The Tesla Model S Plaid has proved to be a formidable drag racer. The electrical sedan’s triple-motor setup provides the automobile 1,020 horsepower, placing it in the identical efficiency class as modern-day hypercars. But it’s not invincible. A brand new video exhibits a gas-powered car, a tuned BMW M3 Competition, can nonetheless problem the last word EV for wins.

The M3 that traces up alongside the Tesla makes 1,039 hp, greater than double than it did when it left the manufacturing facility. Tom Wrigley Performance and R44 constructed the BMW, rising the horsepower by a number of upgrades to the twin-turbo straight-six engine. Those included improved cooling, a brand new exhaust system, upgraded turbochargers, and extra efficiency goodies.

The M3 needed to run on ethanol to maximise its output in opposition to the Tesla Model S. The EV’s triple-motor setup was barely much less potent than the BMW, nevertheless it did come to the race with all-wheel drive.

The pair competed in three drag races, and the primary run hinted on the struggle to come back. The BMW gained the opening race, crossing the end line in 9.7 seconds to the Tesla’s 10.2-second time. The Tesla gained the second and third races, beating the M3 by 0.1 seconds – 9.7 vs 9.8 seconds – however the BMW crossed the half-mile end line forward of the Model S.