We now wait for more drag racing.
The Tesla Model S Plaid promises incredible performance and is a wonder to behold. Three motors produce 1,000 horsepower (745.7kilowatts), a 9.23-mile sprint and a top speed at 200 miles an hour (322 km per hour). This last bit can be achieved after a software update.
These numbers are impressive, but will they be able to translate into the real world with a customer vehicle? Brooks, the YouTuber, has the answer. DragTimes Just took delivery of his red Model S Plaid, and already tested it at Orlando Speedway on the drag strip.
Brooks performed multiple tests and the Model S Plaid recorded the fastest quarter-mile sprint at 150.65 mph (242.45 km/h). This is comparable to Jay Leno’s last month. Leno ran 9.247 seconds at 152.9 mph (244.77 km/h) at Autoclub Famoso Racingway in Bakersfield. He had the support Tesla.
Brooks was able to sprint from 0-60 mph (97 km/h), in 2.01 seconds. This was slightly less than the 1.99 second claimed (with rollout subtracted). Brooks mentioned in the video that they experienced a headwind during their tests.
These numbers are still impressive, and they were not far from Tesla’s claims. The Model S Plaid is also faster than many other production supercars or muscle cars designed for drag racing.
With all that being said, expect to see more Model S Plaid in drag racing, either on prepared drag strips or in a more realistic setting. We all know what to expect from the new Tesla, given its performance so far.