Either way, the Tesla Model S Plaid has quite amazing performance. The 1,020-horsepower three-motor electric hatchback can accelerate 100 kilometers in 1.99 seconds, according to factory estimates, and its total range is close to 400 miles. But when it comes to intense electric vehicle driving, the most difficult thing is often the repeatability or persistence of this high performance.
With the latest OTA, Tesla is taking steps to improve Plaid's power and high-performance durability through a new Track Mode.
As part of the 2021.44.30 release, Plaid's new track mode includes changes to the vehicle's thermal management and electric drive system as well as adjustments to the suspension system and a unique track mode infotainment interface. These changes also reportedly include increasing the top speed of electric vehicles to 175mph (about 282km/h), an increase from 163mph (about 262km/h).
Those with a good memory may recall that Tesla added track mode to its lower-priced Model 3 high-performance sedan back in 2018 and updated it in 2020.
According to NotATeslaApp.com, the website tracking Tesla's update, the new tracking model includes different cooling system procedures — such as running heat pumps more often and aggressively to keep the powertrain at a lower temperature for optimal performance. The new program also includes driving after-cooling, increasing the chances of a driver running multiple times on the track with minimal performance degradation.
Track mode also leverages Plaid's adaptive suspension, which automatically reduces the travel height to a low level and adjusts the adaptive damping rate to make high-speed performance more confident.
Changes in the drivetrain include stronger regenerative braking and, perhaps more importantly, the addition of torque vectoring control, which allows for clearer handling.
Finally, Tesla has added a series of display-related track mode features to help motorists get the most out of their track lessons. These features include telematics and video capture capabilities as well as gravimeters, lap timers, and cooling system monitors.
Tesla has previously promised to provide the Model S Plaid with a carbon-ceramic brake kit later this year, an upgrade that could go a long way toward helping the Model S Plaid safely achieve the top speed tesla has always claimed at 200mph. Meanwhile, according to fans' website Teslaati, the new track mode includes driver warnings about overheating of the brakes, adding that the setting "... disable or restrict certain vehicle features, including some driver assistance features".