A Tesla Model S Plaid Was Spied At The Nurburgring, And We Have A Guess As To Why

Before theTesla Model S Plaiddebuted, prototypes were regularly spotted at the Nurburgring, leading to speculation that Tesla was attempting to设置一个新的膝上record. There were even claims the Model S Plaid hadbeaten the record time for four-door electric cars set by the Porsche Taycanby 20 seconds, but Tesla never released an official time.

Since then, the Model S Plaid hasset a new quarter-mile record timeof 9.24 seconds at 152 mph with Jay Leno behind the wheel. Now, the high-performance electric sedan has returned to the 'Ring to settle some unfinished business.

Finished in red, the Model S Plaid spied lapping the Nurburgring appears to be stock, although it looks like a rollcage has been installed for safety. According to our source, the Model S Plaid is also fitted with sticky Michelin tires for its Nurburgring run to help it set the fastest time possible. Since the production Model S Plaid has already been revealed, there's a high chance that Tesla is trying to set a new production car EV record.

To beat the Porsche Taycan Turbo and become the fastest four-door EV at the Nurburgring, the Model S Plaid will need to set a time quicker than 7 minutes, 42 seconds.

Back in 2019, a Model S Plaid reportedly set an unofficial time of 7 minutes, 13 seconds at the Green Hell, so Tesla could steal the crown from Stuttgart. If the unofficial time set in 2019 is anything to go by, the Model S Plaid could also set a new four-door production car lap record overall, which is currently held by the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 with a time of 7 minutes, 18.361 seconds.

Considering its triple motor setup generates a combined 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft, we won't be surprised if the Model S Plaid sets a new record time at the 'Ring, but we better get video evidence and maybe some GPS readings.