The hardware is at least there.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is a great car and there are many positive things to be said about it. Although the 60 mph sprint (97 km/h) is quite impressive, we can all agree that it was able to complete the rest of the numbers listed during delivery. Except for the 200 mph (322 km/h).
The Tesla Model S Plaid configurator states that the indicated Plaid top speed needs proper wheels and tires, which will be made available in Fall 2021.
If Model S Plaid owners want to reach the top speed they will need to wait until September. However, this doesn’t mean their electric car will arrive without the right gears for these incredible speeds. It cost them nearly $130,000.
According to motorTrend Tesla claimed that the Model S Plaid has the required wheels and tires. It’s only the software that’s not yet available.
Model S Plaid buyers will need to select the optional 21-inch Arachnid wheels, which come standard with a pair of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubbers. This allows them to reach speeds of 200 mph. According to the automaker, this combination of rubber and alloy has been proven to achieve the claimed top speed.
The Model S plaid was limited to 163 mph (262 km/h), even with the $4500 21-inch wheels.
These numbers are impressive. The Model S Plaid is capable of running a 9.24 second quarter mile at 152 MPH (249 km/h), which puts it on par with the Bugatti , McLaren P1, Dodge Challenger Demon, and the Bugatti .