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Tesla Model 3 performance duels Dodge Viper GTS in multiple rolling races

(Credit: DamienG Videos!/YouTube)

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A Tesla Model 3 Performance recently challenged one of America’s most iconic muscle cars, a 2001 Dodge Viper GTS with a fully-built engine. The Dodge Viper holds an esteemed and notorious place among muscle cars, mainly due to its reputation as a racecar for the streets.

Tesla Model 3 owner and car enthusiast DamienG Videos! of YouTube previously tested his 1997 Viper against his all-electric sedan from Silicon Valley. In his previous test, which could be accessed here, the Model 3 proved dominant, walking all over his Viper during multiple rolling races. So impressed was the auto enthusiast (and so strong was the reaction from the Viper community) that he issued an invitation to other Vipers that may be interested in racing his electric car.

It did not take long before a Viper owner took up the offer. This time around, the vehicle was a yellow 2001 Dodge Viper GTS with a fully-built motor. The muscle car has not been tested on a dyno, but the owner of the car noted that the vehicle had at least 500+ whp. This makes the muscle car very impressive, considering that a stock version of the 2001 Dodge Viper GTS features a bold 450 horsepower V-10 engine, which allowed it to hit 60 mph in just 4 seconds flat.

The vehicle’s racecar DNA is also evident in its credentials, as shown by the car’s race-modified siblings: three consecutive European FIA GT-2 championships, two consecutive class championships at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the inaugural American Le Mans championship, as well as a historic overall championship at the 2000 24 Hours of Daytona. The vehicle, which performed very well both on and off track, was well-received by the US auto community, though it also got a reputation for being a dangerous car to drive.

In a way, the Dodge Viper could be considered the very antithesis of the Tesla Model 3 Performance. While the Viper is loud, the Model 3 is stealthy. While the Dodge has a penchant for being a deadly machine in the hands of inexperienced drivers, the Tesla proudly stands as one of the safest vehicles on the road. While these two vehicles do have their differences, the Viper and Model 3 Performance also have similarities. After all, they are both insanely fast cars.

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The Model 3 Performance is equipped with dual motors that produce a combined 450 hp and 471 lb-ft of torque. This allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The electric car is also equipped with a dedicated Track Mode feature, making it the only vehicle in Tesla’s lineup that is made to be driven in a closed circuit.

Similar to the first test involving a 1997 Dodge Viper, the Model 3 owner opted to do a series of rolling races. This levels the playing field for the Viper somewhat as both cars are already moving at a steady pace before the race even begins. As the Model 3 Performance and the 2001 Dodge Viper GTS went head to head in multiple rolling races, it became evident that the results would be quite similar as before. The Model 3 dominated the Viper GTS, and it was only until both vehicles started at 60 mph that the Detroit-made muscle car was able to overtake the Silicon Valley-made electric car.

The Tesla Model 3 Performance, while essentially being a computer on wheels, has the makings and spirit of a classic American muscle car. It has a lot of torque, it accelerates impressively, and its handling is top-notch. This combination of strengths, together with its capability to get improved through over-the-air updates, has allowed the electric sedan to outrun vehicles like the Dodge Demon and the Ferrari 458 on the 1/8-mile.

Watch the Tesla Model 3 Performance duel a Dodge Viper GTS 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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