Electric cars have come a long way in recent years, with Tesla leading the charge in terms of performance and innovation. One area where electric cars have traditionally lagged behind their gas-guzzling counterparts is in drag racing, but that is starting to change. In this article, we will take a look at the evolution of Tesla's 1/4 mile times and how they stack up against the competition.
The Early Days: Tesla's First Attempts at Drag Racing
When Tesla first introduced the Model S in 2012, it was clear that the car was designed with performance in mind. The Model S P85 boasted a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds, which was impressive for an electric car at the time. However, when it came to the 1/4 mile, the Model S struggled to keep up with the fastest gas-powered cars.
That didn't stop Tesla enthusiasts from trying, though. In 2014, the first electric-only drag racing event was held in California, with several Tesla owners competing. The fastest time of the day was posted by a modified Model S, which completed the 1/4 mile in 12.3 seconds at 112 mph. While that was certainly impressive for an electric car, it was still well behind the fastest gas-powered cars.
The Arrival of Ludicrous Mode
In 2015, Tesla introduced Ludicrous Mode, which promised to take the Model S to a whole new level of performance. With Ludicrous Mode, the Model S P90D could hit 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars in the world. But how would it fare in the 1/4 mile?
It didn't take long to find out. In late 2015, a Tesla Model S P90D with Ludicrous Mode set a new record for the quickest production electric car in the 1/4 mile, completing the run in just 10.8 seconds at 122 mph. That was faster than some of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1960s, and it proved that electric cars could hold their own in drag racing.
The Rise of the Model 3 Performance
While the Model S continued to improve, Tesla introduced a new model in 2017 that would take the electric drag racing world by storm. The Model 3 Performance was designed to be a more affordable alternative to the Model S, but it still packed a punch in terms of performance.
When Car and Driver tested the Model 3 Performance in 2019, they were blown away by its performance on the drag strip. The car completed the 1/4 mile in just 12.1 seconds at 114 mph, making it the quickest car in its class. That's not bad for a car that starts at just $55,000.
Since then, Tesla has continued to improve the Model 3 Performance, with some owners reporting even faster times. One owner in Canada recently posted a time of 11.9 seconds in the 1/4 mile, which is faster than many high-performance sports cars.
The Future of Electric Drag Racing
As electric cars continue to evolve, it's clear that they will play a bigger role in drag racing. Tesla has already proven that electric cars can be just as fast as gas-powered cars, and other manufacturers are starting to follow suit. The Porsche Taycan, for example, has set a new record for the fastest 4-door electric car in the 1/4 mile, completing the run in just 10.7 seconds.
But it's not just about speed. Electric cars also offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered cars, which is becoming increasingly important in today's world. As more and more people switch to electric cars, we can expect to see electric drag racing become more popular and more competitive.
In conclusion, Tesla has come a long way in terms of drag racing performance. From the early days of the Model S to the current Model 3 Performance, Tesla has proven that electric cars can be just as fast and exciting as gas-powered cars. As electric cars continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more impressive 1/4 mile times in the future.
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