Triple-motor Tesla Model S prepped for Nurburgring lap
New three-motor battery-powered prototype to become production reality in 2020Outspoken Telsa CEO, Elon Musk, has confirmed that the Tesla Model S currently testing at the Nurburgring ahead of a record attempt is driven by a new triple-motor powertrain.
Claimed to be "about a year away" from production, the new three-rotor set-up -- named 'Plaid' -- will also feature on the Model X SUV and forthcoming Tesla Roadster.
Ruled out for the new Model Y small SUV and existing Model 3 medium sedan, the Plaid powertrain will cost extra over the standard car but, according to Musk, the three-motor Model S will remain cheaper than the $350,000 Taycan Turbo S that lapped the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes and 42 seconds.
As well as the additional motor, the Model S testing has also been spotted sporting wider-arches, a rear spoiler, extra air intakes in the grille and a set of, presumably, lighter 20-inch alloy rims.
Yes. To be clear, Plaid powertrain is about a year away from production & applies to S,X & Roadster, but not 3 or Y. Will cost more than our current offerings, but less than competitors.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 12, 2019
Originally, Musk claimed a Nurburgring lap time would be set last week but now a limited 30-minute window has been bought by the US pure-electric car-maker in a couple of weeks.
Former F1 world champion, Nico Rosberg, had been linked to Tesla's potentially record-setting lap, but the ex-Mercedes F1 driver says he is "still in discussions" with Tesla.
Curiously, Musk claims the Model S that will tackle the Nurburgring is equipped with seven seats, hinting that if the Tesla sedan doesn't usurp the Porsche Taycan's time it could at least rob the Skoda Kodiaq of its record as the the fastest seven-seater around the Nurburgring.
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