A Tesla Model S has once again been spotted running laps on the Laguna Seca Raceway, this time around rocking a fancy pop-up spoiler.
A high-end Plaid version of the U.S.-made electric saloon finished the track in 1:36.55 two years ago, netting it the title of the fastest pre-production car on that track. Later on, a Lucid Air Dream Edition prototype dethroned it with 1:31.3. Shortly thereafter, an updated S Plaid ran it in 1:30.3.
It would seem that Elon Musk is determined not to let the crown go this time around. Unofficial reports are coming in that the most recent run culminated in 1 minute and 30-something seconds, but we would wait until an official announcement comes out.
Note especially how the pop-up rear wing extends in corners for maximum downforce, but dives down at straight sections to improve drag.
The updated Tesla Model S debuted at the beginning of this year, but shipment have yet to begin. In its topmost Plaid spec, it rocks three electric motors and can reportedly go 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than two seconds, although many observers remain skeptical of the claim.
A new version called Plaid+ should arrive in a year’s time with some extra range compared to the main Plaid spec.