When you watch a classic 1/4-mile drag race between two of the fastest production cars ever made in human history, like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lamborghini Revuelto, you expect nothing but adrenaline from witnessing such a titanic battle. While this certainly has such high-octane moments, it's not without breakdowns and drama.
Now, let's meet our tarmac warriors. First, we have Elon's fastest baby, the Model S Plaid, which a Tesla-specialized German company has modified to mimic the official Track Package and then some. The latter costs between $15,000 and $20,000 and includes better brakes, wheels, and tires. The garage upgraded the brakes, installed some underbody additions, and lowered it to make it more aerodynamic.
Its three electric motors still output the factory 1,020 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft or 1,420 Nm of torque. Because it's an EV, it weighs quite a bit, at 4,828 lbs. or 2,190 kilograms. The price tag dangles at around 115,630 British pounds, equivalent to 147,335 US dollars. However, if you go on Tesla's website you'll find the Plaid closer to $90,000.
Tesla is confident that the tri-motor all-wheel drive system can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds, provided you subtract the first foot of rollout. The Plaid's top speed is 200 mph or 322 kilometers per hour. The manufacturer also claims it can finish the 1/4-mile in just 9.23 seconds at 155 mph (249 kph). Its estimated range is between 320 and 359 miles or 515 and 578 kilometers.
Photo: carwow
Behind the wheel is dear old Mat Watson from the "carwow" YouTube channel. He admits to hating the yoke's button placement because he continually presses them by accident, which happens throughout the entire show.
With a $600,000+ price tag in the United States, we have the infinitely more exciting Lamborghini Revuelto. This proper supercar has a 6.5-liter V12 engine that can output 814 hp (825 ps) and 535 lb-ft (725 Nm) of torque. However, due to its triple-threat electric motors, it produces 187 more hp and 248 pound-feet (336 Newton-meters) of torque. Add them all up, and you get a whopping 1,001 hp or 1,015 ps and 794 lb-ft or 1,076 Nm of torque.
The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission system directs that brute force to all four wheels. It also weighs considerably less than the Plaid, at 3,913 lbs. or 1,775 kg. The spec sheet says it should hit 60 mph in 2.3 seconds and finish the quarter-mile in 9.7 seconds while having a top speed of 218 mph (351 kph).
They were off to the races after a proper soundcheck from the Lambo. However, while the Tesla won by quite a margin, it didn't count because the Revuelto driver wasn't in the proper 1,001-hp mode but in Hybrid mode, so they did it again. Sadly, it didn't make a difference, with the Tesla crossing the finish line first.
Before they could go for another round, the Tesla refused to cooperate and simply broke down, so to speak. The operating system automatically disabled the traction and stability control systems out of nowhere. The brakes got very hot, and the dashboard displayed the alarming "Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable" message. After a quick chat with the owner, Mat performed an old sacred ritual called "Turn it off and then on again," which proved successful. Fussy EVs, what can you do...?
Photo: carwow
Off they went for another go, with the Lambo dominating the first half while the Tesla caught up just in time for a photo finish. It turns out that the Revuelto won by a hair. Mat changed his mind again and made this the first official race, which means the first two didn't count, and the Lambo had 1-0.
The official second race went to the Tesla by several car lengths. After a short break, the Lambo's wheels allegedly got cold, so while trying to perform a donut, it was the supercar's turn to make a hissy fit and stop responding properly. The ESC or stabilization control and the Driver assist systems went faulty, which made the car unable to race. It could drive slowly, but only up to 4,000 RPM. Funnily enough, the Tesla started acting up again, which meant they both were reduced to very expensive racing paperweights while trying to figure out what was wrong.
After turning them off, letting them rest, and restarting them like a 1990s Internet router, it was time for the third official race. They both had a great start, with the Revuelto leading the race, but the Model S Plaid crossed the finish line first in 9.8 seconds, while the Italian menace did it in 9.9 seconds.
With the super EV winning the quarter-mile competition, it was time for a half-mile roll race. After all was said and done, the Tesla came out on top 2-1. The last trial involved braking from 100 mph or 161 kph, where the Model S Plaid won again by at least two car lengths.
The slightly upgraded EV dominated each event, which makes an interesting price vs. performance point. Obviously, a car isn't the sum of its 1/4-mile or 0 to 60 mph figures, but when you weigh the almost four times price difference (3.86 multiplier factor), you can't help but wonder if the extra $422k is indeed worth it.
Codrin just loves American classics, from the 1940s and ‘50s, all the way to the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s. In his perfect world, we'll still see Hudsons and Road Runners roaming the streets for years to come (even in EV form, if that's what it takes to keep the aesthetic alive). Full profile
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