Elon Musk stated previously that Tesla was looking at a lap of less than seven minutes.
It is quite remarkable that a car which was introduced nine years ago now has the goal of setting a new lap record at the Nurburgring for the fastest four-door EV production. This Model S is not the original 2012 all-electric sedan. We’re dealing here with the high-performance Plaid, whose deliveries started just a few weeks ago.
Our spy photographers spotted this Model S Plaid on 21-inch Arachnid wheels. It was on its way from the Green Hell. Although we can’t see inside, some angles give the impression that it has a roll cage. This is quite normal for prototypes who work out at the ‘Ring Gym.
It is worth noting that the exact same prototype was captured on camera in September 2019, wearing the identical “BIT0679” license plate. The prototype was on different wheels, with a provisional rear spoiler, and the Model S’s pre-Refresh styling.
Elon Musk, the head honcho, joined Joe Rogan Experience podcast in February 2021 to discuss plans to return to Nurburgring to set a low seven-minute lap time. Elon Musk stated that the Model S Plaid could be fitted with “further improvement” to make it seven minutes faster on the Nurburgring. This would be quite a wicked act all on its own.
The Model S Plaid is believed to have a lap time of 7 mins and 13 seconds in November 2019. This gives us reason to believe that the Model S Plaid could surpass the Porsche Taycan (7.42), as the fastest four-door electric vehicle at the Ring. We are sure that Zuffenhausen isn’t resting on their laurels. This is especially true considering the Turbo S’s current lap time.
AMG is preparing spicy versions for the EQS sedan and the smaller, but more powerful EQE sedan. This means that the Nordschleife battle for fastest four-door car with no combustion engine is heating up. These records are not relevant at the end of this story.