The much-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck began reaching customers in November 2023 after experiencing several delays. The electric truck made waves with its unconventional design, boasting bullet-resistant features and excellent traction. Initially, the Cybertruck gained fame for winning a drag race against a Porsche 911 while pulling the same car on a trailer, causing a stir among enthusiasts and competitors alike.
The initial shock from the demonstration was overshadowed by a wave of criticism accusing Tesla of deceptive practices. Allegations suggested that the company had concealed certain test conditions during the drag race. Confirming these suspicions, a recent independent test by a media outlet showed the Cybertruck losing to the same model Porsche 911, igniting further controversy.
Tesla Cybertruck Taken Head-on by Porsche 911
Comparing Top Specs and Slowest Model
American automotive publisher Motor Trend conducted a drag race on May 16 to replicate the initial contest between Tesla’s Cybertruck and the Porsche 911 at Sacramento Raceway Park, where Tesla’s original video was filmed. The Cybertruck used in the test was the high-performance Cyberbeast variant, boasting three motors with a combined output of 845 horsepower and 118.4kgf.m of torque, capable of sprinting to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.6 seconds. On the other hand, the Porsche 911 was represented by its Carrera T model, the lineup’s slowest variant with a manual transmission, delivering 385 horsepower and topping out at 291 km/h (181 mph).
Porsche 911 Outperforms Cybertruck in 1/4 Mile Showdown
Six Consecutive Wins for 911
During the Motor Trend test, the Porsche 911 outshone the Cybertruck by winning all six 1/4-mile races, with times ranging from 12.2 to 12.5 seconds, while the Cybertruck posted times between 12.7 to 12.9 seconds. This result contradicted Tesla’s claim that the Cybertruck was “faster than a Porsche 911.”
The 1/8 Mile Sprint: Porsche 911 Maintains Dominance
Cybertruck Secures Two Wins
In a shorter 1/8 mile sprint, the Porsche 911 emerged victorious in four out of six races with times between 7.9 to 8.2 seconds. The Cybertruck managed to claim only two wins with a narrow margin of about 0.1 seconds. Despite the unfavorable comparison in Tesla’s marketing video, the Cybertruck’s performance while towing a load of 1,918 kg (4,228 lbs) is still regarded as exceptional.
FAQs About the Tesla Cybertruck vs. Porsche 911 Drag Race Scenario
- When did the rematch of the Tesla Cybertruck vs. Porsche 911 drag race take place?
- The rematch conducted by Motor Trend took place on May 16.
- Which models of the Tesla Cybertruck and Porsche 911 were used in the rematch?
- The Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast trim with tri-motor setup and the Porsche 911 Carrera T with a manual transmission were the chosen models for the test.
- What were the 1/4 mile and 1/8 mile race results?
- The Porsche 911 won all six 1/4 mile sprints and four out of six 1/8 mile races against the Cybertruck.
- Did the rematch results disprove Tesla’s initial claim?
- Yes, the rematch demonstrated that the Cybertruck was not faster than the Porsche 911 under the tested conditions.
Conclusion
The outcome of the Tesla Cybertruck and Porsche 911 drag race rematch has ignited debate and scrutiny over Tesla’s marketing claims. Although the rematch portrayed the Cybertruck’s performance in a less favorable light, its capability to compete closely while towing a heavy load demonstrates the electric truck’s considerable performance attributes. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accurate representation in advertising, especially as electric vehicles become more prevalent in competitive automotive spaces.