Tesla Model S Plaid Becomes First Full Production Car Into The 8’s

A few months ago, Nichole Elff set the Tesla Model S Plaid world record with a 9.081 at over 154 MPH. That pass was made in a stock Model S Plaid after it was delivered to owner Chad Evolve with no significant modifications. But recently, Christine Dodworth broke Elff’s record with an 8.994 and became the first driver to break into the 8-second zone with a fully production electric vehicle (EV).

EVs have been a hot-button topic in the automotive performance world since they don’t offer the same sensory experience that internal combustion vehicles provide. Needless to say, a vehicle that’s capable of running low 9-second passes in stock trim from the factory is impressive, and that’s exactly what the Model S Plaid can do.

Dodworth’s pass is believed to be the quickest in history by a true production vehicle, giving Tesla quite the dubious distinction. The Model S Plaid that Dodworth drove, an all-wheel-drive model with 1,020 horsepower, did have some weight reduction modifications done to it before she made the record-setting pass — the passenger seat was removed to save some weight, and more performance-oriented wheels and tires were added to the car.

The incrementals for Dodworth’s record run are very interesting: the Tesla cut a 1.436 60-foot, flew past the half-track marker in 5.816-seconds at 125 MPH, and crossed the 1/4-mile stripe in 8.994-seconds at 155.10 MPH. It’s very eerie to see the Model S Plaid make such a quick pass with very little effort. You can hate EVs all you want, but their ability to lay down some numbers can’t be denied.

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Brian Wagner

Spending his childhood at different race tracks around Ohio with his family’s 1967 Nova, Brian developed a true love for drag racing. Brian enjoys anything loud, fast, and fun.
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