Tesla Model S Plaid reclaims Nurburgring EV lap record

Tesla has reclaimed the lap record for an EV at Germany’s Nurburgring with its Tesla Model S Plaid setting a 7:25.23min time over the 20.83km circuit.

That is an incredible 10 seconds faster than when the Tesla Model S Plaid lapped the ’Ring back in 2019 and, crucially, more than eight seconds quicker than the record subsequently set by the Porsche Taycan Turbo S in 2022.

To extract the quicker lap, Tesla claims it only fitted a new set of rims and tyres that are both available as part of a $US15,000 ($A22,700) Track Package.

As well as the set of 20-inch Zero-G wheels and Goodyear Supercar 3R tyres, the package adds uprated carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston callipers upfront and four-piston grippers at the rear.

Tesla says the Track Pack adds no more power, but with 760kW to play with from the Model S Plaid’s triple-motor set-up, you’re unlikely to need it.

Instead, engineers have worked on introducing software changes that include revised battery conditioning and a post-hot-lap cool-down mode.

Other changes include a modified air suspension for higher cornering speeds, plus tweaked torque vectoring.

Finally, the top speed has been increased from 289km/h to 322km/h.

Amusingly, for the record attempt the Tesla factory driver favoured a round steering wheel rather than the yoke fitted to the Model S Plaid.

Like many official Nurburgring records set by car-makers, the new hot lap has not been without controversy.

Some commentators have already suggested the Model S Plaid that set the record time had a heavily modified suspension, with extra camber visible on at least one car on the press shot.

Others have noted the stripped interior and the mysterious blacked-out rear windows, although many point out that few official attempts are now carried out without the vital safety kit in place.

Of course, the bitter pill for would-be Australian owners is that the Tesla Model S Plaid (and Model X Plaid) have both been withdrawn from sale before even landing Down Under, with no right-hand drive production now scheduled – despite the US car-maker taking orders for the car up until recently.

It’s not known how long Tesla will hold onto its reclaimed title, with faster Porsche Taycan EVs frequently seen testing at the Nurburgring, suggesting a rematch could take place in the coming months to perhaps coincide with Porsche’s 75th anniversary.

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au