Breathtaking hypercar performance for Tesla prices.

At Tesla’s Thursday night Model S Plaid event, we got an exciting sneak peek at the car’s performance and technology. This sedan has current Tesla owners gasping in shock as they experience the Plaid’s intense sub 2-second 0-60 acceleration. Here, Tesla enthusiast Eli Burton goes on a test drive.

Acceleration

Noting that the 0-60 doesn’t feel much different from current Tesla Model S performance, Eli explains that the post-60 mph acceleration is what’s truly special here. And he’s right! Compared to previous Teslas, the Plaid maintains peak acceleration longer and more consistently.

It’s the first production car to break the 2-second barrier. As Elon Musk joked during the event, “This is limit-of-physics engineering…physics is a law and everything else is a recommendation.”

But the sub-2 second 0-60 doesn’t tell the whole story. Model S Plaid specs include:

• 390-mile range

• 200 mph top speed

• 1,020 horsepower

• Increased supercharging speed with a 187 mile charge in 15 minutes

• $130,000 starting MSRP

How does it compare to competitors?

There’s no denying that the Tesla Model S is the fastest car you can buy for $131,000. But, that doesn’t mean it’s the best car in that price range. For example, the Audi RS7 has a more luxurious interior compared to the Plaid Model S. And, with a 3.5-second 0-60 time, some people may prefer it over the slightly more costly Tesla.

Summary

The all-new Tesla Model S Plaid is the best of today’s car tech. 1,000+ horsepower, 200 mph top speed and loaded with tech features. “This is a car you have to feel to believe,” says Musk.

The Plaid Model S doesn’t match what you're able to get from other companies in interior luxury and amenities, but your experience in the Tesla is guaranteed to never be boring. And, yes, there are more sensible ways to drop $131,000, but surely this would provide the most bang-for-your-buck fun!

Hudson Labno

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