Tesla Model S Plaid production version was presented last week during Tesla Battery Day. Top-notch Model S specs turned out to be even better than we might expect watching first prototypes: Model S Plaid makes 0-60 mph in less than 2 seconds, has tri-motor configuration and makes 1/4 mile drag race in less than 9 seconds. Such specs were previously announced for a next-gen Roadster, though with Plaid we get it in a luxury sedan form-factor and half the price.
Moreover, Model S Plaid crushed the prototypes’ results on Laguna Seca racetrack. Previous record was 1:36.55; recent Lucid Air tri-motor prototype (not yet announced for production) finished 1:33 after the start; and finally pre-production Tesla Model S Plaid showed the hot lap time of 1:30.3. Additionally, at the Battery Day Elon Musk claimed that some minor improvements before Plaid production start may improve its Laguna Seca result cutting 3 more seconds off its present record.
Though Plaid is still very fast even now - for instance, at Laguna Seca it is faster than McLaren P1, and almost as fast as Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren Senna hypercars (though both costs about 10 times more). Even more, Model S Plaid broke the record without any improvements from production version - they only changed the driver’s seat for a race bucket.
Check the Model S Plaid Laguna Seca hotlap on video:
