Hell-No! Tesla P85D Crushes Challenger Hellcat!
In the realm of horsepower-per-dollar spent, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat can hardly be beat. It’s in your face, it’s fast, and it’s cheap. It’s designed to handle 100 degree days at the drag strip without an issue. But, it’s also difficult to launch the rear-wheel drive coupe with 707 hp.
The Tesla Model S P85D, on the other hand, is incredibly easy to drag race. All you have to do is mash the go pedal and nearly 700 lb-ft of torque is instantly available to all four wheels. Before you know it you’re at ludicrous speed and need to hit the brakes.
In this epic matchup, the Challenger Hellcat is facing the P85D in a 1/4 mile run. But what this video really illustrates is how difficult 707 hp can be to get down the track. It appears the Challenger is a 6-speed manual, but he just can’t get traction from the rear tires.
When Motor Trend tested the Challenger (automatic), they had to roll into the throttle from a second gear start to get the best time. It looks like this driver used the factory launch control (which is basically just a pre-set RPM for the clutch drop) and just kept his foot in it. Instead of an 11 second 1/4 mile, it takes him over 17 seconds.
It’s a great matchup, and one we’d like to see again in the future once the Hellcat driver is a bit more used to the car.