Tesla announced yesterday that they have officially managed to lap WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in a mere 1:36.555 during advanced R&D of their upcoming Model S Plaid powertrain using a prototype chassis. The next closest time for a four-door is a full second slower, set by a 2016 Cadillac CTSV four years ago. This Model S managed to hit a maximum speed of 129 mph going down a straight.
For those unfamiliar with Laguna Seca, this racetrack is approximately 2.238 miles long and has a 180 feet elevation change, complete with eleven turns. The circuit’s signature turn is the downhill-plunging “Corkscrew” at Turns 8 and 8A, which has been featured in many games like Gran Turismo as well as Forza Horizon / Motorsport. The Plaid powertrain will eventually be offered not only in the Model S, but the Tesla Model X and Roadster as well, whenn it’s released in late 2020. As for the price, CEO Elon Musk said that it would be more expensive than their current offerings, yet still priced lower than its competitors.
