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Tesla Model Y Drag Races Jeep Trackhawk, There Can Be Only One Winner

The Jeep Grand Cherokee in Trackhawk specification has no equivalent other than the Dodge Durango with the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8. But as you already know, internal combustion has its limitations in terms of peak performance.
Tesla Model Y Drag Races Jeep Trackhawk 5 photos
Photo: Edmunds on YouTube
Tesla Model Y Drag Races Jeep TrackhawkTesla Model Y Drag Races Jeep TrackhawkTesla Model Y Drag Races Jeep TrackhawkTesla Model Y Drag Races Jeep Trackhawk
A blown V8 like the engine in the Trackhawk delivers 645 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 revs, translating to 3.5 seconds to 60 mph. An electric motor delivers peak torque pretty much instantly, giving performance EVs like the dual-motor Tesla Model Y the edge in a straight line as far as on-paper specs are concerned.

Edmunds wanted to verify these claims in the real world, and so, the motoring publication has pitted the Performance against the Trackhawk in a series of tests. We should point out that the GC is at a disadvantage in terms of weight because it tips the scales at 5,387 pounds or 968 more than the Y.

The Tesla also happens to crank out fewer horsepower and pound-feet than the Hellcat-engined Jeep utility vehicle, but it’s considerably more aerodynamic. These being said, the first drag race performed by Edmunds appears to be a win for ICE yet the Tesla Model Y has the last laugh over the quarter-mile finish line.

Race #2 sees the Palo Alto-built electric SUV accelerate faster off the line and holding to the lead until the end. From a roll, it’s the Model Y Performance that has the legs yet again. The best results posted by Edmunds are 11.8 seconds at 115 miles per hour, 108 feet for the 60-to-zero braking test, and 0.95 lateral G on the skidpad for the Tesla. In terms of zero to 60 miles per hour, 3.7 seconds for both utility vehicles is an outstanding figure given their size and curb weight.

The Jeep is love at first sight for its sound alone, tops out at a higher speed than the Model X Performance, and it can also handle a bit of off-road driving. At the end of the day, however, gas-guzzling V8 powerplants are slowly but steadily on their way out because CAFE 2025 regulations target a fleet average of 54.5 mpg.

Even Fiat Chrysler has acknowledged it. Tim Kuniskis, the head honcho of Dodge, said that the absolute future is electrification for the Charger and Challenger without going into further detail about the level of e-assistance.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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