Mad Nurburgring-Spec Tesla Model S Will Go Into Production, Musk Says
When Tesla hit the Nurburgring with extensively modified versions of the Model S last month, we were left wondering what the hell it all meant. The test mules were unrecognisable from any version of the electric car currently sold, and although CEO Elon Musk confirmed its new triple motor ‘Plaid’ powertrain would make production, that didn’t explain all the other bits on the cars.
Surely, we thought, Tesla doesn’t intend on selling a Model S that’s almost Porsche 911 GT3 RS-like in its focus, with wider lightweight wheels, semi-slick tyres and carbon ceramic brakes? Well, the Californian company just might.
With the cars in question back at the Nurburgring this week - at least one of them now sporting a rear diffuser that looks like it’s nicked from a GT4 racing car - Elon Musk has said on Twitter that: “The final configuration used at Nurburgring to set the record will go into production around summer 2020, so this is not purely for the track”.
There are several outcomes this statement could point to. The “final configuration” could be brought back to a more sensible point, perhaps with the interior put back in and the tyres switched for something more road-friendly.
It’s possible that the Plaid Model S scheduled to arrive next summer will be available with some or even all of the upgrades, much like Seat what did with the Leon Cupra’s Sub 8 pack a few years back, and similar to Nissan’s sneaky ‘Ring shenanigans with the ‘N Attack’ pack.
Or finally, Tesla may actually sell a car as extreme as the one currently ploughing around the Nordschleife. Should that be the route taken, it’d likely be a low-volume, high-cost vehicle. We asked Tesla UK if it could clarify Musk’s comments, but the company’s British arm wouldn’t elaborate further.
It’s pleasing that the eyebrow-raising ‘Ring cars will eventually have some production relevance, but we’re still hoping to at some point see a more normal Plaid mode Model S have a go at the time set by the Porsche Taycan Turbo.
What do you think?
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Feels weird but I kinda like it
I was about to comment the EXACT same thing as you xD
Car guy normies be like “ding dong your opinion is wrong”
same for me
I just hope they can perform as they claim if not its gonna be another moment of embarrassment for them…
Model S-RS P100T
It looks badass. I like this new Porsche/Tesla EV competition on the Nordschleife. Honestly, it’s entertainment like GT or TG.
I don’t know if this model would even come out. And even if it did, would it boost profitability? Just a while ago, Elon said he’s financially broke and may have to sell out his company as assets. Not sure what the future is for Tesla at this point.
It looks…. better…thats one thing going for it
Glad to see Tesla getting the competition they needed from Porsche in order to improve their vehicle quality and dynamics instead of just being one trick ponies. Hope to see some heated stuff from both brands
That diffuser and those new brakes are MASSIVE
With the diffuser it looks like an aggressive render built in real life. Next step is probably finding a racing championship to compete in
It looks cool