Tesla Model S P90D with Ludicrous Mode v Qantas Boeing 737:: Drag Race
To prove just how quick the Tesla Model S P90D with Ludicrous Mode is in a straight line, Tesla Motors Australia joined forces with Qantas — Australia's national carrier — to drag race its quickest electric vehicle against the workhorse of the Qantas fleet, the Boeing 737.
Perhaps encouraged by our epic drag race of a Tesla Model S P85D with Insane Mode against a production stripped-down V8 Supercars Holden Commodore, the drag race scene was set at Avalon Airport, just outside Melbourne.
The Boeing 737 was piloted by captain Steve Gist and captain Kevin Tonge, while professional race driver Tony D’Alberto was in charge of the Tesla Model S P90D.
The drag race started off with the Model S getting the jump on the Boeing 737 until around the three-quarter mark, where the 737 began clawing back, just passing the Model S before shooting off into the sky.
To put this drag race into perspective, the Tesla Model S P90D is powered by two electric motors that output 375kW of power at the front and 193kW at the rear. This combined output is limited only by the batteries and allows the car to propel to 100km/h from standstill in around 3.0 seconds.
The Model S P90D has a maximum speed of 250km/h and produces a combined 967Nm of torque. The Model S weighs around 2187kg in this configuration.
The Boeing 737 used by Qantas features two engines that can produce a combined 116.99kN (that's 116,990N) of thrust and can travel at a top speed of 853km/h. The 737 has a maximum takeoff weight of 79,015kg.
The whole idea behind the drag race was to kick off an initiative between Tesla and Qantas. Tesla has committed to offsetting its carbon emissions travelled on the Qantas network and has also committed to installed high power charging stations at Qantas valet facilities in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.
Tesla Model S owners will also get complimentary Qantas Club membership.
Qantas’ head of environment and fuel, Alan Milne, said the collaboration was a meeting of minds.
“Both our companies are passionate about continuing to push the boundaries of customer service, innovation and sustainability in the transport industry.
“We’re huge admirers of the way Tesla has transformed the electric car sector as a premium brand and we look forward to sharing our understanding and advance the work we started in 2012 on biofuels as an alternative to jet fuel.
“What better way to celebrate working together than having a unique race - car versus plane.”
MORE: Watch a Tesla Model S drag race a V8 Supercar
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