Tesla is planning to launch a new performance version of the Model S later this year, and its secret weapon for maintaining performance and stability at high speeds has been revealed on the race track.
As Electrek reports, Tesla is set to launch the Model S Plaid and Plaid+ at some point between August and September this year. As well as featuring an all-new interior, the performance figures are off the charts. The Plaid promises to hit 0-60mph in 1.99 seconds and enjoys a top speed of 200mph with peak power rated at 1,020hp. That's all while still managing a 390 mile range. The Plaid+ takes performance a step further and will do 0-60mph in under 1.99 seconds while extending the range to over 520 miles.
Tesla has been using the the Laguna Seca Raceway to test a prototype of the Plaid, and the latest footage of the electric vehicle flying around the track (captured by Twitter account The Kilowatts) has revealed a surprising new feature. Tesla has fitted a retractable rear spoiler. Spoilers help to disrupt the flow of air over a vehicle, which in turn prevents lift and improves the performance and efficiency. As other performance vehicles have done in the past, the spoiler can be triggered automatically when a certain speed is reached to help with stability and performance.
If an August launch is still on the cards, we should expect Tesla and Elon Musk to schedule a proper reveal in June or July. What's not known for now is whether the retractable spoiler will make it on to the final car, and if it does, will it be exclusive to the Plaid+ or be present on the Plaid, too?