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The Model S Plaid with the Aero Package was spied at the Nürburgring and on public roads with that active rear wing in action
by Sidd Dhimaan, onThe Tesla Model S Plaid was spotted testing at the Nürburgring recently with an aero package equipped. Now, three prototypes have been spotted by our spy photographers on the ‘Ring as well as on the public roads. The highlight, of course, is the aero package and that active rear spoiler, but we also spotted it riding on different tires on the public roads and the track. With the way the testing is going, we think the package will be released soon.
What Was Special This Time?
Three prototypes were spied – one black, one blue, and one red. The cars were running on different wheels and tires on the track and a different set on the public roads. In the runs in the past, the cars would return to the workshops after one hot lap. This time, they retired after running two laps. Our photographers noted that the blue and the red cars were the ones to do two laps. This could mean that the aero package is in its final round of testing and could be near perfect and ready to roll out.
Two main things in the package are the front splitter/spoiler and the rear active wing. The rear active wing was seen in different positions during the testing. It was in a vertical position – almost 90-degrees – around the corners and while braking.
While speeding, it was lifted and almost horizontal. It was at rest when spotted outside the track. This suggests that the active rear wing will be engaged when slot into a Track mode or something similar.
The Tesla Model S Plaid Is A Beast Even Without The Package
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
There’s no word on when this aero package will make its way, but seeing the extensive testing, it could be close to launch. I’m curious to know what Tesla calls it. Since the automaker pulled the plug on the Plaid+ earlier this year and prior to the Plaid’s launch, calling it ‘Plaid+’ would be an interesting choice. If not, it could be called the ‘Track Pack’, or the ‘Aero Package’, or something on similar lines.
What do you have to say about it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
