Tesla's Model S Plaid is the fastest car MotorTrend has ever tested
Edmunds
Tesla's Model S Plaid is the most impressive car on the road today. It's not just that it looks great, but it has some serious power underneath the hood... or frunk. Recently, MotorTrend tried the Tesla Model S and declared it the fastest car they have ever tested. That's saying something.
MotorTrend first appeared on magazine stands in 1949. With more than 70 years of experience driving thousands of cars, the Model S Plaid beat them all.
0-60 MPH in 2.3 Seconds
The Tesla Model S Plaid is a high-speed car, and the stats back it up. According to MotorTrend, the Model S accelerates from 0-60 MPH in an astonishing 2.3 seconds.
"When experiencing the acceleration of a Plaid, it's abundantly clear that virtually the only force you feel is the Tesla's seatback hurling you forward to a degree that genuinely makes the horizon the floor. Except that floor is rushing up at you far faster than any free fall ever could."
Earlier in the article, the author explains that a free fall speed equates to accelerating from 0-60 in 3 seconds.
The Tesla website says the Plaid can go faster than MotorTrend reported, with a 1.99 second 0-60 time. Its three mighty electric motors, two in the back, power the all-wheel drive system producing a ridiculous 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 ft-lb of torque. The top speed is pegged at 200 MPH; for comparison, the maximum speed in NASCAR last season was recorded at 190.7 MPH.
Tesla Model S Plaid Specs
Spec
Value
Curb Weight:
4,816 lbs
¼ Mile Time:
9.3 seconds at 152.2 mph
Motor Layout:
Tri-motor, one front, two rear
Maximum Horsepower:
1,020 hp
Maximum Torque:
1,050 lb-ft
Top Speed:
200 MPH
Cost:
$119,990
Model S Plaid Does the Quarter Mile in 9.3 Seconds
The power curve on Tesla's Model S Plaid speaks for itself
Tesla
Tesla's Model S also laid down a blistering quarter-mile to earn the title of the fastest carMotorTrend has ever tested. The blue Plaid devoured the quarter mile time in 9.3 seconds. It should've been a red Model S because this car was burning the record books and lighting the track on fire.
It's not just the motors; the cutting-edge software and aerodynamic design also contribute to its superior acceleration.
60-0 MPH Braking in 104 Feet
In addition to its blistering quarter-mile time, the Model S is able to achieve 60-0 mph braking in just 104 feet, while providing a maximum lateral acceleration of 1.02 Gs. This makes it one of the quickest cars ever produced and gives it the performance capabilities that rival some of the world's top supercars.
In other tests, the Plaid had a record stopping time as low at 98 feet. The impressive stopping power of the Model S can be attributed to its combination of powerful brakes and low center of gravity. The regenerative braking system also helps reduce wear on the brakes and allows for maximum braking performance. In addition, the Model S also features an advanced stability control system that helps to keep the car stable and in control during hard braking maneuvers.
Top 10 Fastest Electric Cars
Car
0-60 MPH Time
2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
2.3 Seconds
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
2.4 Seconds
2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance
2.7 Seconds
2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT
2.9 Seconds
2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+ Sedan
3.0 Seconds
2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1
3.0 Seconds
2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition
3.1 Seconds
2023 Kia EV6 GT
3.2 Seconds
2023 BMW iX M60
3.2 Seconds
2022 Rivian R1S Launch Edition
3.2 Seconds
The Tesla Model S Plaid, which added track mode in 2021, has pushed the performance boundaries and set a new standard for high-performance electric vehicles. Its quarter-mile time of 9.3 seconds is remarkable, and its ability to reach 0-60 mph in just 2.3 seconds is extraordinary. Elon Musk wrapped it up best, responding to a tweet about MotorTrends results. He tweeted: Plaid is sickkk.
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Service Mode allows anyone to access service-related features that help troubleshoot vehicle issues. It’s available for free to all Tesla owners, but caution should be exercised when making any changes. More information about how to access Service Mode is available in our Service Mode guide.
In update 2025.2, Tesla improved two existing Service Mode panels:
Brake Burnishing - Brake burnishing helps condition new brakes and rotors. Tesla states: “The Brake Burnish procedure parameters have been updated to reduce the need for coming to almost a complete stop during each cycle.
This change is available for all vehicles.
Charge Port Calibration - Users can now run a charge port calibration, which can help to either get the charge port to fully close or fully open if you’re having issues or if you’ve refitted or retrofitted the charge port on your own. This was previously a command-line tool in ToolBox3.
In the release notes for service mode, Tesla states: “The charge port door calibration routine (PROC_CP_X_DOOR-SENSOR-CALIBRATION) and charge port latch calibration route (PROC_CP_X_LATCH-CALIBRATION) have been added to the Charging panel. Those routines are required to be run following the replacement of the charge port or charge port door.”
This change only affects the legacy Model S and Model X.
Service Mode+ Updates
The rest of the improvements to Service Mode are exclusive to Service Mode+, which requires a subscription to Tesla’s ToolBox3 software and a connection to a computer. Tesla has added new panels and several improvements to Service Mode+ with update 2025.2.
Accessories Panel - “A new Accessories panel is available to view and change configurations for accessories during retrofits, such as tow package, power liftgate, and soiler. To access the new panel, tap Low Voltage > Accessories.”
Previously, technicians had to manually enter all these configuration changes using the terminal.
This is for all Model 3s and Model Ys.
Signal Viewer Panel - “A new Signal Viewer panel is available to monitor multiple signal values live on a graph. If one or more of the signal values is unavailable, the graph will stop updating. To access the new panel, tap Tools > Signal Viewer.”
This will help technicians diagnose issues in real time when they’re related to signal quality or signal noise throughout the vehicle’s internal electrical systems.
This new panel is available on all vehicles with the AMD Ryzen infotainment processor.
Noise Recording Panel - “To improve the user experience, the recording duration has been decreased to 30 seconds, and reliability of the download routine PROC_ICE_X_FETCH-DIAGNOSTIC-AUDIO-RECORDS has been improved.”
The Noise Recording Panel, which was introduced with the 2024 Holiday Update, has been better tuned to improve technician experience while debugging noises or audio issues within the vehicle.
This particular improvement is only for the Cybertruck.
There’s rarely a software update that goes out that doesn’t include improved or new Service Mode panels. While this update focuses more on improvements to Service Mode+, it still includes other improvements to Service Mode. While these updates are aimed at Tesla technicians and third-party technicians, they also help consumers’ right to repair.
Unplugged Performance makes some amazing performance upgrades for Teslas and other EVs. One of their most recent programs is UP.FIT - where they equip Tesla vehicles for police duty.
Law enforcement agencies have highly specific requirements and the UP.FIT program is designed not only to meet those requirements but exceed them. EVs also come with the additional benefits of reducing maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs.
And UP.FIT isn’t just for run-of-the-mill policing, Unplugged Performance also provides upfitted Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, tailored for specialized roles such as tactical and defense applications. Let’s take a look at what real police officers think too.
“The difference is absolutely staggering. I don’t want to go back to this [ICE car] now.”
Hands-On With Teslas
Not a Tesla App
Police officers from eight different departments in California had the opportunity to participate in a unique event at an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) facility. Law enforcement agencies in North America and Europe are beginning to look at EVs more often, and finding a properly up-fitted EV for police work can be a challenge.
“I’ve never driven one until today, I have a different mindset here at 2:00 than I did at 6 a.m. this morning. I was not necessarily sold, but I am now.”
Unplugged Performance let these officers get hands-on with the Model Y Performance, and compare it to the industry-standard Ford Explorer PIU edition. They also got a chance to see some of the other UP.FIT lineup, including the Model S Plaid Interceptor and Cybertruck Patrol Vehicle.
Not a Tesla App
Reactions
The best part of this was the honest, real reactions from the officers who were trying out modified Teslas on the EVOC track.
“I might go buy one now!”
“I’m thoroughly impressed by how it handled and performed. It’s kind of made a believer out of me.”
“First time driving an electric car… The difference between the [Tesla and Ford] is staggering… I didn’t want to be in the Explorer anymore.”
Several comments talked about the handling of the vehicles - how fun they were to drive, how tight they cornered, and how fast they accelerated. They also mentioned that because of that performance - these cars were able to do things that the Ford Explorer just isn’t capable of.
And when doing simulated chases - our favorite comment “It’s like you don’t even have to try!”
Another fun data point that elicited some great reactions was the battery usage of the cars. The Teslas arrived at around 97% state of charge at 6 am, and at 2 pm, the cars still had about 55-60% of the battery left.
You can watch the entire video from Unplugged Performance below.
Teslas Just Make Sense
At the end of the day, the thing is, Teslas - and EVs in general - just make sense for patrol vehicles. Officers can leave the heat or AC running the entire time without having to idle an engine. EVs also perform far better than their ICE equivalents, and they reduce maintenance and fuel costs massively - especially when you can just charge a whole fleet of patrol vehicles overnight.
Many police officers have commented online and mentioned how they burn massive amounts of gas just idling away with their vehicles, which just continuously burns fuel and increases wear and tear on the thousands of components in an ICE vehicle.
Not a Tesla App
On top of that, this sold individual people - not just as officers but as consumers - on the idea of Teslas and EVs. Putting butts in seats in important, and it’s one of the best ways to convince naysayers that the future is already here.
![Police React to Trying Tesla Patrol Vehicles [VIDEO]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2025/upfit-cybertruck-defense.webp/45b4df6681a888faba03d8b2fbd9ca6f/upfit-cybertruck-defense.jpg)
