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Motrolix

Watch A Tesla P85D Do A Little Autocross: Video

If somehow, even after the myriad drag race videos we’ve shared, you still haven’t quite seen enough of the range-topping Tesla Model S P85D engaging in motorsport combat against a few more orthodox petrol-burners, please find enclosed a compilation video from an autocross event, in which the electric performance sedan runs circles around some unsuspecting pylons.

(Skip ahead to about the 0:46 mark if you can’t be bothered to watch a Maserati GranTurismo do its thing.)

The video includes autocross footage from three different cars: a Maserati GranTurismo, the Tesla P85D, and a Nissan R35 GT-R. That makes it an excellent tool for observing the (quite heavy) Tesla’s handling in comparison to other performance cars, and we have to say: we’re impressed with it. Sure, there’s plenty of dive under braking – a lot more than exhibited by the Nissan – but laterally, the Tesla P85D remains nice and level despite the uneven suspension load.

In fact, the electric sedan looks quite a lot more stable along that axis than the Maserati, especially considering its extra weight and ride height.

Alas, there is a trade-off to the physics of making such a heavy electric car behave on the autocross track, and you can hear it drowning out all else throughout the entire clip. The tires on the Tesla P85D holler and scream in agony throughout the entire stint, more than the (also AWD) Nissan R35, and certainly more than the (RWD) Maserati.

Ah, well. If you can afford the Tesla P85D’s demanding sticker price, then chances are you’re the sort of person who can afford new tires after an event.

Aaron Birch is an automotive enthusiast and writer/filmmaker from Detroit, MI. As a rule, he only buys cars older than himself.

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