--- title: "Elon Musk Calls Out Top Gear Over Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan Drag Race Results" description: "This isn't Musk's first war with the BBC's famous publication." date: "2019-11-04" modified: "2019-11-04" authors: - name: "Rob Stumpf" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/rob-stumpf" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/30830/elon-musk-calls-out-top-gear-over-tesla-model-s-porsche-taycan-drag-race-results" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Porsche News" - "Tesla News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "luxury" - "model s" - "sedan" - "Tesla" --- # Elon Musk Calls Out Top Gear Over Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan Drag Race Results ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* Last week, *Top Gear* released its full review on the all-new Porsche Taycan Turbo S, which included an updated drag race between the Taycan and the Tesla Model S Performance. While the staff was quick to defend the practicality of the Model S, it quickly crowned the Taycan the new king of performance EVs—something which Tesla CEO Elon Musk didn't take very well. In the first few minutes of the review, *Top Gear* host and Deputy Editor Jack Rix lined up the Tesla and Porsche side by side for a drag race to see which vehicle was faster in a straight line. Much to the surprise of many (Rix included), the [Taycan took the crown](). But as Tesla fans watched the review, they began to notice that a few details didn't line up. https://youtube.com/embed/F28i1D1OJ5o Specifically, owners believed that the 2.6-second zero-to-60 time and 11.08-second quarter-mile felt a bit sluggish. Tesla states that the Model S Performance should achieve a [2.4-second run]() in ideal conditions, and [independent tests]() back a 10.6-second quarter-mile time. After reviewing the footage, critics highlighted that the Tesla's display indicated that the car was in Range Mode instead of Ludicrous+ at the time of testing. In fact, well-known YouTube channel DragTimes even put out a video calling the outlet's race "[fake news]()." According to Rix, there's a simpler answer. https://twitter.com/\_/status/1190028629209755649 When creating any kind of content, filmmakers often splice in B-Roll footage to cut away from the main take as a creative measure keep the viewer's attention. The production team had several "set up" shots that were separate from the race, which is likely what caught the attention of Musk and Tesla fans alike. Rix also indicated that the Model S was in *Ludicrous+* mode during all tests. Elon Musk, however, wasn't convinced. "Putting Model S in range mode is the opposite of launch mode, as it minimizes performance in favor of range," [Tweeted Musk](). "Show should be called “Low Gear”!" Musk has been historically critical of automotive journalists in the past, even openly [questioning the integrity]() of those who post negative news about the brand. *Top Gear* itself is no stranger to this, as Tesla even [sued the BBC]() in 2011 for libel and malicious falsehood over a 2008 episode of the show where the automaker claimed the show falsely represented the capabilities of its [first-generation Tesla Roadster](). https://youtube.com/embed/OTqzFa8Nybc Years later, Jeremy Clarkson poked fun at this incident in a 2018 episode of *The Grand Tour,* where he [filled a Tesla Model X with several lawyers]() to critique his statements surrounding the capabilities of the electric SUV. *Top Gear* maintains its stance, later [publishing an explanation]() of the numbers it achieved during testing. The publication even indicated that these numbers were sourced from a test "on a previous occasion" and were the best figures it was able to achieve with the car to-date. As the Taycan begins to make its way to independent owners in the coming months, it's likely that owners will begin pitting the performance sedan against the Model S in real-world applications. Musk claims that Tesla will soon be deploying an over-the-air update which adds 50 horsepower to the Model S Performance, meanwhile, official Nurburgring lap times for both the prototype [Tesla Model S]() and Taycan Turbo S are still unannounced. By the looks of it, this electrifying rivalry is just getting started. ## Author After putting down the camera and leaving the tuner car scene behind, Rob has been covering the automotive world since early 2017. Rob’s blend of technology and automotive backgrounds coupled with his industry insight give a unique perspective of what the future of mobility holds. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [Twitter]()