Tesla Model S Plaid sets EV Nurburgring record

The new 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid is claimed to have set a new fastest lap for a production-spec electric car at the Nurburgring.

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who controls all flow of information to the media, the 761kW triple-motor Tesla Model S Plaid lapped the 20.8km circuit in just 7:30.909 – around 1.2 seconds quicker than the previous 2019 lap record held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo.

To set the new record, the Model S Plaid, which is already claimed to be capable of a 0-100km/h time of 2.1sec and a top speed of 322km/h, averaged an incredible 166km/h.

Following the new lap record, Musk said another Model S Plaid will set further fast laps, but that car will be modified and have "added aero surfaces, carbon brakes and track tyres".

Courting some controversy, Tesla was spotted testing earlier in the week with Tesla Model S Plaid models that were riding on non-standard suspension, track-focused tyres and a traditional circular steering wheel in place on the weird yoke the facelifted Model S now comes with.

In an attempt to rebut its critics, the US car brand released a video of the Model S Plaid setting a lap – but not the record lap; it was almost five seconds slower.

Local pricing for the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid, which offers up to 628km of range, was recently set at $186,990 plus on-road costs, crowning a two-variant line-up in Australia that is bookended by the Long Range variant set at $129,990 plus ORCs.

The bad news for us Down Under is current scheduling suggests we're still around 16 months away from deliveries beginning, which could be delayed further into 2023.