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Tesla Model S flexes its muscles against S197 Ford Mustang GT in drag race

[Credit: Drag Racing and Car Stuff/YouTube]

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The Model S has been Tesla’s flagship sedan for years now, and through its numerous iterations, it has become synonymous with power and quickness, particularly in straight-line races. This became even more evident when Tesla started releasing its P-branded vehicles, which are equipped with dual motors that give the electric cars an added boost in performance. Eventually, Tesla also introduced software enhancements to its P-series cars, making them even faster.

Before the arrival of the fearsome Tesla Model S P100D, the electric car that struck fear into drivers of high-performance gas-powered vehicles was the Model S P90D, a sedan equipped with a 90 kWh battery pack. Without Tesla’s Ludicrous upgrade, the Model S P90D was already capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. With the addition of Ludicrous Mode through a software update, the Model S P90 became the first Tesla to hit 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. So daunting was the Model S P90D’s ferocity in the quarter-mile that it eventually became known as a “Ferrari Killer,” on account of the number of supercars it managed to beat in straight-line races.

Tesla no longer makes the Model S P90D, as the company’s flagship sedan is now the Model S P100D, which is equipped with an even bigger battery pack and even more insane acceleration. That being said, there are still a lot of Model S P90D driving around in America’s roads. One of these is a crimson, pre-facelift P90D that frequents the New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire. Just as it was during the pre-P100D days, the Model S P90D could be seen battling against some gasoline-powered high-performance cars on the drag strip.

One of these recent bouts was uploaded by YouTube’s Drag Racing and Car Stuff channel, which shares videos of races the that are held at the track. In one such run, the pre-facelift Model S P90D could be seen battling an S197 Ford Mustang GT that is modified to pass the quarter-mile-mark in 12 seconds. In a way, the battle between the two vehicles seemed to be a match between two American muscle cars — one gasoline-powered, one all-electric — both designed and developed in the United States.

The S197 Ford Mustang GT is the 5th generation of the iconic muscle car. Design to pay homage to the design and theme of the Mustangs of old, the S197 pretty much became the vehicle that resurrected the beloved pony car. Under the hood, the S197 Ford Mustang GT was equipped with an all-aluminum 4.6 L 3-valve SOHC Modular V8 engine with variable camshaft timing and a rugged Tremec TR-3650 transmission system. The Mustang GT’s engine produces 300 hp (224 kW) at 5750 rpm and 320 lb·ft (433 N·m) of at 4500 rpm, allowing the vehicle to roar from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and boast a quarter-mile time of 13.8 seconds.

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Just like the Mustangs of old, knowledgeable mechanics could easily improve the performance of the pony car, making it even faster. The S197 Ford Mustang GT that went against the Model S P90D at the New England Dragway was one of these, as the muscle car was tuned to hit the quarter-mile in just ~12 seconds.

That being said, when faced with the raw power and insane acceleration of a Tesla Model S P90D, the S197 Ford Mustang GT was ultimately forced to bow to the all-American, electric-powered “muscle car.” The Model S P90D’s instant torque immediately made a difference, allowing it to establish an early lead against the S197 GT, and it just continued pulling from there. The Mustang GT pulled a valiant effort, finishing the quarter-mile run in 12.96 seconds at 111.17 mph. Unfortunately, it was still outclassed by the Model S P90D, which ran the quarter mile in 11.29 seconds at 117.37 mph.

Tesla’s newest Performance-branded vehicle, the Model 3 Performance, is also starting to develop a reputation on the drag strip. Over the past weeks, the electric sedan has already competed against several vehicles, including a McLaren 570S, a Dodge Challenger R/T, an Infiniti G35 coupe, and even a Chevrolet Corvette C7 in the quarter-mile. Just like its larger siblings, the Model 3 Performance is proving to be quite a competitor in straight line races.

Watch the Model S P90D flex its muscles in a drag race against the S197 Ford Mustang GT 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 Semi futuristic sci-fi acceleration sound will never get old

Videos that capture the Semi moving at speed are most notable due to their sheer cool factor.

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Credit: Tesla Owners Silicon Valley/X

The Tesla Semi is not yet in mass production, but the company has accumulated over 7.9 million miles across its test fleet. With Tesla using the Semi for its operations, it is no surprise that sightings of the Class 8 all-electric truck have been abounding. 

These sightings from Tesla enthusiasts vary, but those that capture the the Class 8 all-electric truck moving at speed are most notable, possibly due to their sheer cool factor.

Tesla Semi’s Roar

There is something that just stands out with the Semi, particularly on the road. While the Semi does not have the Cybertruck’s brutalist, angular design, it is still very striking because it’s such a massive machine that moves far too quietly for its size. This is, of course, one of the reasons why the vehicle also becomes extra noteworthy when it fires up its electric motors and accelerates.

Take this video from Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, for example, which shows the all-electric hauler accelerating while pulling what appears to be a full load. In these situations, the Tesla Semi actually becomes audible, but unlike traditional diesel-powered truck, the Class 8 all-electric truck “roars” with its own, unique futuristic, sci-fi sound. In such situations, one could feel the Semi’s raw power, which comes from its three independent motors on its rear axles.

Tesla Semi Ramp

Tesla has been promoting the Semi quite a bit as of late, and recent reports have suggested that the company is putting in a lot of effort to prepare the vehicle for its production in Nevada. Tesla’s Careers website has gone live with over 80 Semi-related job openings recently as well, and a recent report has suggested that Tesla has ramped the Semi’s factory workers in Nevada to over 1,000 employees.

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The company has even shared an update video of the Semi factory’s progress near Giga Nevada, as well as the design of the vehicle’s new logo. The Semi’s updated logo is quite interesting as it features elements from the Tesla Model 3’s first logo, which was unveiled way back in 2016.

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Elon Musk jokes he will join Mr Beast’s “100 Men vs 1 Gorilla” challenge

It’s a good sign, if any, that the overworked Musk is becoming a bit more lighthearted again.

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Credit: Elon Musk/X

Following the first quarter Tesla earnings call, CEO Elon Musk seems to have become a bit more relaxed—relaxed enough to joke about fighting a gorilla with 99 other people, at least.

It’s a good sign, if any, that the overworked Musk is becoming a bit more lighthearted again and not too busy picking fights with politicians on social media.

The Viral 100 Men vs 1 Gorilla Challenge

Over the weekend, a post on social media platform X went viral. The post itself was quite simple, with user @DreamChasnMike stating that he thinks 100 men could beat one gorilla. “Everybody just gotta be dedicated to the sh*t,” the X user joked. The post exploded on the platform, garnering 284 million impressions as of writing.

The silly question also triggered a massive debate about whether 100 men would really stand a chance against a literal gorilla. Some users even lamented that the premise was a sign of male hubris. Nevertheless, the question proved to be a fun topic on X, with some more dedicated users even posting simulated videos of what the “100 Men vs 1 Gorilla Challenge” could look like. 

Mr. Beast and Elon Musk Join In

The premise is quite similar to other viral videos from noted YouTube creator Mr. Beast, so it was no surprise that edited images of Mr. Beast YouTube thumbnails with “100 Men vs a Gorilla” also started spreading on the social media platform. Mr. Beast, who tends to be game to such silly ideas, actually reposted the edited image, joking “Need 100 men to test this, any volunteers?”

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In true Elon Musk fashion, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO noted that he would join the challenge. “Sure, what’s the worst that could happen” Musk wrote in his post on X. Musk’s reply triggered quite a few laughs on X, with some stating that the world probably still needs the CEO.

While silly, Musk’s comment and his recent, more frequent posts about his companies’ products like Starlink and Grok have been received well by his supporters. Over the past months, after all, Musk has been very political and quite confrontational on social media. With Musk soon taking a step back from the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) daily operations, however, it seems like X will soon get a more tempered and lighthearted Elon Musk once more.

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Possible first glimpse of Tesla “Model 2” affordable car in Fremont Factory

The models that Tesla will release in the coming months will resemble the company’s current lineup.

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Image Credit: @metgodinwilderness7130/YouTube

During the Q1 earnings call, Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy set expectations on the design of the affordable models that the company is expected to launch this 2025. As per the Tesla executive, the models that Tesla will release in the coming months will resemble the company’s current lineup.

Drone footage from the Fremont Factory earlier this month might have provided the EV community its first potential glimpse at Tesla’s affordable cars–fondly dubbed by EV fans and analysts as the “Model 2” or even “Model Q”–or at least their components and overall shape.

The Sighting

Tesla watcher and drone operator Met God in Wilderness, who has been posting aerial videos of the Fremont Factory for years now, recently shared some footage from his drone flyovers this month. While the Fremont Factory was abuzz with activity as usual, a couple of rather strange vehicles were quickly spotted by EV watchers on social media.

During the drone operator’s flyover on the 17th, for example, an unfinished vehicle could be seen parked next to what appeared to be fully-built Model S and Model Y units. What was especially interesting was the vehicle’s roof, which seemed to be slightly narrower than the Model Ys around it. Based on the video, at least, the vehicle seemed to be shaped like a crossover as well.

Footage from the 24th of April also proved quite interesting, with the drone operator capturing footage of another cryptic vehicle. Unlike the mysterious, unfinished, crossover-esque car spotted on the 17th, this particular unit seemed to have a more sloping rear, at least based on the shape of its covering.

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What Lars Moravy Said

In Tesla’s Q1 2025 Update Letter, Tesla noted that “plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025.” Tesla also noted that the new vehicles will utilize aspects of its next generation and its current platforms. They will also be produced on the same manufacturing lines as its present vehicle lineup, likely the Model Y and Model 3. 

During the earnings call itself, Moravy specifically stated that the new models that would come out in the next months would resemble the company’s current vehicles. They will, however, be affordable. “Models that come out in next months will be built on our lines and will resemble, in form and shape, the cars we currently make. And the key is that they’ll be affordable, and you’ll be able to buy one,” Moravy stated.

Watch the drone operator’s footage from April 17 below.

The drone operator’s footage from April 24 can be viewed below.

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