While the Internet has gone crazy over the new Tesla Model S Plaid, which can apparently leave the Porsche Taycan Turbo behind on the Nurburgring, we have to keep in mind that is a prototype, whose performance won't be replicated by a production model until next year. Meanwhile, though, owners of current Teslas have discovered a way to unlock some extra spice in their cars.
We're talking about a hack that allows one to completely turn off the electronic nannies, something the car doesn't normally allow.
Now, while the YouTuber who exposed this stunt does drop multiple disclamers in the video below, which details the adventure, here's another one: this shenanigan means you'll no longer be able to rely on traction control, stability control, regenerative braking or automatic emergency braking. So, please, steer clear of using this trick on public roads.
As for what you have to do in order to set your electric monster free, you'll find the steps at the 11:31 point of the clip. Basically, you have to enter the menu that allows one to change the wheels and while the car is resetting its sensors (such hardware changes demand the process), place it into drive - ta-daa!
So, what can you do with the newly gained freedom? Well, you'll be able to pull AWD donuts in a parking lot, as you'll notice at the 8:03 point of the video.
And while this looks a bit too expensive (think: tire wear at the very least) for the giggles it can deliver, I suspect that a snowy environment could lead to some good old AWD drifting fun.
As for the drag racing adventures, Brooks of the Drag Times YouTube channel, who is the vlogger we've been talking about, noticed the Launch Mode isn't available in such conditions.
However, even when taking off by simply flooring the gas pedal, the aficionado reported a bit of wheel spin. Nevertheless, the resulting 2.6s 0-60 mph time was just about fitting for his car (as Brooks points out, only the new model can hit the mark in 2.4 seconds).
But what if somebody replaced the factory wheels and tires with a more strip-friendly setup? Could the newfound pinch of slip improve the 60-foot time of the electric sedan? Guess we'll have to ask the folks over at the Tesla Racing Channel, who use such a setup (I've already sent them a message on Instagram).
Then again, if you're into no-engine-sound Tesla Model S donuts, well, let's just say it's a shame they don't make RWD models anymore...
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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