autoevolution
 

Alfa-Romeo 4C Battles Another 4C Towed by a Tesla Model X in Drag Race

I see you bought yourself a sports car, huh? It's got carbon fiber everything, nice sounding exhaust, rear-wheel-drive and the mandatory flashy body color. But, the question is, is it any good at accelerating off the line?
Tesla drag race with Alfa 4C 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from Facebook
With a 4.5 seconds time for the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint, you'd think it would be. Yes, it does only come with a 1.75-liter turbo engine, but it's got 241 hp and weighs as much as a bulimic on a diet - just over 1,000 kg or 2,200 lb. That has got to be a winning combination when it comes to gaining speed, right?

Well, 4.5 seconds is a perfectly decent time. Claiming such a performance on a production model with a sub 2-liter engine a few years ago would have been impossible, so the Alfa 4C deserves some credit. Not to mention that its short wheelbase and low weight also make it extremely fun in the bends, which is where a sports car truly shines. However, it must hold its ground in a drag race as well. Especially when up against a lumbering SUV such as the Tesla Model X.

But a Tesla on a drag strip isn't a new thing anymore. Gone are the days when electric cars were synonym to poor performances, and we largely have Tesla to thank for that. In fact, seeing one of these EVs next to you with just a 1/4 of a mile track in front is something very few vehicles don't find scary. But this race has been, how should I put it, rigged.

On the left, we have a red Alfa Romeo 4C Spider which we can only assume is stock. On the right, there's an identical one, only yellow. If at first it seems like it's been jacked up, that's because it's sitting on a trailer. Don't worry, nothing bad happened to it - in fact, it's going to win this race. And that's because it's got a Tesla Model X P90D with ludicrous mode engaged pulling it. Yes, it would appear that the low weight is Alfa's doom and its saving grace at the same time. Well, at least when it's competing against an EV towing its twin brother, that is.

The video was shared by Sterling Anderson - former director of Tesla's Model X Program and now in charge of the Autopilot Program - on his Facebook page, who also made the (now obvious) realization that some cars will get faster across the finish line if they're towed by a Model X. And now we know.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Vlad Mitrache
Vlad Mitrache profile photo

"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories