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Tesla Model S P100D slays twin Dodge Challenger SRT Demons in drag race

[Credit: Tesla Racing Channel/YouTube]

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There is something satisfying about seeing two incredibly powerful cars taking on each other at the drag strip. In the case of the Tesla Model S P100D and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, any battle involving these two vehicles are always bound to be compelling. This is because the two vehicles have quite a lot of history between them.

Back in February 2017, auto publication Motor Trend crowned the Tesla Model S P100D with Ludicrous Mode as the first production car that was able to break the 2.3-second barrier. In the publication’s test, the all-electric family sedan was able to hit the 60 mph mark in precisely 2.275507139 seconds. A few months after this, Dodge took the wraps off its premier muscle car, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, a vehicle designed to dominate the drag strip completely. During the Demon’s unveiling, Dodge executives noted that the 840-hp monster (808 hp without 100 octane racing fuel) would be quicker from 0-60 than the Tesla Model S P100D. Dodge also revealed the Demon’s performance results in the quarter-mile, and they were nothing short of incredible. Zero to 60 in 2.1 seconds, 0-100 mph in 5.1 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 9.65 seconds at 140 mph.

As later bouts with the Model S P100D would later show, pulling out all the potential of the Dodge Demon takes a very skilled driver and a particular set of conditions. This was evident during Dodge’s 2.1-second 0-60 run, which was conducted on a regulation drag strip that was coated with sticky resin. This gave the monster muscle car extra grip, preventing it from spinning out and losing precious milliseconds. Motor Trend‘s test of the P100D, on the other hand, was conducted on regular dry asphalt.

Thus, if conditions are preferable, and if the Dodge Demon hooks, it should have no problem beating the Model S P100D. As a recent video from the Tesla Racing Channel would show, the Model S P100D won’t go down easily even if the Dodge Demon does not run into any traction issues.

Tesla Racing Channel has been around for a while, at one point even racing with a gutted Model S P100D, which was able to stand toe-to-toe even with the most extreme fossil fuel-powered drag cars. This time around, though, the veteran electric racer took a stock Model S P100D to the track, to see how well it does on bracket racing. Bracket Racing is a form of drag racing that places a premium on the consistency of the driver and car’s performance. To win in Bracket Races, drivers need to excel in reaction times, as well as hitting the finish line as close to their dial-in time as possible. In the case of Model S P100D and the Dodge Demon, the drivers opted for a dial-in time of 11.0 seconds.

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Tesla Model S P100D vs Dodge Demon drag race results. [Credit: Tesla Racing Channel/YouTube]

The first race involved the Model S P100D completely dominating the Dodge Demon, crossing the finish line at 10.837 seconds (0.163 seconds off the dial-in time). The Demon, for its part, crossed the quarter-mile mark in 11.185 seconds (0.185 seconds off the dial-in time). The Dodge Demon in the next race actually performed better, catching up to the Model S P100D midway through the race. The Demon’s driver seemed to have gotten a bit overexcited, though, causing the muscle car to “break-out.” Breaking out happens when a racer crosses the finish line in less time than the dial-in time. This happened to the second Demon’s driver, who missed the 11.0 dial-in time by 0.307 seconds. Exhibiting his veteran drag racing skills, the Model S P100D driver actually braked close to the finish line, crossing the quarter-mile mark in 10.941 seconds, just 0.059 seconds off the dial-in time.

Overall, the Model S P100D’s recent races with the twin Dodge Demons exhibited just how quick and consistent Tesla’s electric cars are in terms of their performance. With an experienced driver behind the wheel, even Tesla’s family sedan becomes a monster of its own on the drag strip – one that takes a perfect set of conditions and a perfect setup to beat.

Watch Tesla Racing Channel‘s battle with the twin Dodge Challenger SRT Demons 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 brings perhaps the coolest interior feature to cars in latest update

Tesla adds on to the “fun” aspect of its vehicles.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has brought perhaps the coolest interior feature to its cars in a new update that is rolling out to vehicles now.

The feature will require a newer vehicle that has interior ambient lighting, which is present on the new Model S, Model X, Model 3 “Highland,” and Model Y “Juniper.” The Cybertruck also has ambient lighting strips throughout.

Tesla Model Y’s ambient lighting design changes revealed in leaked video

With the Version 2025.26+ Software Update, Tesla is rolling out a new “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music” feature, which is available on the Tesla Toybox:

To enable the feature, you’ll access the Toybox, choose “Light Sync,” and then choose “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music.”

Although it does not improve the performance of the vehicle, it is yet another example of Tesla making one of the coolest cars out there. This is truly a cool add-on that can be used to impress your friends and family.

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xAI, Musk Foundation helps schools near Memphis supercomputer site

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

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(Credit: xAI)

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI and the Musk Foundation have been supporting Memphis-Shelby County Schools with HVAC repairs and facility upgrades, while also funding youth programs for students in the area. 

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

xAI’s school visits lead to facility repairs

Representatives from xAI visited John P. Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School, all of which are located near its Colossus supercomputer site, to assess HVAC systems, plumbing, gym facilities, and athletic fields. The visits resulted in a list of priority repairs, some of which were completed in April and May.

In addition to the repairs, xAI also shared a number of initiatives that are planned for students in the area, as stated in a Commercial Appeal report.

“xAI is working on providing STEM workshops for local students, donating equipment to technical training programs, and supporting job fairs to boost employment opportunities. These initiatives reflect xAl’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” xAI noted in a statement.

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Musk Foundation donation

Apart from xAI, the Musk Foundation also donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, enabling the reopening of two club sites located at Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School. Both locations had closed earlier this year due to lapses in funding. As per xAI, the Musk Foundation’s donation allows clubs to reopen for almost 1,000 students. 

The donation will fund staffing, supplies, and transportation, among others. “Kids are the future of humanity,” Elon Musk said in a statement, adding that students need “every chance to shoot for the stars.”

“We’re honored to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in reopening these sites, giving kids in underserved communities the tools to build brighter futures,” Musk said.

The gift was praised by local officials, including Boys & Girls Clubs board chair Michael Garriga, who stated that the “commitment will ensure the youth of our community have the opportunities they need to develop their skills and talents to become successful students and future citizens.”

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EV fans urge Tesla to acquire Unplugged Performance for edge in fleet and security industry

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles.

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Credit: Unplugged Performance

A growing number of Tesla enthusiasts and longtime community voices are calling on the electric vehicle maker to acquire Unplugged Performance, a California-based aftermarket company best known for tuning Tesla vehicles and developing specialized government fleet solutions under its UP.FIT division.

The idea was once considered a niche proposal among EV fans, but it is now gaining serious attention not just as a performance play but as a strategic move to deepen Tesla’s roots in the fleet and security industry. 

A strategic fit

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, from track-optimized components to visual and aerodynamic upgrades. But in recent years, its UP.FIT division has pivoted toward a more functional future by outfitting Tesla vehicles like Model Ys for police, military, and government use.

That work has sparked growing calls for closer collaboration with Tesla, especially as the EV maker increasingly leans into autonomy, AI, and fleet services as core components of its next chapter.

“I posted this four years ago, but I think it’s more true now than ever,” wrote Whole Mars Catalog, a well-known Tesla investor and FSD Beta tester, on X. “Tesla should buy Unplugged. But not just as a Performance division. What they are doing with UP.FIT unlocks large government and commercial fleet purchases that can improve utilization.”

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Tesla fans such as shareholder Sawyer Merritt echoed the sentiment, calling Unplugged a “great fit within Tesla.” adding, “They are literally located directly next to Tesla’s design studio in Hawthorne.”

Enabling the next wave

Supporters of the idea noted that integrating Unplugged into Tesla’s corporate structure could help accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in government sectors. With UP.FIT patrol cars already in use across some U.S. police departments, Tesla fans envisioned a future where self-driving Teslas could potentially revolutionize law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and public service logistics.

“Just imagine how autonomous patrol cars could transform policing and bring us into a safer future,” the veteran FSD tester wrote.

The benefits could also extend to Tesla’s existing consumer base. “They also have some incredible products in the works that I think will appeal to many ordinary Tesla drivers — not just those looking for performance or mods. Stuff that’s so good it should have come straight from the design studio next door,” Whole Mars Catalog noted.

Unplugged Performance, founded in 2013, shares not just a product vision with Tesla, but also geography. Its Hawthorne headquarters sits directly adjacent to Tesla’s design studio, and the two companies have maintained a close working relationship over the years. The aftermarket firm has long positioned itself as a “mission-aligned” partner to Tesla.

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In response to the recent calls for acquisition, Unplugged Performance acknowledged the support from the community. “Our very existence is to support the Tesla mission with @UpfitTesla and @UnpluggedTesla,” Unplugged CEO Ben Schaffer posted on X. “We love working with Tesla and are grateful for the community’s support since 2013!”

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