A series of tweets by Tesla CEO Elon Musk have confirmed that the Model S will adopt a new, ultra high-performance three-motor powertrain configuration coined ‘Plaid’.
In the tweets, Musk claims that the new powertrain is “about a year away” and will also feature in the X and Roadster models, but not the upcoming Model Y or recently released Model 3 saloon.
Read more: Tesla Model S Plaid review
The Tesla boss also confirmed that the uprated powertrain will cost more than any of its current offerings, but will still cost “less than competitors”, perhaps hinting at the recently unveiled Porsche Taycan which costs £138,000 in flagship Turbo S form.
The news comes after a beefed-up Model S P100D+ featuring wider wheel arches, a rear spoiler and aggressive grille was spotted testing at the Nürburgring earlier this week, with the intention of beating the Taycan’s lap time of seven minutes and 42 seconds.
Though Musk originally tweeted that the EV would go for the laptime record this week, it is now understood that the German circuit has been able to offer him a 30-minute window in a couple of weeks due to their tightly packed schedule.
The Model S is already claimed to be a lap record holder at Laguna Seca Raceway, one of the most famous tracks in North America, and in order to tackle the 12.9 undulating miles of the Nürburgring, it appears that Tesla are seeking to recruit the talents of ex-Formula One champion Nico Rosberg, with the German claiming that he is “still in discussions” about piloting the upgraded Model S on its final run.
Also claimed by Musk is that the Model S currently being tested at the ‘Ring is equipped with seven seats. This is perhaps the first indication of how powerful Tesla are hoping the ‘Plaid’ powertrain will be, as two extra seats over the Model S’s standard five will result in considerable additional weight - but would allow them to loosely claim the "fastest seven-seater" lap record.
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Strange
Speed and acccelation was everything to ICE Porsches, BMW M series etc then an EV comes along beats them so they move the goal posts.
xxxx wrote:
That's a totally false statement! It was Tesla who came up with the one trick pony approach to performance. Porsche et al have always taken a balanced approach to speed. Acceleration is one thing but braking, cornering and balance are far more important if you want to make a truly fast DRIVER'S car.
so why are you so upset?
so why are you so upset?
m2srt wrote:
It's not written as a fact it's just an observation. One trick pony, watch the Model 3 take on and beat the Alfa on TopGear 'twisty' test or look at the MPG equiv. figures.
And no one said the Model S is truly fast drivers car, it wasn't designed as one.
Sounds good
Sounds like it's gonna kick the Porsche & Co straight to the kerb.
Reminds of...?
Musk reminds me of Trump, on a Night when Donald has ordered in a a Big Mac with extra Fries with a one Gallon Cola and has gotten bored, he picks up the unsecured Mobile and starts saying stuff, well, sometimes Musk comes over like that....I said. Comes over, not that he is..that’s for you Luap...!
You remind me of some bitter
You remind me of some bitter old man that...ahhhh, I cant be arsed.
Turn the Mirror round....
Only a post, your choice to reply or not......