The heavy tank crushed the Model 3’s glass roof and windows, much to the delight of Led By Donkeys’ commenters on its official YouTube channel. But at the end of it all, the aftermath of the anti-Elon Musk demonstration ended up showcasing something positive for the electric vehicle maker.

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Tesla Model 3 Tanks the Tank?

As could be seen from the wreckage of the Tesla Model 3 after its Sherman encounter, only the glass roof and windows of the all-electric sedan were crushed. Looking at the wreckage of the Model 3, it seemed like its doors could still be opened, and everything on its lower section looked intact.

Considering that a standard M4 Sherman weighs about 66,800 to 84,000 pounds, the Model 3 actually weathered the tank’s assault really well. Granted, the vehicle’s suspension height before the political action group’s demonstration suggests that the Model 3’s high voltage battery had been removed beforehand. But even if it hadn’t been taken off, it seemed like the vehicle’s battery would have survived the heavy ordeal without much incident.

This was highlighted in comments from users on social media platform X, many of whom noted that a person in the Model 3 could very well have survived the ordeal with the Sherman. And that, ultimately, just speaks to the safety of Tesla’s vehicles. There is a reason why Teslas consistently rank among the safest cars on the road, after all.

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Tesla Model 3 driver is using FSD to travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp

The ambitious, nearly 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Tesla FSD journey is being livestreamed on Chinese social media.

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Credit: Douyin 老高懂电车

Count on Tesla drivers in China to push Full Self Driving (FSD) as far as it could go. As could be seen in videos posted on Chinese social media, a brave Model 3 owner is currently going on an epic journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest on FSD.

Recent posts from the Model 3 driver suggest that the ambitious destination may be within reach.

Epic FSD Journey

As noted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Aaron Li, the journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest spans almost 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The journey itself is epic, with stunning vistas and roads that require some drivers to bring oxygen canisters with them. The fact that it is being done using FSD makes it extra impressive. 

Based on the videos that have been recently shared, the Model 3 running FSD seems to be nearing the Everest Base Camp. There seems to be a good chance that the Tesla Model 3 may reach its destination this Friday.

Previous Everest Trips

This is not the first time that a Tesla has driven to Mt. Everest’s base camp.  That would be a Model 3 that was driven in September 2020. That vehicle, which went on a long 5,500 km (3,400-mile) journey, was manually driven to its destination. 

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In April 2021, Tesla China announced that it has completed the buildout of 11 Supercharger stations in the picturesque route from Chengdu to Tingri. This route would allow drivers to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest. Sure enough, in July 2022, Tesla China shared a video of two Teslas—a Model X and Model Y—reaching the Everest base camp without any issues. Numerous other Tesla drivers have since taken on the long, picturesque journey.

Check out this Tesla Model Y’s journey to the Mt. Everest base camp in the video below.

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