Tesla’s Model S Plaid, equipped with the new Track Package, has once again claimed the title of the fastest production electric vehicle at Germany’s renowned Nürburgring racetrack. With its true top speed of 200 mph unleashed, the 2023 Model S Plaid Track Package completed a lap of the full 12.9-mile Nordschleife in an impressive time of 7:25.231, shattering the previous record set by a Porsche Taycan Turbo S last year. During the run, the Tesla reached a top speed of approximately 179.5 mph (289 kph).
Notably, the Model S Plaid’s time is among the fastest ever recorded for any production vehicle with four doors, coming within two seconds of the current record held by a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S. The previous record for production EVs was set by a Model S Plaid without the Track Package in 2021, with a lap time of 7:35.579. It’s worth mentioning that the latest achievement was accomplished using a conventional round steering wheel, as opposed to Tesla’s unique yoke-style steering wheel used in the previous record-setting run.
The Model S Plaid boasts an astonishing 1,020 horsepower generated by its three-motor powertrain, rivaling hypercars. In comparison, the Taycan Turbo S offers a more modest 671 horsepower, although there are rumors of a potentially more powerful Taycan variant on the horizon.
The Track Package enhances the Model S Plaid’s performance with carbon-ceramic brake rotors measuring over 16 inches at each corner, accompanied by six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Additionally, the package includes track-oriented brake fluid, performance wheels and tires, and firmware updates necessary to unlock the vehicle’s 200-mph top speed.
Customers interested in the Track Package can opt for the standard version priced at $15,000 or choose the version with performance wheels and tires for $20,000. These costs are in addition to the Model S Plaid’s starting price of $109,880, which includes a $1,390 destination charge.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, took to Twitter to commend the team responsible for the achievement, referring to them as the Tesla Plaid racing team. He hinted at the possibility of pushing the Model S Plaid’s lap time below seven minutes with future enhancements, emphasizing that such an accomplishment would be truly remarkable.
A video from the YouTube channel CarSpyMedia showcased some of Tesla’s preparation prior to the record attempt. The company had two cars available, one red and one blue, with the record being set using the blue car.
While the Model S Plaid Track Package currently holds the EV record, it may face competition soon. Porsche is rumored to be developing a new high-performance flagship in the Taycan lineup, and Rimac has recently been spotted testing its Nevera electric hypercar at the Nürburgring. Rimac has already set numerous acceleration and braking records with the Nevera in April and aims to establish even more records throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fastest electric vehicle
What is the Track Package for the Tesla Model S Plaid?
The Track Package is an optional upgrade for the Tesla Model S Plaid. It includes enhancements such as carbon-ceramic brakes, performance wheels and tires, track-oriented brake fluid, and firmware updates to unlock the vehicle’s top speed of 200 mph.
How fast did the Tesla Model S Plaid with Track Package go at Nürburgring?
During its record-setting lap at Nürburgring, the Tesla Model S Plaid with the Track Package reached a top speed of approximately 179.5 mph (289 kph).
How does the Model S Plaid’s lap time compare to other production vehicles?
The Model S Plaid’s lap time of 7:25.231 is not only the fastest ever recorded for a production electric vehicle at Nürburgring but also one of the quickest for any production vehicle with four doors. It came within two seconds of the current record held by the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S.
How does the Model S Plaid’s power compare to the Porsche Taycan Turbo S?
The Model S Plaid packs a hypercar-rivaling 1,020 horsepower generated by its three-motor powertrain. In comparison, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S offers 671 horsepower, although rumors suggest a more powerful Taycan variant may be in development.
How much does the Track Package cost for the Model S Plaid?
The Track Package for the Model S Plaid is available in two versions. The standard package costs $15,000, while the version with performance wheels and tires included is priced at $20,000. These prices are in addition to the Model S Plaid’s starting price of $109,880, which includes the $1,390 destination charge.
Are there any plans to further improve the Model S Plaid’s lap time?
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has hinted at the possibility of achieving a lap time below seven minutes for the Model S Plaid at Nürburgring with future enhancements. However, no specific details or timeline have been provided.