We Now Have Proof That Tesla Is Trying to Dethrone the Porsche Taycan At The Nürburgring

TopSpeed

By Sidd Dhimaan

Published Jul 28, 2021

The only explanation for the Model S Plaid to return to Green Hell is to set a new record for a four-door EV

Tesla was quite active at the Green Hell before the Covid hit us, but it seems like it’s back there again; this time, with a prototype of the Model S Plaid. The only logical explanation for the red prototype to be there is it gunning for a record lap. The company had unofficially set a record back in 2019, but is back two years later to set another record that could possibly be an official attempt to dethrone the Porsche Taycan. Exciting stuff, isn’t it?

The Model S Is Back At The ‘Ring!

What Model S Plaid prototype spotted here is seen running on Michelin tires wrapped around 21-inch Arachnid wheels. There are no clear images of the cabin (dark tints ugh!). Fun fact: It wears the same number plate as the blue Tesla Model S prototype that hit the Green hell back in 2019!

Record Run For What?

The Tesla Model S Plaid is looking to set a record for a four-door all-electric car at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. It has held the record since August 2019. The Model S made an appearance there in a heavily modified avatar and a tri-motor setup that we now call the Plaid. It probably hurt Tesla’s ego because the company was quick to get back in the spotlight with a couple of tweets that indicated that the Model S Plaid can do the Green Hell in seven minutes and five seconds!

A couple of months after this tweet, Tesla hit the track and managed to beat the Taycan’s record by 29 seconds to score a lap time of seven minutes and 13 seconds. This was an unofficial record so it never made the record books. But, two years post that and given all the technological advancements, we can be quite sure that the official Model S Plaid run will be better than 7:13. If it does, it will also break the four-seat Mercedes-AMG GT63 S’ record of 7:27.800.

The Model S Plaid may try to break the Porsche Taycan’s record, but the latter could retaliate if it gets dethroned. It must be noted that the Taycan that holds the record currently was the Turbo trim. The automaker now has the Taycan Turbo S in its arsenal. So, this war is going to go to the next level.

What’s After The Model S Plaid?

But, Tesla is not done hogging the limelight. In 2020, Musk confirmed that the Roadster 2.0 will arrive at the Nürburgring in 2021.

With specs like 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of over 250 mph, there’s no way this pocket-rocket isn’t setting any sort of record. But, that’s for another day.

Tesla Roadster 2.0 Performance
0-to-60 mph	1.9 seconds
0-to-100 mph	4.2 seconds
Quarter mile	8.9 seconds
Top speed	250+ mph
Range per charge	620 miles
Battery pack	200 kWh
Electric motors	3 (one in front, two in rear)
Torque	10,000 Nm