Finally, the production version of the Tesla Model S Plaid (unmodified), driven by Andreas Simonsen, set on September 9, 2021 a new record for production electric cars on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track (the 20.8-kilometer course) in Germany.
Plaid's official full lap time is 7 minutes and 35.579 seconds and an average speed of 164.615 km/h (102 mph). The note indicates also a time of 7 minutes and 30.909 seconds and an average speed of 166.320 km/h (103 mph).
Tesla's CEO Elon Musk wrote:
"Tesla Model S Plaid just set official world speed record for a production electric car at Nurburgring. Completely unmodified, directly from factory."
Below we can see a video from the record runs, provided by Touristen Niko, who recorded the cars at a few locations along the course:
"Today I visited the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife as there have been rumors that Tesla is attempting to do a lap record with the all new Mordel S Plaid. I managed to film both cars (a black and a red one) and various sections of the racetrack."
The previous record for production electric cars - 7 minutes and 42 seconds - belongs to the Porsche Taycan Turbo. It was set in August 2019.
Tesla's huge achievement has its roots in 2019 when a prototype of the Plaid reportedly clocked a time of 7 minutes and 13 seconds.
Most recently, one of the Plaid cars crashed at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which indicates that the cars were pushed to their limits.
There are still some conventional production models that are quicker, but not that much: four-seat Mercedes-AMG GT63 S (7:27.800) and two-seat Jaguar XE SV Project 8 (7:23.164), according to Drive. Significantly better times are set by 2-door sports cars or prototype/racing vehicles. The official list of Nürburgring Nordschleife records is available here (see also Wikipedia).
Another video was posted by the Nürburgring channel:
"The American car manufacturer Tesla has set the official record for electric vehicles at the Nürburgring. The "Model S Plaid" lapped the 20.8-kilometre Nordschleife in 7:35.579 minutes. The 1,020 hp vehicle with a tri-motor was driven by Swedish driver Andreas Simonsen. The time is now listed in the category for electric production cars. All official times set on the Nordschleife so far can be found on our website."
Elon Musk notes that the Tesla Model S Plaid was completely unmodified, including the tires.
Soon, we will probably see a noticeably better time if someone will modify the car - aerodynamics, brakes, tires and other things.
"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)"
In a separate tweet, Elon Musk said also that within a few weeks the Plaid will get a Track software update:
More tweets:
See also
Tesla Model S Plaid specs:
- up to 390 miles (628 km) of EPA est. range
- battery capacity: N/A
- 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 1.99 seconds (*with rollout subtracted)
0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.1 seconds (*with rollout subtracted)
MotorTrend's 0-60 mph (asphalt, no rollout): 2.28 seconds - 1/4 mile 9.23 seconds at 155 mph trap speed according to Tesla
Jay Leno's 1/4 mile record of 9.247 seconds at 152.16 mph trap speed
DragTimes' run: 9.248 seconds at 151.83 mph
record time of 9.081 seconds at 154.10 mph trap speed with removed interior pieces - July 24, 2021 at the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis - Nürburgring Nordschleife record of 7 minutes and 35.579 seconds (September 9, 2021)
- top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h) †when equipped with the proper wheels and tires (available fall 2021)
- three-motor all-wheel drive (one motor in the front and two motors in the rear)
- system output: 1,020 hp (about 760 kW)
- DC fast charging: at up to 250 kW (Superchargers)
can replenish 187 miles (301 km) in 15 minutes - Drag Coefficient 0.208 Cd
- Wheels 19" or 21"
- Cargo 28 cu ft
- Weight 4,766 lbs (2,162 kg)