By now, it’s common knowledge that the Tesla Model S Plaid boasts astonishing speed. Numerous YouTube clips capture the jaw-dropping acceleration that distorts the faces of passengers. However, through a bit of weight reduction, this Plaid variant can achieve an even higher performance. In a recent video from AutoTopNL, a stripped-down Model S Plaid without its rear seats completes the 62-124 mph sprint in just 3.99 seconds.
Although missing its backseats, this Model S Plaid seems to be in factory form, with its trio of electric motors generating 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. While removing the rear seats doesn’t significantly reduce weight—about 100 pounds for the leather-clad rear seat of a Model S—it appears that even a slight reduction in weight enhances its already formidable acceleration.
In the footage, the driver takes the Model S Plaid to the German Autobahn, enabling them to push its performance boundaries. During one spirited run, they clocked the aforementioned 3.99-second sprint from 62 to 124 mph. Another run completed the quarter-mile in 9.33 seconds. Equipped with the Track Package, this specific Model S Plaid can top 200 mph, a feat demonstrated in the video with a max speed of 203 mph—impressive for a luxury sedan with four doors.
It’s hard to imagine such acceleration being comfortable, resembling a catapult launch from an aircraft carrier. While not as rapid as the bespoke 1,020-horsepower go-kart version created by an enthusiast, this car in the video is not too far behind, still fully functional for two occupants. Additionally, it sports a conventional steering wheel, more suitable for high-speed driving compared to the alternative yoke.
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