All posts in “Tesla Model S”

Best New Sports & Performance Cars ($100K – $200K USD)

Porsche 911 GT3 (992)

Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 Touring

Base Price: $160,100 USD (GT3), $160,100 USD (Touring)

Porsche unveiled its new 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 via digital livestream on YouTube. First deliveries are just starting to trickle in now, making it likely to be designated as a 2022 model. Semantics aside, this new GT3 becomes the seventh iteration of one of Porsche’s most established and beloved automobiles. More importantly, it continues to embody the spirit of previous GT3 models by amalgamating all that is awesome about the 911 – and the Porsche brand – in a single road car.

The automaker has continued the use of the naturally-aspirated 4.0L 9A1 flat-6 power plant in the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. The only key differences between the engine used in the race car and the one used in the 992 GT3, are the exhaust system and ECU. Otherwise, the two engines share virtually all the same components, such as individual throttle bodies. As such, the new GT3 needed no “sound engineering” and inherently sounds amazing. With its astronomical 9,000 rpm redline, the GT3 produces 502 hp @ 8,400 rpm and 346 lb-ft of torque @ 6,250 rpm. 

Porsche Cayman GT4 RS

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Base Price: $140,000 USD (est.)

Porsche has confirmed under no uncertain terms that there will be a 718 Cayman GT4 RS model. This comes after many months of testing camouflaged mule cars (with accompanied spy shots) which had long hinted that the GT4 RS was going to be a real thing – we finally know that this will indeed be the case. Porsche has stated that they are in the process of wrapping up the final stages of testing.

The GT4 RS will come equipped with a 4.0L naturally-aspirated flat-6, though Porsche has not yet provided any horsepower figures. Besides being obviously more than that of the GT4, many media outlets are predicting that it could make as much as 500 hp, especially considering the measurable gap in their ‘Green Hell’ lap times. Other telling differences can be spotted visually, with the GT4 RS being subject to the customary aerodynamic transformation. This includes a more aggressive front splitter, front fender vents, and a swan-neck rear wing (similar to that of the 992 GT3).

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 / 718 Boxster Spyder

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Boxster Spyder & 718 Boxster Spyder overall review

Base Price: $101,200 USD (GT4) / $98,300 USD (Spyder)

The first iteration of the Porsche Cayman GT4 made its debut in 2015, drawing a conclusion to the third generation of Boxster/Cayman (981). Since that time, the GT4 has become a cult hero amongst purists with its absence of frills (not to be misheard as ‘thrills’), relative affordability and undisputable demi-god-status as one of the ultimate driver’s car. Shortly after the release of the 981 Cayman GT4, Porsche ushered in the fourth generation of the Cayman/Boxster (982) in 2016 which are marketed as the 718. The most welcome fact about the new 718 GT4/Spyder models is that they marked the reintroduction of the naturally aspirated 6-cylinder into the Cayman/Boxster series, and for the first time into the 982 generation.

With the main difference between the two cars being that the GT4 is a coupe while the Spyder is a drop-top, both cars are mechanically identical and benefit equally from the typical GT-treatment we have all come to adore. Like the inaugural GT4, the new GT ‘twins’ once again infringe on Porsche 911 territory with their stunning performance metrics to rival Stuttgart’s own flagship car.

Porsche Taycan (All Models)

2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Base Price: Starting at $79,900 USD (Sedan) / Starting at $90,900 USD (Cross Turismo)

Porsche’s first EV was the statement car of 2020, proving that a future with electrification can still embody the soul of a true sports car in the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S. Shortly after their release, Porsche added a slightly detuned version of the Taycan in a trim level known as the Taycan 4S. The company has since expanded the Taycan sports sedan lineup with even more versions, including a rear-wheel drive base model, with a future GTS version rumored to be in the works. Although base prices do start below the $100K mark, the vast majority of Taycan models (even without any options added) certainly meet this threshold.

With the introduction of the new Cross Turismo range of Porsche Taycan models in 2021, we’ve now entered the second act of the company’s electrification strategy. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo carries over the EV-platform and performance from its sedan counterpart, then amalgamates them with the utilitarianism of a sporty crossover/estate. What this means is that you can expect the same 800-volt battery architecture powering the car, with 93.4 kWh as the standard fare on all models (certain sedan trims could be had with a smaller 79.2 kWh pack). The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is currently available in four distinct trim levels – 4, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S – with relative performance figures and standard features across the range, mostly in parallel with that of the sedans.

Tesla Model S Plaid Quicker than F8 Tributo and Huracan EVO at Laguna Seca

New images of the upcoming Tesla Model S Plaid/Plaid+ have emerged from Laguna Seca raceway as it undergoes its final testing phase. The images of the prototype have been accompanied by unconfirmed reports of a possible lap record of 1:30:XX minutes. This would make it faster that several supercars including the new Porsche 992 Turbo S, Ferrari F8 Tributo and the Lamborghini Huracan Evo.

The Model S Plaid is a 1,020hp super sedan with a 0-60mph time of 1.99s, and a 1/4 mile time of 9.23s at 155 mph. The top speed is 200mph. These figures will make it quicker than cars such as the McLaren 765LT and the Porsche 992 Turbo S. A Bugatti Chiron will complete the 1/4 mile in 9.4s albeit with a faster trap speed of 158mph.

The company says the Model S Plaid will be the quickest production car once its launched. Deliveries will begin in 2021 for the ‘regular’ Plaid version, while a long range Plaid+ version will be made available later in the year. This version will be priced from. $139,990

  Model S Plaid Model S Plaid+
Output: 1020hp 1100hp+
Range 390 miles 520 miles
0-60mph 1.99s 1.8s
Top Speed 200mph 200mph
1/4 mile 9.23s @ 155mph
Price $112,990 $139,990

Pricing is quite enticing, $112,990 for a 1020hp super sedan with a 200mph top speed. This pricing aligns itself with the likes of a diesel S-Class, entry level Porsche 992, X5 M Competition just to name a few.

Photos by @klwtts on Instagram

Tesla Model S Receives Plaid+: Supercar or Family Sedan?

Tesla has been keeping the EV market on its toes for years and today is no different. In Q4, Tesla announced that there would be some major changes to an upcoming Model S. Production for that much-needed model refresh are to start production in the coming weeks. 

Typically when a vehicle model update takes place, the exterior is what receives the most attention, not the case for Tesla. The new Model S interior received a lot of attention, with good reason. It will now feature a 17.0-inch display that is very similar to the one in the Model 3 and Model Y. Tesla says the new tablet display has a brighter screen with a resolution of 2200×1300 and improved responsiveness.

Model S Plaid

In the released photos of the Model S, it appears that Tesla has cut the steering wheel in half. It appears to be a larger, minimalist rendition of an F1 steering wheel. It is also missing the indicator stalks, which tells us these controls will likely be mounted on the steering wheel. The dash and ventless HVAC systems appear to be similar to the Model 3.

Model S Plaid

The images released also show an additional display where you would normally see climate controls for passengers in the rear. The rear seats also receive bolstering on both sides, giving the new Model S a welcome refresh as it has been the same for years. 

Model S Plaid

As far as exterior updates are concerned, the new Model S appears to have a more aggressive look overall. The lower section of the front fascia comes with the majority of the updates, though Tesla has included new wheels for the Model S. It now looks a bit more sporty and more reflective of its performance. 

A new trim level has been added to the Model S and Model X. The Long Range base models will still include dual-motors, while the performance models will be replaced with the Plaid model. This is simply just a rebranding of the performance model name. However, the Model S will have a Plaid+ option to come later this year, which will have Tesla’s new batteries incorporated into its structure. The Plaid+’s new batteries will provide 0-60 times of less than 1.99 seconds and a range of 520 miles on a single charge.

According to Motor1, Tesla has also confirmed that the Model X will receive the same interior and exterior updates as the new Model S. 

Tesla Model S Plaid: A 1020hp Super Sedan, Quicker than a Bugatti Chiron

As Tesla rallies the electric car industry to multiple directions, they plan to unveil a new super version of the Model S that will take on anything fast on the market. The Model S Plaid is a 1,020hp super sedan with a 0-60mph time of 1.99s, and a 1/4 mile time of 9.23s at 155 mph. The top speed is 200mph. These figures will make it quicker than cars such as the McLaren 765LT and the Porsche 992 Turbo S. A Bugatti Chiron will complete the 1/4 mile in 9.4s albeit with a faster trap speed of 158mph.

The 0-60 time is identical to that of the upcoming Tesla Roadster. The company says the Model S Plaid will be the quickest production car once its launched. Deliveries will begin in March 2021 for the ‘regular’ Plaid version, while a long range Plaid+ version will be made available later in the year. This version will be priced from. $139,990

  Model S Plaid Model S Plaid+
Output: 1020hp 1100hp+
Range 390 miles 520 miles
0-60mph 1.99s 1.8s
Top Speed 200mph 200mph
1/4 mile 9.23s @ 155mph
Price $112,990 $139,990

Pricing is quite enticing, $112,990 for a 1020hp super sedan with a 200mph top speed. Hypercars and electric super sports cars like the Rimac C_Two with identical specs all cost north of $2 million. The Aspark Owl, a Japanese full electric hypercar just began production, the 0-60mph time is said to be 1.7s, pricing for is north of $2.5 million. The Model S Plaid pricing on the other hand aligns itself with the likes of a diesel S-Class, entry level Porsche 992, X5 M Competition just to name a few.

Tesla managed to deliver over 499,550 cars in 2020, a 38% increase over the previous year. The Model 3 is currently the best selling plug-in electric car, with over 500,000 units delivered.