Is it possible to upgrade the Tesla Model S Plaid or has its limit already been reached? The Unplugged Performance project shows us how it is possible to scratch time off the stopwatch.
Electric mobility is here to stay. The emergence of multiple models is but a preview of what is expected to take place as demand for this technology grows. This, of course, it will come to the heat of the strengths that it generates for the consumer a product with these characteristics. In the case of the electric car, this will be linked to the autonomy and charging power.
Still, manufacturers can play around with developing enjoyment-focused mechanics. The best example of this is shown by Tesla through its Performance variants. From the first generation of the Model S, the Palo Alto-based manufacturer has always developed a variant with an added touch in terms of sportsmanship. Not in terms of aesthetics, but in terms of performance.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is the fastest accelerating electric car on the market
This leads us to see a new movement in this regard. Last June, with Elon Musk at the helm, the Model S Plaid was presented. Important changes affecting the range had been announced for some time. The presence of your new steering wheel, for example, serves to explain a new way of understanding driving. Plaid undoubtedly marks a before and after.
Acceleration is key to understanding the layout of this version. However, there is still room for improvement in this regard. So much so that Unplugged Performance, a company specialized in increase the performance of the electric car, has carried out a plan to squeeze, even more, the sportier variant of the American electric saloon.
What’s the score? A modified unit of the Model S Plaid has achieved set a new speed record in the electric car segment. So much so that it has managed to set a time of 1; 28,213 on the stopwatch, a record available exclusively to vehicles with skills to stand out only on the track. All this, in addition, taking into account that it is a saloon!
A record in Laguna Seca to explain why Tesla is a benchmark
Although the production rate of this particular variant was going to grow slowly over the weeks, the truth is that we are beginning to see how the number of deliveries is growing. It is a unique, radical model and, quite possibly, the best option to choose today within the electrical segment. That said, is it possible to improve its dynamic qualities?
Unplugged Performance has managed to set a new record at the Laguna Seca track. Experienced racing driver Randy Pobst has managed to stop the clock in 1: 28.213. To understand this figure, it is necessary to compare it with other variants on the market. It is only surpassed by the McLaren Senna for a second, a mark also registered by this pilot.
The Tesla Model S Plaid protagonist also participated in Pikes Peak
Well, how has this incredible record been set? The key is, of course, related to elements at the body level and the replacement of certain components by others of a purely aspirational cut. In this sense, the main hallmark of the modified model has been the integration of a spoiler capable of keeping on the asphalt to the vehicle at high speed.
Similarly, new profiles have been introduced in order to further improve its incredible coefficient of aerodynamics. In addition, the original suspension equipment has been replaced by a highly competitive one. Only in this way has it been possible to establish a brand that, despite all this, it has great merit in being a saloon.
A unique variant on the market and without competitors in sight
Taking a quick look at the current market, the truth is that only the Porsche Taycan Turbo S could reach follow in the wake of this sporty saloon. This shows the extent to which the Palo Alto-based company has a significant competitive advantage. Now, does the new record set have a trick? Perhaps, in a sense, yes.
It is striking to see how in these images, this same unit had dispensed with everything unnecessary for the climb to Pikes Peak. Therefore, it is presumed that this same configuration was maintained during the lap to the mythical Laguna Seca layout. Even so, it is not necessary to subtract, far from it, value to the registry obtained by this preparer of electric cars.
We will have to wait a while to see if this company decides to break other brands present in other historic routes. It should also be noted that Tesla has carried its most aspirational versions to this type of circuits to test to what extent they are compared to the rest of the variants present on the market.