Tesla Model S Plaid vs. dark Dodge Challenger in Las Vegas: a humiliating race defeat - not once, but twice
- The Tesla Model S Plaid has been dominating the drag strip
- Tesla’s 1,020HP EV beast has decimated almost every opponent
- A Dodge Challenger decided to take the Tesla on
Published on May 09, 2025 at 6:19 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on May 08, 2025 at 8:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Tesla Model S Plaid has been taking on all comers on the drag strip as of late.
America’s premier EV marque first released the performance trim in June 2021.
And it’s been making a habit of embarrassing its ICE-powered rivals on the quarter-mile.
A Dodge Challenger decided to try its luck against the Model S – and it didn’t end well for one of them.
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For the past couple of years, the Tesla Model S Plaid EV has been the scourge of many.
In particular, the 1,020HP variant can accelerate from 0-60MPH in 1.99 seconds.
Of course, this makes it the ideal track weapon for dominating the drag strip.
However, one man decided to try and unseat the Model S Plaid on his own.
And he brought a deep purple Dodge Challenger to the party.
This iconic, ICE-powered muscle car has long been one of the kings of the quarter mile.
The YouTube channel Wheels Plus recently published an extremely cool video.
And it comes to us from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Bear in mind the fact that this is just a bone-stock Challenger R/T taking on the Tesla.
And, to put it simply, the first race kind of reflects that very accurately.
By the time both cars get off the line, the result is already inevitable.
The Tesla finishes the race in 9.51 seconds, as opposed to the lumbering 12.26 seconds of the Dodge.
Channelling his inner Rocky Balboa, the Challenger owner returns for round two.
And he promptly receives another beating from the dominant Tesla.
This second race sees the Model S Plaid finish in just 9.58 seconds.
By contrast, the Dodge Challenger can only complete the quarter mile in 12.31 seconds.
As you have probably guessed by now, there wasn’t any desire for a third race.
It is starting to appear clear that the Tesla Model S Plaid might be the reigning king of the drag strip.
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Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
