FYI: The Tesla Model S Plaid just pushed the boundaries of speed with an astonishing 8.56-second quarter-mile.
The Ultimate Test of Speed: Tesla Model S Plaid Smashes Records with Blistering 8.56-Second Quarter Mile
There’s fast, and then there’s extraordinary speed, and discerning the line between the two is a ride in itself. For the thrill-seekers and automotive aficionados, experiencing the blazing Tesla Model S Plaid proves this distinction as clear as day.
Subheadline: A New Benchmark in Drag Racing
Tesla’s reputation for creating lightning-fast electric vehicles is well-established, and the Model S Plaid continues to push these boundaries. Thanks to the instantaneous torque of its electric motors, the Model S Plaid can launch from zero to 60 mph much quicker than most traditional gas-powered vehicles.
Champion of the Drag Strip
The latest feat belongs to Miguel Roy, who showcases his talents on the Tesla Plaid Racing channel. At the Napierville Dragway in Quebec, Canada, Roy’s 2021 Model S Plaid achieved a quarter-mile time of just 8.56 seconds, hitting a speed of 162 mph.
In the past, Roy has held records such as an 8.73-second run. Yet, 2024 marks the year he came even closer to the 8.5-second milestone.
Innovation on the Track
Roy noted a minor slip at the start, estimating a loss of 0.01-0.02 seconds due to wheel spin. He has previously discussed tuning his car’s launches using CAN Bus injection, effectively controlling how the car’s three electric motors engage off the line.
Despite these technical intricacies, details on additional modifications remain scarce. Given the Model S’s complex structure, it isn’t the easiest car to mod. Nonetheless, Roy’s efforts have impressively shaved nearly a second off the factory’s 9.4-second quarter-mile time, potentially through weight reduction and other performance tweaks.
Endless Pursuit of Speed
Roy’s dedication to stretching the limits of his Tesla has yielded numerous record-breaking runs, even if it has occasionally resulted in mechanical failures such as broken axles due to the immense torque.
For a car priced under $85,000, the Model S Plaid’s performance is already unparalleled. Still, it leaves us eagerly anticipating future milestones, particularly with the next-gen Tesla Roadster on the horizon.
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Written by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
