Tesla confirms Model S Plaid performance

Owe someone a ten-second car? Be generous; the 1,020hp Plaid does the quarter mile in 9.2...

It says something of the impact of the Tesla Model S that it can still defy expectations almost a decade after launch. Just a few days ago, the mercurial Musk said the Model S Plaid+ was cancelled because the standard Plaid "is just so good." Now, following a delivery event last night, we have some numbers to put to that claim...

For its "best car in the world", Tesla has created a Model S with three drive units and 1,020hp. Or exactly twice the power of a new M3. Last year a sub-two-second 0-60mph time was promised; now that's been confirmed as 1.99 seconds, with a stunning quarter mile time of 9.23 seconds also claimed. That'll most likely be with the odd US method including roll out, but those remain extraordinary numbers. This still has 390 miles of range, too, with a Supercharger update meaning up to 187 miles can be added in 15 minutes. And none of those are the most incredible, either, as that might be the 200mph top speed. Yes, a Nevera now goes 258mph, but for an EV saloon to come from the factory capable of the double ton is remarkable. No matter how much you pay Audi, Mercedes-AMG, or BMW, none of its V8 'bahnstormers can do that.

Elon Musk has been typically reserved about his company's latest creation, suggesting Plaid takes the Model S "to a whole new level". He later went on to Tweet even more effusive praise: "Most amount of fun on 4 wheels! Pure joy on tap whenever u want." Some familiar grand claims, then, but many have doubted Musk before and been made to look a bit silly. So let's see...

For UK customers, the Model S Plaid is available to order now, with prices starting at £118,980. However, the Tesla website currently suggests that delivery won't be until the end of 2022. And who knows what Musk will have conjured up by then...