Elon Musk Loves The Rivalry Between Tesla Model S Plaid And Porsche Taycan

Image Credit: Tesla

Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted that the rivalry between the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan in the Nurburgring is fun. Despite the prospect of the Tesla Model S Plaid with Track Pack potentially losing its crown to the upcoming Porsche Taycan GT, Musk looks like he's loving the competition. 

Why it matters: The Porsche Taycan was long considered to be the first real competitor to the Tesla Model S. But when the Model S Plaid was released, it completely decimated the Porsche Taycan Turbo S. The Model S Plaid would go on to set a production EV lap record at the Nurburgring in September 2021 with a lap time of 7:35.579. 

Porsche would counter the Model S Plaid's feat with the Taycan Turbo S with Performance Kit, which completed the Nurburgring's 12.94-mile track in 7:33.350 in August 2022. It was only a couple of seconds faster than the Model S Plaid's 2021 record, but in racing terms, it was a solid win for Porsche. 

Tesla would reclaim the title from Porsche back in June 2023 when the Model S Plaid with Track Pack completed a lap around the "Green Hell" in 7:25.231. Unlike the 2021 record, the driver of the Model S Plaid with Track Pack used a round steering wheel. 

It’s a fun competition

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 14, 2023

What's happening: Reports from the Nurburgring indicate that Porsche is currently testing the Taycan Turbo GT on the track. The vehicle looks great, with aerodynamic upgrades such as a large rear wing for rear downforce and improved performance.

As stated in a report from HotCars, an insider at Porsche's R&D department said that the Taycan GT should have over 1,000 horsepower when it reaches production. It will also feature a tri-motor setup that would allow the vehicle to perform better than ever before. Elon Musk's comment on X suggests that he is also looking forward to seeing what the Porsche Taycan GT can do.

Tesla, of course, may already have a car in store to respond to the Taycan GT. Prior to the Model S Plaid's release, Tesla listed a variant called the Model S Plaid Plus, which is supposed to offer extreme performance and extra long range. The Model S Plaid Plus was later removed from the Tesla configurator, but with the Taycan GT in the arena, Tesla may want to dust off its planned flagship car. 

What we have: The Model S Plaid is meant to be driven hard. It's already designed to give a great driving experience, but there are still ways to make your Model S Plaid even more special. Consider our Model S Real Carbon Fiber Rear Trunk Lip Spoiler, for example, which is available in both gloss and matte finish. It improves aerodynamics and looks great to boot. 

For your cabin, also consider Hansshow's 2021+ Model X/S Round Steering Wheel, which features a flat bottom and a round top. It's not as futuristic as our 2021+ Model S/X Plaid Original Factory Style Yoke Steering Wheel, but it is very easy to use. That's valuable when you're pushing the Model S Plaid hard around the corners of a track.

Check out some fresh items from our Tesla shop here.  

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