Starting this June, Tesla is offering a Track Package for the Model S Plaid. And we can now see how the EV feels when doing the Track Pack’s advertised 200 mph top speed, as well as going all out on the circuit… with an accidental spin involved—hey, it’s been done so you don’t have to.
One may argue that taking an electric sedan that weighs almost 5,000 lbs (2,300 kg) to the track is not something you want to do. However, we’ve seen crazier forms of motorsport like monster tank racing, so let’s get on to the details, shall we?
Tesla Model S Plaid Track Pack features, pricing, and availability
As a quick recap, the Model S Plaid’s Track Pack doesn’t affect the AWD grand tourer’s 1,006 hp (1,020 PS) output. The output of the three electric motors was always enough for the Tesla to hit 200 mph (322 km/h), but the weak factory brakes caused the car to be electronically limited to 162 mph (260 km/h). So while the EV may out-accelerate some supercars, the latter will leave the Tesla trailing in their wake as that limitation kicks in.
Instead, the Track Pack added carbon-ceramic brakes featuring six-piston forged front calipers, four-piston forged rear calipers and all-around 16.1-inch carbon-silicon carbide rotors, plus track-ready brake fluid.
Those eagerly anticipated brakes can be had separately from the rest of the package, which also includes 20-inch forged wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires measuring 285/35 R20 up front and 305/30 R20 at the rear—at the time of press, these tires were road-legal in the US, albeit with the road use homologation still pending in the EU. Meanwhile, Europeans can use the Micheline Pilot Sport 4S.
The big brake kit for the Model S Plaid costs $15,000, while adding those wheels and tires brings the total to $20,000. The features can also be retrofitted to 2021 and newer Plaid units.
200 mph in a Model S Plaid Track Package
Earlier this month, Tesla held a testing session for the Model S Plaid Track Package at Circuit Paul Ricard in France. And the folks over at carwow captured a top speed run on camera, as you can see in the first video below.
Note that while the speedo only climbs to 196.9 mph (317 km/h) on camera, with the vehicle apparently handled by a driving instructor, the top speed recording on the central infotainment screen shows 203.7 mph (328 km/h).
Much to nobody’s surprise, the furious, albeit silent climb past the previous 162 mph limit shows just how much muscle the Model S Plaid has. Of course, doing these sorts of speed will drain the battery at dizzying rates, and we should get some exact figures soon.
Model S Track Pack review on the circuit
Handling was never the sweet spot of the Model S, as I quickly discovered when driving a P85 Performance a couple of years ago. Of course, that was an RWD model, and things have evolved meanwhile.
You see, while competition from established names and startups has only recently caught up, which is why Tesla has repeatedly lowered prices recently—the Model S was quite the revolution back in 2012 when it was launched. As stated, the electric sedan received AWD and even deeper tech updates in recent years, such as new front and rear castings.
Nevertheless, even with the stiffer suspension of the Plaid Track Mode—a bonus feature—the vehicle still doesn’t feel at home on the racetrack.
For one, the folks over at the Autogefuhl YouTube channel also took a Plaid Track Pack out on Circuit Paul Ricard earlier this month. And the experience came with quite the surprise, namely the spin you’ll find at the 7:20 point of the clip below (the power distribution was set to 40:60 front/rear, by the way).
At the time of the spin, the Tesla was driving on the Pilot Sport 4S rubber mentioned above. Speaking of which, the vehicle can detect both the wheels it has on, thus allowing the driver to engage Track Mode or not, and the tires, which brings along the stiffest setup for the suspension.
Even with the Track Pack, there’s quite a bit of body roll on the corners, while the communication with the driver leaves quite a few things to be desired. Plus, the seats, which are excellent on the road, lack the kind of bolstering you need for track days, so you might find yourself sliding around a bit.
And, in case you’re curious about the 0-186 mph (300 km/h) time of the Model S Plaid Track Pack, this sits at 17s, which puts it in the same league as the Bugatti Veyron.
So while those big brakes are a must-have for many real-life scenarios and the bragging rights of the Track Pack are certainly there, actually sending it on the track may not be your best bet.