The Tesla Model S Plaid has snatched the official world speed record for a production electric car from Porsche, Elon Musk has revealed.
Posting an image of the official timings on Twitter, Musk said the Model S in question, which was unveiled in June with a tri-motor configuration and a refreshed interior, was an unmodified vehicle straight off the factory floor.
The unmodified Model S Plaid delivers up to 1,020 horsepower from two motors on the rear axle and one on the front, sprints from a standing start to 100km/hr in 2.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 322km/hr.
According to an image shared by Musk, the Model S Plaid completed the gruelling 21km-long Nordschleife track in just 7:30.909 seconds at a speed of 166.43km/hr.
“Tesla Model S Plaid just set official world speed record for a production electric car at Nurburgring. Completely unmodified, directly from factory,” said Musk.
Tesla Model S Plaid just set official world speed record for a production electric car at Nurburgring. Completely unmodified, directly from factory. pic.twitter.com/AaiFtfW5Ht
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2021
The Model S Plaid did not achieve the same 7:13 second unofficial time reportedly set in 2019. However it is unlikely today’s production vehicle would have same specifications as the prototype being put through tests two years ago.
Nevertheless, the new official time is 11 seconds quicker than that set by the Porsche Taycan in 2019 when it recorded a time of 7:42:30.
And Tesla doesn’t plan to stop there. In a follow up tweet, Musk said, “Next will be modified Plaid with added aero surfaces, carbon brakes & track tires (all things that can be done without Tesla being in the loop).”
Next will be modified Plaid with added aero surfaces, carbon brakes & track tires (all things that can be done without Tesla being in the loop)
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2021
The fastest Nurburgring lap record is held by a Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo with a time 5:19.546, and the fastest all-electric car to complete the track was a non-road-registrable Volkswagen ID.R, with a time of 6:05.336.
Musk also added that Track Mode is also on the cards for the refreshed 2022 Model S – and excitingly for many, waypoints, a much-sought after feature that Tesla owners have repeatedly requested.
Track software update probably a few weeks away (I know, I know haha). Also waypoints & other things.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2021
In June, the Model S Plaid also won the Exhibition class of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race in Colorado, completing the course (which had been shortened by 5.5km due to snow) in what was described as a “bonkers” climb in 55.246 seconds.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said at the Model S Plaid’s debut in California that, “We have to show that an electric car is the best car hands down – that sustainable energy cars can be the most kick-ass cars in every way.”
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model 3 and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.