While the Tesla Model S Plaid was originally claimed to offer a top speed of 200 mph, it was electronically limited at 175 mph until recently
Merely days after we reported a Tesla Model S Plaid that hit 165.9 mph (267 kmph) on a German autobahn, we’re back with another video that shows the hi-performance electric car clocking a whopping 200 mph! From here, it’s clear that the Model S Plaid is now delivering the originally claimed top whack of 200 mph (322 kmph) with the latest brake upgrade package. It’s worth noting that the initial batches of the Plaid was limited to ‘just’ 163 mph (262 km/h). Later, the Texas-based carmaker introduced the new ‘Track Mode’ that unlocked a 175 mph (282 km/h) top speed.
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Brakes Were a Limiting Factor
The originally claimed top speed wasn’t on offer for a while as the brakes were the limiting factor. Basically, Tesla refrained from allowing a higher V-Max to its buyers without offering heavy-duty brakes to haul down the electric supercar from mind-boggling speeds. In fact, a Tesla Model S Plaid owner managed to break the 200 mph barrier after reprogramming the OEM-spec software. The said car could achieve a staggering 216 mph (348 kmph) before it had to be slowed down. It’s important to note here that this car featured an aftermarket brake upgrade.
Now, though, it looks like Tesla will soon start installing the USD 20,000 ceramic brake upgrade it offers. Sebastian Vittel (not to be confused with Sebastian Vettel) has released a video of a Model S Plaid lapping the Circuit de Bresse in France and clocking a V-Max of 233 mph (375 kmph). The car that he piloted was a test unit featuring the upgraded brake package. Speaking on the car’s performance, Vittel said: “And let me tell you guy, this is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ANIMAL compare to the stock car!!”
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Breaks Speed Record at Circuit de Bresse
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Furthermore, he reveals that the car he was given didn’t have an electronic speed limiter and that he could repeatedly hit 217 mph (350 km/h). He even claims to have broken the previous lap record for a street legal car.
He said: “Second, I had the chance to bring the car for one full day on CIRCUIT de BRESSE in France for a real condition test. It is a technical small track, which is normally great for small cars like Caterham, Ariel Atom or other Lotus cars and a TRUE NIGHTMARE for heavy cars and the brakes!!! Well, after a couple of laps, i just did the track record for a street-legal car on non-semi slick tires here. Tire Original Michelin PS4S on original dimension 265/35/21 front 295/30/21 rear and original TESLA WHEELS the laptime (in this video): 1min33.610 is absolutely insane for this kind of big car who is totally not adapted for this track!”
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