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Tesla Model 3 Performance battles Dodge Challenger, Model X & Model S in multiple drag races

[Credit: DÆrik/YouTube]

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The Tesla Model 3 Performance might be the most affordable among the company’s performance-branded vehicles, but it is still a very quick driving machine in straight line races. This was recently proven on the drag strip, where the electric sedan battled a series of opponents including a Dodge Challenger R/T, a Tesla Model X 100D, and a Tesla Model S P100D with Ludicrous Mode.

The video of the races was posted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Erik Strait, who is also the host of YouTube’s DÆrik channel. The Model 3 Performance that Erik took to the strip was the same vehicle that he used for acceleration tests before. In a past test with the electric car’s battery fully charged, the Model 3 Performance was able to run from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.18 seconds according to VBOX data — and that’s with the vehicle being completely stock.

This time around, the Model 3 Performance was taken to the drag strip to compete, and its first challenger was a fellow Tesla — a Model X 100D. The Model 3 Performance’s 0-60 mph acceleration, which is listed at 3.5 seconds by Tesla, beats the Model X 100D’s listed 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. The two electric cars battled each other twice, and on both times, the Model 3 Performance came out on top, finishing the quarter mile in 11.81 seconds at 114.64 mph compared to the Model X 100D’s 12.86 seconds at 109.73 mph. 

Perhaps the most notable rival of the Model 3 Performance in DÆrik’s recent upload was a vehicle that is the complete antithesis of the electric sedan — a Dodge Challenger R/T. The Dodge Challenger is an iconic American muscle car with a lot of history, and its current iterations stay true to its roots. The Challenger R/T is equipped with either a 375 hp 5.7-liter or 485 hp V8 engine paired with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission.

Both drivers of the gas-powered Dodge Charger and the all-electric Model 3 Performance launched at the same time. Just a fraction of a second later, it was evident that the Tesla’s dual electric motors, which produce a combined 450 hp and 471 lb-ft of torque, was a key difference-maker. The Model 3 Performance got a headstart on the Challenger R/T, and then it just kept pulling away from there. The electric car finished the race in 11.85 seconds at 114.06 mph, while its gas-powered rival completed the run in 14.42 seconds at 99.53 mph.  

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After beating the Model X 100D and the Dodge Challenger R/T, the Model 3 Performance prepared to race Tesla’s fastest vehicle in the market today — the Model S P100D with Ludicrous Mode. The Tesla Model S P100D is a legendary electric car, capable of humiliating supercars in a consistent basis on the drag strip. The electric sedan is listed with a 0-60 mph time of below 2.5 seconds with Ludicrous Mode, which is a full second faster than the Model 3 Performance’s 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.

Unfortunately for the Model S P100D’s driver, he ended up having a hard time setting up the vehicle for a launch in Ludicrous Mode before the light turned green; thus, preventing the cars from having a proper side-by-side race. The results of the two runs show that the Model S P100D completed the quarter mile in 11.14 seconds at 121.17 mph, while the Model 3 Performance finished the run in 11.79 seconds at 115.07 mph.

The Model 3 Performance seems to be the first of Tesla’s new breed of vehicles. Equipped with the company’s newer, larger 2170 cells, the Model 3 Performance is actually capable of being driven on the track. The car even has an upcoming feature dubbed as “Track Mode,” which Elon Musk described as an “Expert User Mode” for the vehicle’s drivers.

Watch the Model 3 Performance battle a Dodge Challenger R/T, a Model X 100D, and a Model S P100D 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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Lifestyle

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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