To The Moon

Does Tesla offer enough performance upgrades on Model S Plaid to make it suitable for the track, even at its top speed of 200 miles per hour?

As of today, no. A production Tesla Model S Plaid cannot comfortably achieve 200 miles per hour, despite being an advertised specification without any asterisks or disclaimers.

The Model S Plaid configuration shipped with a top speed of 163 miles per hour when it launched in late 2021 as the world’s quickest production car.

This was then augmented via an over-the-air software update last year by a dedicated Track Mode that could reach 175 miles per hour.

Model S Plaid ships with ‘Plaid Upgrades’ that include “higher thermal capability brake pads,” three electric motors with carbon-sleeved rotors, torque vectoring, and a carbon fiber spoiler for good measure.

However, it’s been determined that the Plaid Upgrades weren’t quite performance-oriented enough to support the extreme levels of acceleration that the vehicle is technically capable of achieving.

Now, Tesla plans to release a Track Package fit with the additional equipment necessary to sustain the full capability of its tri-motor setup.

It’s expected that the ~ $15,000 Track Package will include new carbon ceramic brakes, as well as a high-performance brake fluid.

There is also a Model S Plaid 20" Zero-G Wheel and Tire Package separately available now at a price point of $6,000.

All track upgrades will be purchasable via Tesla’s shop at a combined price point of $20,000, with shipping and installation at a Tesla Service Center included.

TopGear was given an opportunity to test the new Track Package ahead of time, handily giving it a 9/10 rating and deeming it as offering “many upgrades for Chiron-beating speed.”

In fact, they claim that the Model S Plaid can already beat a Bugatti Chiron to 100 miles per hour.

The Track Package ups that game to include a whole host of extras, from hopped-up battery conditioning — including cool-down programmes after hot laps — to ensure better and more regular access to full power, a higher top speed (200mph), some different settings for the air suspension, and more aggressive torque vectoring.

They claim that the Track Package will cost £16,000 in the U.K., adding:

• Carbon-ceramic brakes: 410mm rotors, six-piston calipers on the front and four-piston on the rear.
• High-temperature brake fluid.
• Zero-G 20" wheel and tire package.

It’s noted that the standard brake kit is comparatively puny for such a high-performance vehicle, and that many Tesla owners do indeed like to experience their vehicle’s acceleration at a track.

There is an argument that could be made that these ceramic brakes should be included as standard, which could be one to have if Tesla were to increase the price of Model S and Model X Plaid to support the upgrade.

Reportedly, there are software tweaks made once the Track Package is outfitted to the vehicle. These also add more modes and controls to fine-tune the vehicle’s suspension and handling.

Model S Plaid isn’t yet available to order in the U.K., as Tesla has been reluctant to begin offering the current-generation Model S and Model X in additional markets due to their low-volume nature as well as standing logistical transit issues.

Alas, Tesla will imminently expand to offer Model S and Model X into more markets as an export of Giga Fremont — just in time for Model S Plaid to reach its full potential.

As for other markets, the Track Package will be available by the summer as a retrofit for Model S Plaid owners thereby making it fully-capable of pure acceleration and speed at the track. Just don’t expect it to come with a Yoke.

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