Gary Zhou 
- 🏁 A Tesla Model S Plaid set a new quarter-mile record of 8.56 seconds at 162 mph.
- 🚗 The same run achieved a 0-60 mph time of 1.88 seconds and an eighth-mile speed of 5.57 seconds.
- 🏆 The new record surpasses previous Model S Plaid runs of 8.714 and 8.73 seconds.
- ⚡ Tesla’s next-gen Roadster may feature a sub-one-second 0-60 mph launch.
- 🚀 The next-gen Roadster is being developed with SpaceX and will begin production next year.
- 💰 Despite its lower price, the Model S Plaid competes well against high-end cars like the $2.4 million Rimac Neverra and $249,000 Lucid Air Sapphire.
- 🏎️ In a previous race, a Model S Plaid defeated a $600,000 Lamborghini Revuelto.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way, and none have showcased their performance prowess quite like the Tesla Model S Plaid. Recently, this remarkable EV set a new quarter-mile record, further cementing its place as a top contender in the world of high-performance cars. From groundbreaking acceleration times to fierce competition with luxury hypercars, the Model S Plaid is redefining what electric cars can achieve. Let’s delve into the details of this stellar accomplishment and what it means for the future of electric vehicles.
Key Performance Highlights
A Record-Setting Quarter-Mile Run
On a significant stretch of drag strip, the Tesla Model S Plaid achieved a quarter-mile time of just 8.56 seconds at a staggering speed of 162 mph. This feat was highlighted by DragTimes, a reputable drag racing channel that monitors and evaluates the performance of supercars and hypercars. This new record smashes the previous best times set by other Model S Plaid vehicles, which were 8.714 and 8.73 seconds respectively.
Beyond the Quarter-Mile: Other Performance Metrics
- 0-60 mph in 1.88 seconds: The same record-setting run saw the Model S Plaid achieve this impressive feat, bringing it closer to the performance territory previously reserved for dedicated race cars.
- Eighth-mile speed at 5.57 seconds: Not only does the Tesla Model S Plaid excel in the quarter-mile stretch, but it also showcases unparalleled performance over the first eighth-mile, reaching 130.46 mph.
The Unveiling of the Next-Gen Roadster
Looking ahead, Tesla is not resting on its laurels. CEO Elon Musk recently announced that the next-generation Roadster will begin production next year. This new Roadster is not just any EV—it aims for a sub-one-second 0-60 mph launch, a preposterously ambitious target that would revolutionize automotive performance standards. Moreover, the upcoming Roadster, being developed in collaboration with SpaceX, promises to bring spacecraft-like acceleration to the streets.
Competing with the Elites: Model S Plaid vs. Hypercars
Despite its much more accessible price point, the Tesla Model S Plaid has proven itself a formidable competitor against some of the world’s most exclusive and expensive hypercars, such as:
- Rimac Neverra: Valued at $2.4 million, the Rimac Neverra is a force to be reckoned with, yet the Tesla Model S Plaid stands toe-to-toe with this hypercar on the drag strip.
- Lucid Air Sapphire: Priced at $249,000, the Lucid Air Sapphire presents formidable competition. However, the Model S Plaid competes admirably against this luxury EV.
- Lamborghini Revuelto: In a race that took place earlier this year, the Model S Plaid successfully outpaced the $600,000 Lamborghini Revuelto, showcasing its impressive performance credentials further.
The Economics of Speed
One of the most astonishing aspects of the Tesla Model S Plaid is its pricing. Starting at $89,990, the Plaid offers high-end performance at a fraction of the cost of its hypercar competitors. With three motors generating 1,020 horsepower, Tesla guarantees a quarter-mile time of 9.23 seconds at 155 mph and a 0-60 mph launch in 1.99 seconds for this unmodified production vehicle.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model S Plaid is setting benchmarks not only for electric vehicles but also for the entire automotive industry. Its ability to achieve record-breaking speeds and compete with some of the most prestigious hypercars in the world underscores the seismic shift happening in the world of automotive performance. With Tesla continuously pushing the boundaries, especially with the upcoming Roadster, the future of electric vehicles looks faster and more exciting than ever.
