Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
Tesla has set the record for fastest four-door sedan at Laguna Seca according to Elon Musk, and the Model S Performance is also having a field day on the Nurburgring. What’s most surprising, as you can tell from the following tweet and photo gallery, is that the red-painted car has seven seats.
When pressed about the matter, Musk suggested that Tesla is looking forward to breaking the record for a seven-seater vehicle on the Green Hell. That sounds like Plan B to our ears, and here’s why. Porsche just came out with the Taycan Turbo S at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the first all-electric Porsche also happens to be the quickest four-door EV on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
The time set by the Germans is 7:42 over 20.6 kilometers of racing circuit, an impressive result in every respect. Turning our attention to the Tesla, the Model S Performance sports a few modifications worthy of mentioning. In addition to the blacked-out windows, the P100D+ badging, makeshift trunk spoiler, flared arches, wide wheels, and super-sticky rubber are a few of the highlights.
Looking closely at the hood, you’ll notice the kind of panel gaps that weren’t acceptable even when Perodua used to import the Kelisa to the United Kingdom. You know, the Malaysian city car that failed miserably in this part of the world. If you were wondering why the ‘Ring was 200 meters shorter when the Taycan Turbo S was driven there, that happens from time to time for reasons few understand given how competitive automakers are around here.
Cyan Racing used the shorter course as well for the record-breaking lap of the Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept, the quickest time for a front-wheel-drive car and a four-door car. But as mentioned in our story about these feats, the 03 wasn’t a series-production passenger car but a purpose-built racing prototype.
Tesla didn’t make such extensive modifications to the Model S, but the modifications would disqualify Tesla anyway if they were to better Porsche on the world’s most demanding racetrack. On that note, does it even matter if Elon Musk has the last laugh?
The time set by the Germans is 7:42 over 20.6 kilometers of racing circuit, an impressive result in every respect. Turning our attention to the Tesla, the Model S Performance sports a few modifications worthy of mentioning. In addition to the blacked-out windows, the P100D+ badging, makeshift trunk spoiler, flared arches, wide wheels, and super-sticky rubber are a few of the highlights.
Looking closely at the hood, you’ll notice the kind of panel gaps that weren’t acceptable even when Perodua used to import the Kelisa to the United Kingdom. You know, the Malaysian city car that failed miserably in this part of the world. If you were wondering why the ‘Ring was 200 meters shorter when the Taycan Turbo S was driven there, that happens from time to time for reasons few understand given how competitive automakers are around here.
Cyan Racing used the shorter course as well for the record-breaking lap of the Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept, the quickest time for a front-wheel-drive car and a four-door car. But as mentioned in our story about these feats, the 03 wasn’t a series-production passenger car but a purpose-built racing prototype.
Tesla didn’t make such extensive modifications to the Model S, but the modifications would disqualify Tesla anyway if they were to better Porsche on the world’s most demanding racetrack. On that note, does it even matter if Elon Musk has the last laugh?
LATER EDIT
New photos have been added to the gallery, showing the car on the back of a trailer. It’s also been confirmed that the tires are Michelin Cup 2 Rs and one of the test drivers is professional racer Thomas Rutsch.*~ Some personal news ~*
— Tesla (@Tesla) September 12, 2019
We lapped Laguna Seca @WeatherTechRcwy in 1:36.555 during advanced R&D testing of our Model S Plaid powertrain and chassis prototype
(That’s a second faster than the record for a four-door sedan) pic.twitter.com/OriccK4KCZ
Model S just set record for fastest 4 door ever at Laguna Seca, video tmrw
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 11, 2019
Model S at Nürburgring has 7 seats
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 12, 2019
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