While the SUV segment may not be the ideal place to find neck-snapping drag racers, it’s still got some surprising performance on offer. Texas-based tuner Hennessey Performance Engineering knows this well, and has made a name for itself building some of the quickest SUVs around, including models from the General Motors stable. However, everyone’s gotta start from somewhere, as demonstrated in the following video pitting a factory-spec 2021 Chevy Tahoe against a factory-spec 2021 Audi RS Q8.
While Hennessey typically runs highly upgraded vehicles boasting insane power numbers, this race is a little different, instead focusing on the stock performance of both the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Audi RS Q8 to set a baseline before the mods begin.
Let’s start with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. This particular model is the High Country, and comes equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, all of which is harnessed through the GM Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission. Curb weight tips the scales at around 5,845 pounds.
Then, in the other corner, we have the 2021 Audi RS Q8, which comes equipped with a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 producing 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, all while weighing in at 5,490 pounds.
Break it all down, and the Audi RS Q8 is essentially a detuned Lamborghini Urus, with a massive power and weight advantage over the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. On paper, the Chevrolet doesn’t stand a chance.
Nevertheless, it’s fun to see what happens when the GM-bred, range-topping family-hauler takes on the German performance SUV in a drag race. Sure, it’s not exactly a fair fight, but that could change when Hennessey Performance finally unlocks the ECU in the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. When that happens, we fully expect a gigantic blower to even the odds a bit.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Tahoe news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Not bad, still can’t wait for an LT5 Tahoe SS
That’s when both are new. Let’s watch the Chevy blow past the Audi after they both have more than 50,000 miles and the Audi is sitting along the road broke down. Plus, the cost of ownership through the life of both cars is probably less than half for the Chevy over the Audi.
Real world life? Win for Chevy all day long.
Well, also, the Tahoe is also an off roader/tow vehicle/fuel pincher (for this class of vehicle with 400+ hp on tap). The Tahoe’s success has always been its versatility, not its domination in 1 sector of performance. I’m waiting for the twin turboed Escalade. To arrive. Let’s see how that baby roars. It can literally do anything well, maybe not perfectly but well!
Another thing the Tahoe got the jump because the Audi is fwd based w/smaller displacement t turbo while the Chevy is good ol cubes.
Lame
Hennessey’s videos are getting more and more idiotic all the time.
Thanks for your posting. What I want to comment on is that when you are evaluating a good on the web electronics shop, look for a site with comprehensive information on key elements such as the level of privacy statement, security details, payment methods, along with other terms and also policies. Often take time to browse the help as well as FAQ segments to get a far better idea of how the shop functions, what they can perform for you, and ways in which you can take full advantage of the features.