No matter from which point of view, the Tesla Model S Plaid has quite an amazing performance. This 1020-horsepower three-motor electric hatchback is estimated by the factory to accelerate to 100 kilometers in 1.99 seconds. In addition, its total cruising range is close to 400 miles. But when it comes to intense electric car driving, the most difficult thing is often this high-performance repeatability or durability.
Through the latest OTA, Tesla is taking measures to improve Plaid’s power and high-performance durability through a new track mode. As part of the 2021.44.30 version, Plaid’s new track mode includes changes to the vehicle’s thermal management and electric drive systems, as well as adjustments to the suspension system and a unique track mode infotainment interface.
According to reports, these changes also include increasing the maximum speed of electric vehicles to 175mph (approximately 282km/h), which is an increase from 163mph (approximately 262km/h). Those with a good memory may remember that Tesla added a track mode to its lower-priced Model 3 high-performance sedan as early as 2018 and updated it in 2020.
According to NotATeslaApp.com, a website that tracks Tesla updates, this new tracking mode includes different cooling system procedures-such as running the heat pump more frequently and more aggressively to keep the power system at a lower temperature to achieve the best performance. The new program also includes cooling after driving and increasing the chance for the driver to run multiple times on the track with minimal performance degradation.
The track mode also utilizes Plaid’s adaptive suspension, which can immediately reduce the ride height automatically and adjust the adaptive damping rate to make the high-speed performance more confident. The changes in the transmission system include stronger regenerative braking, and perhaps more importantly, the addition of torque vector control, which enables clearer control.
Finally, Tesla has added a series of display-related track mode functions to help drivers make the most of their track courses. These functions include telematics and video capture functions as well as gravimeters, lap timers and cooling system monitors.
Tesla has previously promised that it will provide Model S Plaid with carbon-ceramic brake kits later this year. This upgrade can largely help Model S Plaid to safely achieve the top speed of 200mph that Tesla has always claimed.
At the same time, according to a report from the car fan website Teslarati, the new track mode includes a warning for the driver to overheat the brakes. It also pointed out that the setting “…disables or restricts certain vehicle functions, including some driving assistance functions.