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What’s Different On This Model S Plaid Prototype?
Whether this is the Plaid+ or just a Track Pack, one thing we know for sure is that the Model S Plaid is getting hotter soon
Tesla had plans to get both, the Plaid and the Plaid+ models initially, but later pulled the plug (this metaphor fits well for EVs, doesn’t it?) on the Plaid+.
Knowing Musk, he may have put it on the backburner instead of burying it altogether. The fact that we see a sportier version of the Model S Plaid now on the Nürburgring is a testament to it.
Now, a Model S Plaid Prototype with few differences has been spotted lapping the Nürburgring. For starters, it features a low front spoiler/splitter up front
The Tesla Model S Plaid that was spied here came with a low front spoiler/splitter and featured an active rear wing.
Lastly, there’s a big rear wing. It can be seen in different positions in the pictures, which means it is an active wing with variable settings
You can see it horizontal in some pics and vertical in some to prove it is an active wing. You can also see that the car sits lower than the standard model. Observe carefully and you’ll even notice ceramic brakes to take care of the stopping duties.
Two more Model S Plaids were spotted at the same time; one red and one black. Both were the standard models and have been spied at the ‘Ring many times before. The black Model S Plaid had racing seats inside the cabin. The only reason for them to be alongside the alleged Plaid+ is to compare the performance, speed, times, etc.
The Model S Plaid Recently Broke The Porsche Taycan’s Record
In September this year, the Model S Plaid broke Porsche’s two-year record for the fastest production EV at the Nürburgring. The record was set by the Taycan Turbo when it lapped the Nürburgring in seven minutes and 42 seconds. The Model S Plaid ran the lap in 7:30.909 minutes with an average speed of 103.34 mph (166.320 kph).
Most of us are expecting Porsche to retaliate by bringing out the big gun, the Taycan Turbo S, to attempt a run. But, we’ve seen in a drag race in the past that the Model S Plaid is also quite hot for the Taycan Turbo S.
What Is The Tesla Model S Plaid All About?
Here are some of the Model S Plaid’s features in a nutshell:
- It comes with a tri-motor setup
- Generates 1,020 horses combined
- 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds under ideal conditions
- Quarter-mile run in 9.23 seconds with a trap speed of 155 mph as per Tesla, but has already done it in 9.081 seconds
- Top speed of 200 mph
- World’s most aero-efficient car – Drag coefficient of 0.208
- EPA-estimated range of 396 miles
- Supports fast charging up to 250 kW, and can add 187 miles of range in 15 minutes
- Features an F1-inspired, yoke steering wheel
- Starts at $129,990
Final Thoughts
In all honesty, it could very well even be a ‘Track Pack’ that improves the aerodynamics of the car and probably make use of some more lightweight components.
But, it’ll be interesting to see if the ‘Track Pack’ will be called ‘Plaid+’ given how much hype the latter moniker had before Tesla pulled the plug on it.
What do you think it is – a Track Pack or a Plaid+ prototype? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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