The latest showdown from DragTimes delivered one of the most compelling EV-versus-internal-combustion battles yet, pitting a modified Tesla Model S Plaid against Chevrolet’s formidable Corvette C8 ZR1X at Arizona’s Apex Motor Club.
The rematch carried extra significance because the ZR1X had already established dominance during its previous DragTimes appearance at TX2K, where it defeated three different Tesla Model S Plaids in quarter-mile competition. That performance reinforced the Corvette’s reputation as one of the quickest production cars ever built and set the stage for Tesla enthusiasts seeking redemption.
This time, however, the challenger was no ordinary Plaid. The 2026 Model S featured a performance tune adding nearly 200 horsepower, bringing output to approximately 1,200 horsepower. Additional upgrades included lightweight wheels, ceramic brakes, and roughly 160 pounds of weight reduction, creating a significantly more potent package than the stock Plaids that previously fell to the ZR1X.
Held on the 3,500-foot straight at Apex Motor Club near Phoenix, the contest was further influenced by intense Arizona heat. While high temperatures tend to favor electric vehicles, they can challenge turbocharged combustion engines, giving the Tesla a potential advantage.
The opening race went to the modified Plaid, which capitalized on its instant torque and optimized setup. The Corvette answered back in race two with an improved launch and a narrow victory. In the decisive third run, the Tesla regained control after the ZR1X experienced wheelspin during a gear change, securing a two-to-one victory in the quarter-mile series.
The Plaid also claimed the roll race, completing its revenge mission after Tesla’s earlier defeats at TX2K. Although the ZR1X once again demonstrated extraordinary performance, the tuned Tesla ultimately proved that strategic modifications, weight reduction, and favorable conditions were enough to overturn the previous result and hand the electric sedan a hard-earned overall victory.
Source: DragTimes
