Full Self-Driving
A theoretical quad-motor setup could boost the Model S’ performance, Tesla
Performance
The updated interior of the Model S, specifically the new steering wheel, is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the refresh. What appears to be a yoke designed for spacecraft navigation has been installed in place of the traditional steering wheel. This year’s Model 3 and Model Y have both received a landscape-oriented center touchscreen, while the digital instrument cluster has remained largely unchanged from last year’s models. The new infotainment system has earned our high praise. There’s a secret hidden shifter in case the car doesn’t guess the direction you want to go in correctly the first time. There’s more wood and carbon-fiber trim to give the interior a more luxurious feel, and a new display for passengers in the back seat. One of the most recent changes to passenger seat design gives a small amount of space to those in the back.
Models
Tesla originally planned to call the Model S Plaid+ the Plaid+. It had faster acceleration and a longer range than the Plaid model. Tesla apparently found the non-plus Plaid’s capabilities adequate and cancelled it. Elon Musk tweeted that the Plaid+ is unnecessary because “Plaid is so good.” Will the Plaid+ ever be released? A theoretical quad-motor setup could boost the Model S’ performance and earn it the elusive “+” label.
Technology
Despite the fact that the Model S Plaid has a claimed top speed of 200 mph, Tesla hasn’t quite finished the work necessary to reach that mark. The hardware isn’t an issue; the 21-inch Arachnid wheels and Model S-specific Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that are available for the Plaid have been tested and proven to be capable of reaching those speeds. Software is the real bottleneck; until a software update is released at an unspecified future date, the Model S Plaid is only capable of 163 miles per hour. To get to that point in such a short period of time is incredible, as is the car’s relentless acceleration leading up to it. Nonetheless, it is yet another instance of Tesla making a claim and then discovering that it was incorrect later.
Rivalry
It will be refreshed for the 2021-5 or 2022 model years (Tesla does not follow model years as closely as other automakers). The Tesla Model S was introduced in 2012 and has been in production since then. In addition to the addition of two new tri-motor variants to the lineup, both the exterior and interior designs have been significantly improved in significant ways. This could be exactly what Tesla needs to stay competitive against hot newcomers such as the 1,080-hp Lucid Air Dream Edition and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, both of which have impressive performance numbers.
Feature
the experience is with us
2022 Tesla Model S
Despite the fact that the Model S Plaid has a claimed top speed of 200 mph, Tesla hasn’t quite finished the work necessary to reach that mark. The hardware isn’t an issue; the 21-inch Arachnid wheels and Model S-specific Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that are available for the Plaid have been tested and proven to be capable of reaching those speeds. Software is the real bottleneck; until a software update is released at an unspecified future date, the Model S Plaid is only capable of 163 miles per hour. To get to that point in such a short period of time is incredible, as is the car’s relentless acceleration leading up to it. Nonetheless, it is yet another instance of Tesla making a claim and then discovering that it was incorrect later.
Systems
Several advanced driver-assistance features, collectively referred to as Autopilot, are included as standard equipment in every Tesla Model S. Automotive technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking are all included in the Autopilot package. Customers can upgrade to a more advanced system, known as Full Self-Driving, which includes automatic lane-changing, automatic parking, and expanded hands-off driving capabilities, among other features. We believe that while Full Self-Driving (also known as FSD for those in the know) is impressive, it does not live up to its name, and that it is still best to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. If you are interested in trying out the service, you can now sign up for it on a monthly basis if you are curious to see how it works.
Substitute
A high level of performance comes standard on all Model S models. Long Range model, the dual-motor variant that is not even focused on performance, can reach 60mph in 3.1 seconds and top out at 155mph, according to Tesla. To be fair, the new Plaid models use three high-performance electric motors split between the front and rear axles, which makes them even faster. [*] More than 1,000 horsepower and more than 1,050 lb-ft of torque are on tap in the Tesla Model S Plaid. It’s not surprising that it’s insanely fast, but exactly how fast is a matter of debate. Tesla demanded that we conduct our first tests of the Model S Plaid on a drag strip, which was contrary to our standard testing procedures. During our negotiations, we agreed on the time of 1.98 seconds for 0-60 mph. It ran a 0-60 time of 2.1 seconds the following day when we took it to our regular testing facility. Regardless, it’s the fastest car we’ve ever tested, but Tesla’s demands for preferential treatment detract from the honor. It’s well worth your time to read our Tesla Model S first-drive report.
