Just over one year ago Tesla took their Plaid Model S prototype to Laguna Seca where they were able to achieve what was at the time a record lap of 1:36.555.
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We lapped Laguna Seca @WeatherTechRcwy in 1:36.555 during advanced R&D testing of our Model S Plaid powertrain and chassis prototype
(That’s a second faster than the record for a four-door sedan) pic.twitter.com/OriccK4KCZ
— Tesla (@Tesla) September 12, 2019
During the company’s Battery Day event yesterday, CEO Elon Musk revealed the latest version of the Plaid Model S was able to significantly reduce that time, setting a new record of 1:30.3 around the track this past Sunday.
The record lap couldn’t have come at a better time, as Lucid Motors took their tri-motor prototype to Laguna Seca just last week. While they haven’t released any official numbers yet, footage taken at the event showed an unofficial time of around 1:33.
Later in the day, Tesla released new in-car footage showing the Model S effortlessly accelerating through corners at breakneck speeds. The video includes a speedometer showing the car reaching a top speed of 147mph (236.5km/h) at one point. That’s 18mph (29km/h) faster when comparing the footage to their previous attempt last year.
Tesla was able to improve the top speed of the Plaid Model S at Laguna Seca by 18mph (29km/h) compared to last year! @elonmusk you are a mad man! pic.twitter.com/O1I8RcSONy
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 🔋 (@DriveTeslaca) September 23, 2020
With further refinements, Musk believes an even faster time of around 1:27 will be possible.
You can check out the full video below.
In-car footage from Sunday’s Plaid Model S run at Laguna Seca pic.twitter.com/rwQDBFCWoH
— Tesla (@Tesla) September 23, 2020
