When you want an
insanely fast car that runs on a battery rather than gas, Tesla has something
for you with the Model S Plaid. This car paved the way for other EVs from the
American company when it was released in 2012. However, this model has received
exciting updates so close to its tenth anniversary!
Here, we go into what the new Tesla Model S Plaid offers.
Speed
With Tesla's attention on speed, you could be forgiven for mistaking it for a performance car maker. While the earlier version of the Plaid was no slouch, Tesla still took things up several notches in terms of speed in the new model.
The new Plaid gains an
extra electric motor, making a total of three. This makes for an insanely fast
speed from a combined total output of 1020 horsepower. With an all-wheel-drive
platform using independent motors that maintain peak power output all the way
to top speed, the Plaid will zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds! The speed
of this beast tops out at 200 mph.
The Plaid will zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds! The speed of this beast tops out at 200 mph.
For a large saloon
that tips the scale at over two tons and takes five passengers, it is nothing
but incredible.
In comparison, one of the fastest electric cars, the Aspark Owl, does 0 to 60 mph in 1.69 seconds and has a top speed of 249 mph. However, the car costs a whopping 2.5 million euros, and Aspark will make only fifty units!
You need to activate the Launch Mode under specific conditions to experience the ludicrous speed of the fastest production electric car.
Get a drag strip that has a grippy resin surface. Tap the 'Controls' icon on the screen, next select 'Pedals & Steering,' then 'Acceleration.' Next, select 'Drag Strip Mode,' which preconditions the battery for between eight and 15 minutes. When the process is complete, you will see a message saying 'Peak Performance is Ready.' The last step is to press down the brake pedal, then do the same on the accelerator pedal. This step initiates the 'Cheetah Stance,' which lowers the front end about two inches. This improves the traction and anti-lift geometry during maximum acceleration. You will see 'Cheetah Stance Enabled.' The car will zoom off when you take your foot off the brake.
Motor Trend followed this Launch Mode steps, recorded a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 1.98 seconds, and did a quarter-mile in 9.25 seconds!
Following months of speculation, the Plaid did come with a yoke instead of the tested and trusted steering wheel. It more or less polarized the EV community, with some thinking it was time for a change while others claim Musk has gone too far with this. However, what does it feel like to live with a yoke instead of a steering wheel?
After a week with the
new Plaid, Youtuber Ryan Shaw said the yoke is a bit difficult
to manage. However, he added that most people who are criticizing Tesla's
decision had not driven the car. According to him, the yoke is something you
get used to quickly, and you will stop noticing.
By the way, Musk claims the yoke makes it easier to see the display, a fact many drivers have attested to. However, you will learn new ways of doing things like catching the yoke when you lose your grip.
Much of the refresh with this Plaid is on the inside. For example, still surrounding the yoke, Tesla has eliminated the stalks and replaced them with buttons on the yoke. If you have been driving a Tesla before, muscle memory will work against you until you adjust mentally. However, if you are new to Teslas, you won't notice any difference.
Another noticeable
change is the orientation of the 17-inch center console, which is now
horizontal-oriented, bringing it in line with the Model 3 and Model Y and
excellent for watching a movie or Netflix. The driver information display also
gets an updated design.
A new addition is the rear-seat touch screen, which makes road trips more interesting for the back-seat riders.
The rest of the interior remains familiar, minimal but comfortable, spacious, and easy to get used to. There is a panoramic glass roof, wireless charging, and other creature comforts.
Storage is ample in
the new Plaid. With the seats folded down, the trunk can fit a whole bicycle.
There is additional space under the hoot in front.
The battery is as
excellent as ever as you will get 396 miles on a single charge. This means the
new Plaid is still a fit for long-distance trips, despite the high performance.
You will also benefit from Tesla's network of Superchargers, which charges fast
at 250 kW to resume your journey in no time. You can get 200 miles in just 15
minutes.
As is the case in every Tesla, Autopilot comes standard, which allows the car to steer, accelerate, and brake itself. There is also emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. There is also the Sentry Mode, which acts as a home alarm system.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) is available as a $10,000 upgrade.
A Tesla smartphone app
lets you control and monitor the Plaid. It lets you see the range and charging
status, climate settings, live GPS location, and schedule service. As a bonus,
the app can monitor the entire Tesla ecosystem, including your Powerwall, Solar
Roof, or Solar Panels.
The Model S Plaid
starts at $129,990, putting it in the luxurious range. You can place an order
on Tesla's website.
With the new Model S
Plaid, Tesla has made refreshes both to the interior and exterior to make a
nearly ten-year-old car even better. The car is still fast and familiar, even
with a somewhat controversial update.