Big company - big claims. This seems to be the mantra of Tesla, but can you get those numbers in real life? Yes and no. Turns out MotorTrend did an ex

Tesla Model S Plaid - how fast can you get fast?

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2021-06-20 05:30:06

Big company - big claims. This seems to be the mantra of Tesla, but can you get those numbers in real life? Yes and no. Turns out MotorTrend did an exclusive test to Tesla's claim and the result leave some very mixed feelings about the whole internet craze. Here's the short take:

Firstly you'll need a drag strip that will allow you to drive your stock Model S Plaid. There are certain NHRA regulations that require fast cars of this caliber to be equipped with roll cage and window nets for general safety. Obviously Model S won't come out of the factory with those things, so it will be a small quest to find a place that will allow you to race stock.

Secondly the drag strip have to be laid with special grippy resin, because regular road surfaces cannot offer enough grip to launch your car so vigorously. So bragging to your friends about that crazy sub-two seconds acceleration even on a race track is out of the window from the get-go.

Thirdly . . you'll need patience. Because the magical under-2-seconds launch requires time for the car to be ready. With "Drag Strip Mode" turned on, you'll need anywhere between 8 to 15 minutes before launch, so the motors and the batteries will be at the right temperature. And when you're finally done and itching on the line - you have to wait 9 more seconds with your feet on the brake and the accelerator for the car to take the "cheetah stance" for optimal launch.