A Yamaha R1, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, and a tuned Audi RS 3 go head-to-head in a thrilling quarter-mile showdown.
A high-stakes quarter-mile showdown recently unfolded at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, pitting a Yamaha R1 against a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and a heavily modified Audi RS 3. The unlikely trio showcased raw horsepower, lightning-fast acceleration, and driver skill in an exhilarating drag race.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, an icon of American muscle, boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing over 700 horsepower in its standard form. While higher-output versions, such as the Demon 170, push well past 1,000 horsepower and conquer the quarter-mile in under nine seconds, the typical Hellcat runs the strip in around 10 seconds. However, in this particular race, the muscle car’s performance fell short due to an imperfect launch, preventing it from fully demonstrating its potential.
Meanwhile, the Yamaha R1, a renowned superbike known for its blistering acceleration and lightweight frame, took on both four-wheeled contenders. While exact specifications for this particular bike weren’t disclosed, stock Yamaha R1s typically produce around 200 horsepower, with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio that makes them formidable in drag races.
Before facing the Hellcat, the Yamaha went head-to-head with an Audi RS 3, a compact performance sedan that completed the quarter-mile in an astonishing 10 seconds—well ahead of its factory-rated times. The significant speed boost suggests extensive tuning, as stock RS 3 models generally clock in closer to the mid-11-second range.
The full results of these thrilling matchups are captured in a video from the event, showcasing the raw performance of each machine. Whether it was the Yamaha’s agility, the Audi’s surprising speed, or the Hellcat’s untapped potential, the battle for quarter-mile supremacy proved to be a must-watch for drag racing enthusiasts.