Plus bigger brakes, lightweight wheels and semi-slick tyres for track-focused flagship Tesla sedan
The Tesla Model S Plaid is being primed to go Porsche Taycan hunting again, thanks to a new Track Package unveiled in North America.
Due for release in the US mid-year, the 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid Track Package is a retrofittable pack for all Model S Plaid hyper-EVs produced since 2021, which already offer enormous performance via its 760kW triple-motor powertrain.
The Track Package comprises a carbon-ceramic braking package (including beefier six-piston front and four-pot rear callipers), lightweight 20-inch wheels, semi-slick Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tyres and a raised 322km/h speed limiter.
That’s up from 282km/h on the most recent Model S Plaid models.
The pack will cost American buyers between $US15,000 and $US20,000 ($A22,126-$A29,502), according to the Tesla website, although it’s unclear why there’s a variance.
Model S Plaid buyers have been waiting for these upgrades for a couple of years, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk raising hopes back in 2021 when the Plaid broke the Nurburgring lap record for EVs by more than a second – beating the previous benchmark set by the Porsche Taycan Turbo.
Porsche took the record back in 2022 with the Taycan Turbo S, beating the rabid Tesla by two seconds.
There’s still some conjecture as to the exact specification of the record-setting Plaid, and whether the latest upgrades will precipitate another tilt at the EV title at the Green Hell, notwithstanding the fact that a Taycan GT is also in the works.
“Designed for the ultimate track experience, the Model S Plaid Track Package delivers high-speed stability, maximum cornering force and repeatable stopping power during high-performance driving while unlocking a top speed of 200mph,” Tesla says on its website.
“The Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit can also be purchased as a standalone product.”
That last point will be a welcome one for performance fans who don’t want to shell out for a full Track Package, given the Plaid’s standard steel brakes have come under fire for their performance, especially after consecutive hard braking zones.
Australian customers are still in a holding pattern with the Tesla Model S (and Model X), despite the company taking orders for the luxury EVs – including the Plaid models – up until recently.
They still feature on Tesla’s local website, although Aussie buyers can only express their interest in securing one, rather than placing a firm order.
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Keyword: Tesla Model S Plaid Track Package lifts top speed to 322km/h