A Tesla Model S Plaid has set a new record for the quarter-mile run, completing it in an impressive 8.56 seconds. The achievement, however, comes with a caveat: the vehicle appears to have undergone significant weight reduction.
While the Model S Plaid is often cited as the fastest-accelerating production vehicle in the world, this claim is subject to debate. Comparisons are frequently made with the Rimac Nevara, a $2 million vehicle produced in limited numbers, and the Lucid Air Sapphire, which has previously outperformed the Model S Plaid on the drag strip with its own nine-second quarter-mile run.
New Record! 8.56 @ 162 MPH by Tesla Plaid Racing in a #tesla #models #plaid – Is this what the new #roadster will run, @elonmusk @Tesla pic.twitter.com/U7Qb4HDIDF
— DragTimes (@DragTimes) July 29, 2024
The record-setting Model S Plaid had its interior stripped to reduce weight, a common practice in quarter-mile competitions to optimize performance. “Virtually all quarter-mile records are achieved through particular optimization, whether it has to do with weight, tire temperature, or track stickiness,” the article noted.
Despite the modifications, the achievement remains notable for a vehicle priced at approximately $90,000 with no powertrain alterations. This showcases the Model S Plaid’s remarkable performance capabilities in a near-stock configuration.
