The 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid, featuring the optional Track package, recently demonstrated its formidable capabilities on the circuit, clocking a lap time of 2 minutes and 43.2 seconds. This particular model, with a base price of $135,630 and an as-tested price of $144,630, boasts an impressive 1020 horsepower and a weight of 4804 pounds, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 4.7 pounds per horsepower. The Track package, an additional $24,000 investment, significantly enhances the vehicle's performance by incorporating carbon-ceramic rotors with larger calipers, wider forged-aluminum wheels, and high-performance Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires, specifically sized at 285/35ZR-20 for the front and 305/30ZR-20 for the rear. Crucially, this package also unlocks a top speed of 200 mph, a notable upgrade from the standard Model S Plaid.
During its track evaluation, the Model S Plaid exhibited strong braking performance, a significant improvement over the standard setup, maintaining efficacy despite the vehicle's substantial mass. It also achieved an impressive 1.13 g's of grip in Turn 1, a figure surpassed only by the Corvette ZR1 in this year's testing. However, the vehicle's tendency towards oversteer in certain sections necessitated a more cautious driving approach. In the final sector, the Tesla matched the Lucid Air Sapphire and slightly outperformed the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Its primary deficit was in braking into Turn 1, where it lost over a second compared to competitors, attributed potentially to the tires' longitudinal grip or the track's surface conditions. Despite this, the Model S Plaid secured the third position among the premium EV trio.
Positioned within the LL3 category due to its price point, the Model S Plaid emerged as a top performer, trailing only the C8 Corvette Z06. This remarkable achievement underscores Tesla's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance. The Model S Plaid demonstrates that cutting-edge technology and thoughtful engineering can result in a vehicle that not only competes with, but often surpasses, traditional high-performance cars. This blend of speed, handling, and value sets a new benchmark for the automotive industry, inspiring continued innovation and excellence in the electric vehicle segment.
