Certain races leave us scratching our heads, and this is one of them. At the Colorado National Speedway, a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck went head to head with a 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport.
A sports car is a sports car or it isn’t, regardless of power. Pickup trucks, especially electric ones, are heavy and can easily understeer in corners. Despite this, the Cybertruck has an impressive profile: it has a tri-motor setup, and an incredible 845 horsepower (857 metric horsepower). It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in just 2.6 seconds and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in just 2.6 seconds, making it sound like a sports car.
However, in this scenario, it was up against a 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 330 horsepower (335 metric horsepower). A six-speed manual transmission delivers power to the rear wheels, propelling the Corvette from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
On paper, the Tesla Cybertruck seemed poised for victory. However, the Circle Drags at Colorado National Speedway told a different story. Michael, the Cybertruck driver, relied on the instant torque from his electric powertrain, while Robert, driving the Corvette, counted on the enduring legacy of America’s sports car.
Michael took an early lead into the first corner as the race began. But on the straightaway, the Corvette gained ground. Robert, seizing an opportunity in Turn 3, forced Michael and his Cybertruck wide, allowing the Corvette to take the lead. The crowd roared as the Chevy crossed the finish line first on the 3/8-mile oval.
Tesla has previously implied that their Cybertruck could outperform purebred sports cars. On November 30, they released a video showing the Cybertruck besting a Porsche 911 while towing another 911 on a platform.
However, it’s crucial to note that the rival in the video was not a Porsche 911 Turbo S, and the drag race was arranged by Tesla. So, it’s wise to take such claims with skepticism.