
Contributor
The fastest Tesla Model S is about to get faster.
Elon Musk has confirmed deliveries for the tri-motor Model S Plaid will start late in 2021, and revealed the car’s eye-popping performance figures.
The Model S Plaid will do the 60mph (97km/h) sprint in less than two seconds, and the quarter mile sprint in less than nine seconds thanks to its tri-motor all-wheel drive system.
Claimed top speed is north of 320km/h, and the powertrain lays down 820kW of power. Despite the wild performance, Tesla is promising a range of 835km between charges.
Mr Musk says the Plaid lapped Laguna Seca in 1:30.3, making it faster than the Lucid Air that stole the electric vehicle record from a Model S Plaid prototype earlier this year.
The goal for the Plaid is to better the 1:27.62 set by Randy Pobst in a McLaren Senna at Laguna Seca.
“We’re confident the Model S Plaid will achieve the best track time of any production vehicle ever, of any kind – two-door or otherwise,” Mr Musk said.
“You can order it now, and it’s available basically at the end of next year.”

The late-2021 delivery date represents a significant delay for the highest-performance Model S, which was originally meant to launch this year.
In Australia, the Model S Plaid will be priced from $189,990 before on-road costs, making it cheaper than the entry-level Porsche Taycan 4S.
Trusted Reviews, Smarter Choices, Better Prices
Where expert car reviews meet expert car buying – CarExpert gives you trusted advice, personalised service and real savings on your next new car.
Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.
You might also like


James Wong
2026 BYD Sealion 7 review
6 Hours Ago


Damion Smy
Suzuki Fronx scores one-star ANCAP rating after seatbelt failure
14 Hours Ago


Damion Smy
Last petrol-powered Jaguar built
18 Hours Ago


Josh Nevett
2026 Jaecoo J5 EV review
20 Hours Ago


Josh Nevett
2026 Jaecoo J5 EV price and specs: Small SUV undercuts rivals by thousands
20 Hours Ago


Damion Smy
Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 recalled
20 Hours Ago






