There’s fast, and then there’s fast. I’m not sure that there’s a scientific delineator between the two, but I’m sure that sitting in the passenger seat of this Model S Plaid—if it had one—would be the perfect way to experience the difference between the two.
A new video posted to YouTube, as reported by Electrek, shows a Tesla Model S Plaid demonstrating the true meaning of fast, running the quarter mile in a rather brisk 8.56 seconds.
Get Fully Charged
Drag Strip King
While roll-racing might not bring out the car’s best features, Tesla has earned a bit of a reputation for its insanely quick off-the-line EVs. This is thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque, which propels its lineup of EVs from zero-to-60 MPH considerably faster than most factory gas-powered cars. Now that enthusiasts and modders are getting a hold of Tesla’s cars, the community is looking to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of them.
The record-setting run comes courtesy of Miguel Roy, who runs the Tesla Plaid Racing channel with his 2021 Model S Plaid at Napierville Dragway in Quebec, Canada. Roy posted a video of his best run of the day to YouTube: 8.563 seconds at 162 miles per hour.
Roy has set previous records in his car, such as an 8.73-second quarter mile run just last June. However, 2024 was the year to break his own personal record by creeping even closer to the 8.5-second mark.
He explained that his car had a minor slip at the start and expected that only 0.01-0.02 seconds were lost to wheel spin. Roy has commented in the past that he is able to tune his launches by using CAN Bus injection to hack how the car’s three electric motors engage off the line, among other things.
It’s not clear how else Roy has managed to gain some additional speed out of his car, especially since the Model S isn’t the most moddable car on the street. However, it’s still respectable that he managed to shave nearly a full second off the factory’s 9.4-second quarter mile time. Perhaps he’s done enough gutting to strip just about every amenity out of the car to cut down on weight?
It’s hard to imagine that it gets better than this, but Roy has posted video after video showing his car breaking its own record. He’s also broken a few parts along the way, including a set of axles that fell victim to the electric motor’s insane torque.
For a sub-$85,000 car, the Model S Plaid is already quick, but this is an entirely different level of speed. Perhaps we’ll see something even more impressive out of the next-gen Tesla Roadster whenever Tesla decides to actually launch it.
In the world of electric vehicles, Tesla has undoubtedly been at the forefront of innovation and cutting-edge technology. The latest addition to their lineup, the Tesla Model S Plaid, has been turning heads and breaking records since its release. One feat that has caught the attention of car enthusiasts and industry experts alike is the astonishing quarter-mile run that the Model S Plaid is capable of.
In a recent test conducted by automotive media outlet, MotorTrend, the Tesla Model S Plaid was put through its paces on the drag strip. The results were nothing short of jaw-dropping, with the Model S Plaid completing a quarter-mile run in just 9.247 seconds at a speed of 152.2 mph. To put this into perspective, these are speeds typically seen in hypercars that cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the fact that the Model S Plaid is a four-door sedan that can comfortably seat five adults. This combination of speed and practicality is a testament to Tesla’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles are capable of.
The performance of the Model S Plaid is made possible by its cutting-edge technology and engineering. The car is powered by a tri-motor setup that delivers a staggering 1,020 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.98 seconds. This kind of acceleration is unheard of in the world of electric vehicles and has firmly solidified the Model S Plaid’s status as a true performance powerhouse.
In addition to its blistering acceleration, the Model S Plaid also boasts a range of over 390 miles on a single charge, making it a practical option for daily driving as well as track days. This kind of versatility is rare in high-performance vehicles and sets the Model S Plaid apart from its competitors.
Overall, the Tesla Model S Plaid’s quarter-mile performance is a clear indication of the advancements that Tesla has made in the world of electric vehicles. With its combination of speed, range, and practicality, the Model S Plaid has set a new standard for what electric cars can achieve. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, it is clear that Tesla will remain a driving force in shaping the future of transportation.