Ever since Jay Leno piloted an early production Tesla Model S Plaid to a 9.2 second quarter-mile time earlier this year, we’ve known that the Plaid is properly quick. But, how will it fare against the competition in head-to-head matchups?
The Tesla Plaid Channel on YouTube recently answered that question, taking delivery of a brand new Model S Plaid, and then promptly taking it out to the local drag strip.
Telsa Model S Plaid at the Drag Strip
For the first event of the day, the Plaid went up against a Dodge Challenger on the 1/8th mile track, making a 7.4 second run and handily winning the contest. Due to the fact that it was the first time out in the new car, the driver was running in Sport instead of Plaid mode.
“I’m sure all of you watching at home are eager to see me launch this in Plaid, and I’m eager to do it,” he said.
That was soon accomplished and before the evening of racing was over the Plaid had gone up against a turbocharged Buick Grand National, a tuned Porsche 911 Turbo S, a Dodge Hemi Cuda 440 with drag slicks, and a trailered drag pickup truck, among others, winning 19 out of 20 matchups (with one loss due to jumping the starting line).
The quickest pass of the night was 6.06 seconds elapsed time on the eighth-mile track.
A Closer Look at the Tesla Model S Plaid
According to Tesla, the 2021 Model S Plaid is designed for both speed and efficiency. The powertrain features a Tri Motor all-wheel drive design delivering 1,020 horsepower and giving the car an EPA estimated range of 396 miles.
While the battery pack’s capacity is unchanged from previous models, its thermal architecture allows faster charging and gives more power and endurance in all conditions according to the automaker.
In addition, the new model sports a wider body and chassis with staggered-width tires and 21 inch wheels fitted to the car that was delivered in the video.
It was a good outcome for the new Tesla Model S Plaid according to Andrew of the Tesla Plaid Channel. “It takes on new meaning when you’re driving the Plaid, running low sixes every time … That was an incredible night of racing is what that was.”