A Tesla Model S fitted with a new powertrain dubbed “Plaid” set a new track record at Laguna Seca Raceway. Tesla shared a video Wednesday of the record run.
With a lap time of 1:36.555, Tesla bested all other four-door electric sedans. The previous record, 1:37.5, was set by a Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Obviously, the performance speaks well for the upcoming powertrain, which was teased by CEO Elon Musk when the next-generation Roadster was announced. Musk said “Plaid” enables greater performance than the company’s “Ludicrous” mode, which will help the car speed to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds.
Yes. To be clear, Plaid powertrain is about a year away from production & applies to S,X & Roadster, but not 3 or Y. Will cost more than our current offerings, but less than competitors.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 12, 2019
Musk said Plaid Mode is still about a year away. It will be available for the S, X and Roadster, but not the 3 or Y.