With the Tesla Model 3 getting all the attention these days, you'd expect the Model S to sit back and let its little brother preach the Palo Alto electric ways. However, when you're dealing with a vehicle that comes with a Ludicrous mode, don't expect it to play nice.
The latest spotlight-worthy move of the Model S comes all the way from Australia, where a P90D has recently visited the airport. No, we're not talking about a low-carbon drive to the airport for some important figure.
Instead, the all-electric machine has entered the runway with official business, as it raced a Boeing 737. The Avalon airport, which is found just outside Melbourne, served as the battlefield for this less-than-average drag race.
The Tesla went up against a 737 coming from Qantas, Australia's national carrier. While the car was manhandled by pro driver Tony D'Alberto, the plane was piloted by Captain Steve Gist and Captain Kevin Tonge.
Using the Ludicrous mode mentioned above, the Tesla Model S grabbed the start, maintaining a strong lead for the first quarter of the insane (no acceleration mode pun intended) battle. The metallic bird then started catching up, with the 737 passing the Tesla just as it took off.
As you can imagine, this was a well-orchestrated stunt - while the Model S tops out at 155 mph (250 km/h), the plane takes off at 161 mph (259 km/h).
There's also an excuse for holding such a race, namely a partnership between Tesla and Qantas. Some of the points included will see Tesla high power charging stations being installed at the carrier's facilities in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, while Model S owners will receive certain benefits as Qantas Club members.
And with Qantas having a Future Planet green program, the company is using this to offset the carbon emissions from the race you're about to see.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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