In an extraordinary showdown, the automotive enthusiasts over at Carwow staged an unusual drag race between two renowned supercars, the Lamborghini Gallardo and Nissan GT-R, and a less familiar contender, the MG4 XPower EV, a British-Chinese hybrid that packs a punch.
Meet the Contenders
The Lamborghini Gallardo with its 5.2 Litre naturally aspirated V10 and Nissan GT-R with its twin-turbocharged V6 needs no introduction in the supercar arena. But what about the MG4 XPower?
For those of you who are unaware, the MG4 Xpower is an electric hot hatch assembled in China by the British MG brand, now part of SAIC Motor UK. The MG marque’s journey is an interesting one.
Once part of the failed MG Rover Group, the brand was acquired in 2005 by Chinese automaker Nanjing Automobile. SAIC Motor then took over, and through careful investments, sales soared.
The MG4 XPower is one of the quirky models introduced, a veritable EV hot hatch that has captured attention. With 435 horsepower (320 kilowatts) and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque delivered to its four wheels from a dual-motor setup, it’s no slouch.
Despite being heavier at 1,800 kilograms (3,968 pounds), the MG4 XPower can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds.
Quite impressive, but how does it stack up against the naturally aspirated V10 Gallardo or the twin-turbo V6 GT-R?
The Drag Race Showdown: Lamborghini Gallardo Vs Nissan GT-R VS MG4 XPower EV
Drag Race 1:
In the first race, the MG4 XPower made an impressive showing, taking the lead from the outset and maintaining it throughout the standing quarter-mile drag race.
Drag Race 2:
During the second race, the MG4 XPower again wowed us with its rapid acceleration, outpacing its ICE-powered supercar rivals. However, when the launch control was activated, the Nissan GTR truly impressed, beating the Gallardo and even securing the win.
Drag Race 3:
The contenders lined up at the starting line for the final race, each striving to put forth their best effort. As expected, the MG4 took the lead but ultimately lost to the Nissan GTR. Both the MG4 and the Nissan GTR completed the quarter-mile drag race in 12.0 seconds (but the Nissan GTR won for its extended front nose), while the Gallardo, having lost all three races, finished in 13.0 seconds.
What’s the take?
The drag race revealed the electric hatch’s substantial advantage off the line, thanks to instant power delivery. The Gallardo and GT-R required more time to deliver their power, but once they did, the MG4 began to lose ground.
The showdown wasn’t just about drag races. Roll races (to know the result of the roll races, watch the video) and brake tests were also conducted. Here, the MG4 XPower continued to impress. But in this three-way race, surprises continued. While the MG4 XPower demolished both supercars initially, once the GT-R’s launch control was engaged, it became a fierce competitor.
Surprisingly, despite being the heaviest, the MG4 won the brake test with the shortest distance to stop. Compared to its regular version, the XPower model has larger brakes, giving it an edge.
However, it wasn’t all victories for the MG4. In longer races, the electric motor’s limited top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h) would’ve been outclassed by the Gallardo and GT-R, capable of over 186 mph (300 km/h).
A Symbol of Changing Times
The real takeaway from this unlikely race might be the symbolic power struggle between traditional supercars and the rise of potent EVs. The MG4 XPower’s performance shows that electric vehicles can’t be ignored, even when pitted against supercar royalty.
Moreover, the political implications, considering MG’s acquisition by a Chinese company and its transformation, add a layer of intrigue to this story.
Conclusion
In a race filled with surprises, the MG4 XPower EV proved that it’s not just a Chinese EV but a force to be reckoned with. While the electric hatch won some battles and lost others, it stood tall among giants, emphasizing the importance of innovation and the expanding boundaries of automotive performance.
A race that initially seemed unusual became a fascinating spectacle, showcasing not just raw power but the evolving landscape of automotive technology. Whether you’re a traditional supercar enthusiast or an electric vehicle fan, this race had something for everyone.
Lamborghini Gallardo Vs Nissan GT-R VS MG4 XPower EVÂ Image Gallery
