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A Model S Plaid prototype was spotted testing around the Nürburgring and it could either be a Track Pack or the Plaid+ that never happened!
by Sidd Dhimaan, on LISTEN 04:04When Tesla decided to up the ante with the Model S, it had two versions in the pipeline – the Plaid and the Plaid+. However, in June 2020, Elon Musk announced on Twitter that the Plaid+ is canceled since the “Plaid is just so good”. Seeing the Plaid, I’m quite sure no one really needs more power and performance; well, not right away, though. But, a lot of us were wondering what it would’ve been like.
If you belong to that set, then here’s some news for you. It looks like the Model S Plaid+ isn’t dead because it was recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring; or is it just a Track Pack? Whatever it is, it is exciting.
What’s Different On This Model S Plaid Prototype?
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.
The Tesla Model S Plaid that was spied here came with a low front spoiler/splitter and featured an active rear wing.
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.
