Tesla Plaid
Tesla Plaid
With the exciting news about how amazingly great and fast this vehicle this is, are there any Boglehead Tesla model S Plaid owners (or future) owners here? It appears the plaid outperforms most exotics and supercars so I'm interested to hear first hand user experience, from ordering to delivery, dependability, value, pros and cons etc. Thanks!
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Re: Tesla Plaid
I read you have to prep the battery ahead of time which can take a few minutes.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 3:25 pm With the exciting news about how amazingly great and fast this vehicle this is, are there any Boglehead Tesla model S Plaid owners (or future) owners here? It appears the plaid outperforms most exotics and supercars so I'm interested to hear first hand user experience, from ordering to delivery, dependability, value, pros and cons etc. Thanks!
Re: Tesla Plaid
Youtube has some great videos. I contacted the Tesla center in Charlotte, NC and they don't have any. My wife wouldn't let me buy it anyways.
I did preorder the Cyber Truck.
I did preorder the Cyber Truck.
Re: Tesla Plaid
I’m a super happy Tesla owner, and I’d love to own one.
Honestly though, I’m not a capable enough driver to use it the way it should be used……
Honestly though, I’m not a capable enough driver to use it the way it should be used……
Re: Tesla Plaid
Will you use the performance of an exotic/supercar, or just own it for bragging rights? Racing from stoplight to the mall?
Seems silly to me. Buy a Prius Prime or the most efficient Model 3, and separate track car and get into racing.
Seems silly to me. Buy a Prius Prime or the most efficient Model 3, and separate track car and get into racing.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
That amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Re: Tesla Plaid
Most people that I know (usually guys) buy them for bragging rights, although they won't say that.
Re: Tesla Plaid
I think they set Nurburgring records with this car. I don’t have the skills to set those records.stoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
I’m just old and slow. So a regular Tesla is plenty fast for me…….
Re: Tesla Plaid
I'd imagine the skills that Nascar drivers have?stoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Remember when I like fast car? Too long ago Now I just sit back and laugh at people racing to the stop light.
Time is the ultimate currency.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
It set the record for an electric sedan, it was still well off the pace of proper sports cars with half the power. I don't disagree in any way, as much as I am a car nut, I'll never understand the appeal of driving something capable of a 2sec flat 0-60 on a public road.Normchad wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:14 pmI think they set Nurburgring records with this car. I don’t have the skills to set those records.stoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
I’m just old and slow. So a regular Tesla is plenty fast for me…….
Re: Tesla Plaid
Here on BH- we should be talking about how does it help towards higher withdrawals in retirement, reduce taxes (nope Tesla’s fed rebate gone), and/or reduce RMDs (not 0-60 time), RoI (can you run away faster after a heist - so that you get to keep lot more booty — in doing so, does Plaid model achieve better RoI !?)
I think - one would know if they are financially stable enough to afford/spend that kind of monies — and if all their buckets are mostly/fully covered — monies left-over even after heirs/legacy/QCDs are considered)
I think - one would know if they are financially stable enough to afford/spend that kind of monies — and if all their buckets are mostly/fully covered — monies left-over even after heirs/legacy/QCDs are considered)
Re: Tesla Plaid
The same could be said for literally ANY high performance, exotic, or supercar vehicle. How many of those owners use the performance frequently? At least in this case, the Plaid seats 4 comfortably so it's more practical than some 2 seaters. But that's not the argument I'm looking to get into. I'm actually a Prius owner and I'm interested in personal experiences. But if I ever did decide to own one, there's a track not too far from my house that I would frequent.
Light weight baby!
Re: Tesla Plaid
Interesting. On Tesla.com, you can order the Plaid with 19 inch wheels with reported availability in August but if you opt for 21" wheels they are available this month. I wonder how accurate that is.
Light weight baby!
Re: Tesla Plaid
stoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Sounds like you're unaware of it's track capabilities. It runs the twisties about as fast as a Porsche 991 gt2 rs
Light weight baby!
Re: Tesla Plaid
Very very quick, but kind of lame. No one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable so you’re essentially paying 130k for an 8 year old car design . Part of the allure of a fast expensive car is how it looks.
And don’t get cocky on the autobahn, 16 year old M5s can walk away from a Model S Plaid - top speed 204 mph. Looks like you can pick one up for about $22k nowadays.
And don’t get cocky on the autobahn, 16 year old M5s can walk away from a Model S Plaid - top speed 204 mph. Looks like you can pick one up for about $22k nowadays.
Last edited by Jags4186 on Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:08 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
I’d like to see the data. Otherwise, I’m calling it.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:55 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Sounds like you're unaware of it's track capabilities. It runs the twisties about as fast as a Porsche 991 gt2 rs
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Re: Tesla Plaid
Where and "about as fast" equals how much slower? The 991 GT2 RS runs the Green Hell 30 seconds faster, with a significant power and straight-line acceleration disadvantage.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:55 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Sounds like you're unaware of it's track capabilities. It runs the twisties about as fast as a Porsche 991 gt2 rs
It's an insane car, it's still a 5,000lbs. car.
Re: Tesla Plaid
A decent amount in my experience. But my sample size of exotic owners is pretty small:). What I don't see at the track are things like AMG S classes or BMW m760s and the like which probably is what a model S plaid lines up against more than people buying exotics or high end 911s. I don't get the appeal of those models (i.e. isn't 400 hp enough?:)) but they sell plenty of them. I am sure Tesla loves the bloated profits and press that they are getting...RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:48 pm
The same could be said for literally ANY high performance, exotic, or supercar vehicle. How many of those owners use the performance frequently? At least in this case, the Plaid seats 4 comfortably so it's more practical than some 2 seaters. But that's not the argument I'm looking to get into. I'm actually a Prius owner and I'm interested in personal experiences. But if I ever did decide to own one, there's a track not too far from my house that I would frequent.
Re: Tesla Plaid
can we talk about how the biggest market cap car maker in the world is selling this thing with a yoke and fixed steering ratio of >2 turns lock-to-lock? feels like society, markets, our education system, all of it is terribly inefficient
Re: Tesla Plaid
I think they know it's stupid, but they want to do something anyway to make the car stand out. Otherwise, for the hype, I don't think it's a particularly differentiated car relative to lesser Model S (Models S?).
Re: Tesla Plaid
Californiastate wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:04 pmI’d like to see the data. Otherwise, I’m calling it.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:55 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Sounds like you're unaware of it's track capabilities. It runs the twisties about as fast as a Porsche 991 gt2 rs
My pleasure!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBjp91zqnn8
Light weight baby!
Re: Tesla Plaid
stoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:08 pmWhere and "about as fast" equals how much slower? The 991 GT2 RS runs the Green Hell 30 seconds faster, with a significant power and straight-line acceleration disadvantage.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:55 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Sounds like you're unaware of it's track capabilities. It runs the twisties about as fast as a Porsche 991 gt2 rs
It's an insane car, it's still a 5,000lbs. car.
2 seconds slower.
Light weight baby!
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Re: Tesla Plaid
Many modern men are troubled by the complexities of a combustion engine, and I am glad they have many options today in more suitable, electric vehicles.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
It's faster at Laguna Seca than cars that beat it by 30 secs (or more) at NurburgringRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:25 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:08 pmWhere and "about as fast" equals how much slower? The 991 GT2 RS runs the Green Hell 30 seconds faster, with a significant power and straight-line acceleration disadvantage.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:55 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pmThat amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Sounds like you're unaware of it's track capabilities. It runs the twisties about as fast as a Porsche 991 gt2 rs
It's an insane car, it's still a 5,000lbs. car.
2 seconds slower.
Re: Tesla Plaid
Jags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:04 pm Very very quick, but kind of lame. No one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable so you’re essentially paying 130k for an 8 year old car design . Part of the allure of a fast expensive car is how it looks.
And don’t get cocky on the autobahn, 16 year old M5s can walk away from a Model S Plaid - top speed 204 mph. Looks like you can pick one up for about $22k nowadays.
I disagree with "no one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable of", as I've been following uploads and most amatuers achieve 9.2 - 9.7 1/4 mile times (insanely fast for any production vehicle). To me it seems like the easiest car to drive. Press the acceleration pedal to the floor and hold on. No need to do a burn out, don't need to get the RPMs up, no clutch, no shifting, not much driving skill there.
As for the autobahn, I don't know, I don't live in Germany, and nobody here in the US drives above 100mph on the highways for very long without risk of getting caught/arrested/prosecuted. If I'm wrong I'm wrong. But so far I haven't seen much feedback from actual owners of these cars and that's unfortunate.
Light weight baby!
Re: Tesla Plaid
stoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:29 pmIt's faster at Laguna Seca than cars that beat it by 30 secs (or more) at NurburgringRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:25 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:08 pmWhere and "about as fast" equals how much slower? The 991 GT2 RS runs the Green Hell 30 seconds faster, with a significant power and straight-line acceleration disadvantage.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:55 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:06 pm
That amount of power is utterly useless on public roads, but it's a near 5,000lbs. street barge, an insanely fast one, but still a giant heavy car meant to go really fast in one direction (straight ahead). Other than being able mash the go pedal, what skills are required?
Sounds like you're unaware of it's track capabilities. It runs the twisties about as fast as a Porsche 991 gt2 rs
It's an insane car, it's still a 5,000lbs. car.
2 seconds slower.
Is this even a consideration if you're not driving on the Nurburgring? Honestly.
Light weight baby!
Re: Tesla Plaid
Sure, anyone can turn on launch control and mash the accelerator to get a 1/4 mile time. And certainly the Model S Plaid does it faster than all other production cars. Unless you’re a professional driver, you’re not taking these super cars to the limit unless you have a death wish once you need to turn the wheel.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:38 pmJags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:04 pm Very very quick, but kind of lame. No one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable so you’re essentially paying 130k for an 8 year old car design . Part of the allure of a fast expensive car is how it looks.
And don’t get cocky on the autobahn, 16 year old M5s can walk away from a Model S Plaid - top speed 204 mph. Looks like you can pick one up for about $22k nowadays.
I disagree with "no one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable of", as I've been following uploads and most amatuers achieve 9.2 - 9.7 1/4 mile times (insanely fast for any production vehicle). To me it seems like the easiest car to drive. Press the acceleration pedal to the floor and hold on. No need to do a burn out, don't need to get the RPMs up, no clutch, no shifting, not much driving skill there.
As for the autobahn, I don't know, I don't live in Germany, and nobody here in the US drives above 100mph on the highways for very long without risk of getting caught/arrested/prosecuted. If I'm wrong I'm wrong. But so far I haven't seen much feedback from actual owners of these cars and that's unfortunate.
I’m not sure what feedback you’re looking for. The car is blazing fast when it comes to acceleration. In terms of top speed, 30 year old cars have it beat.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
That doesn't seem at all fishy to you, like that outlier performance on Laguna maybe wasn't a stock production vehicle? There are certainly variances, but 30 seconds is an eternity on a racetrack, even one that is 13 miles; the difference between a Porsche turbo S and a stock Honda Civic Type R (I use those as reference because I've driven both of them multiple times) is <30 seconds on the Nurburgring.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:45 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:29 pmIt's faster at Laguna Seca than cars that beat it by 30 secs (or more) at NurburgringRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:25 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:08 pmWhere and "about as fast" equals how much slower? The 991 GT2 RS runs the Green Hell 30 seconds faster, with a significant power and straight-line acceleration disadvantage.
It's an insane car, it's still a 5,000lbs. car.
2 seconds slower.
Is this even a consideration if you're not driving on the Nurburgring? Honestly.
Either way, it's an absurdly fast vehicle. EVs have several advantages when it comes to performance, but that video didn't really convince me that a stock plaid turns and stops as well as purpose-built sports cars weighing 1500lbs+ less.
Re: Tesla Plaid
Given that you are getting no feedback from owners is there some way you can test drive one of these cars?RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:45 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:29 pmIt's faster at Laguna Seca than cars that beat it by 30 secs (or more) at NurburgringRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:25 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:08 pmWhere and "about as fast" equals how much slower? The 991 GT2 RS runs the Green Hell 30 seconds faster, with a significant power and straight-line acceleration disadvantage.
It's an insane car, it's still a 5,000lbs. car.
2 seconds slower.
Is this even a consideration if you're not driving on the Nurburgring? Honestly.
IMHO - if you like it buy it ...if you dont do not buy it.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
You generally have to wait several weeks to even months to test drive a normal Tesla right now, you're better off renting one on Turo if you are interested. I would assume the opportunities to test drive a plaid are almost nonexistent ATM.smitcat wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:32 amGiven that you are getting no feedback from owners is there some way you can test drive one of these cars?RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:45 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:29 pmIt's faster at Laguna Seca than cars that beat it by 30 secs (or more) at NurburgringRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:25 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:08 pm
Where and "about as fast" equals how much slower? The 991 GT2 RS runs the Green Hell 30 seconds faster, with a significant power and straight-line acceleration disadvantage.
It's an insane car, it's still a 5,000lbs. car.
2 seconds slower.
Is this even a consideration if you're not driving on the Nurburgring? Honestly.
IMHO - if you like it buy it ...if you dont do not buy it.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
A minimally modified Plaid (stripped/caged, bolt on suspension mods, and aero) beat an LeMans prototype race car at the Pikes Peak hill climb. It also beat the fastest spec Cayman GT4 race car by 20+ seconds on a shortened course. There's no question it's crazy fast (especially for a daily driveable sedan). It may be heavy, but the center of gravity is near the floor, which means it handles much better than most cars its weight. The full send launch does require some time for battery optimization, but I'd note most cars of its performance also requite quite a bit of setup on the launch control. It's going to be faster than just about anything on the street even without the full launch mode engaged.
As for whether you should buy one. If you are only ever driving on the street, a regular Model S is still plenty fast. The extra money for the plaid is a waste for 99% of drivers. Heck a dual motor Model 3 (not even performance) is as quick as cars like the Mustang Mach 1, and feels crazy quick on the street with its off the line torque. But If you have track experience and want to push the limits, the plaid is as quick as anything out there short of a million dollar+ hypercar. Nobody "needs' that sort of performance, but strictly speaking, nobody needs a car at all.
As for whether you should buy one. If you are only ever driving on the street, a regular Model S is still plenty fast. The extra money for the plaid is a waste for 99% of drivers. Heck a dual motor Model 3 (not even performance) is as quick as cars like the Mustang Mach 1, and feels crazy quick on the street with its off the line torque. But If you have track experience and want to push the limits, the plaid is as quick as anything out there short of a million dollar+ hypercar. Nobody "needs' that sort of performance, but strictly speaking, nobody needs a car at all.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
Ways to justify a Tesla Plaid to your wife:
1. Useful for bank robbery getaways.
2. Can do that Thelma and Louise cliff jump and maybe make the other rim.
3. Test Relativity to see if clocks change at 200 mph.
4. So fast it will outrun any bird droppings.
1. Useful for bank robbery getaways.
2. Can do that Thelma and Louise cliff jump and maybe make the other rim.
3. Test Relativity to see if clocks change at 200 mph.
4. So fast it will outrun any bird droppings.
Re: Tesla Plaid
pffft
exotic / supercars are so 2020
If you really want to impress the Joneses, you need your own rocket.
exotic / supercars are so 2020
If you really want to impress the Joneses, you need your own rocket.
Re: Tesla Plaid
I would imagine there are always ways if it was important.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:38 amYou generally have to wait several weeks to even months to test drive a normal Tesla right now, you're better off renting one on Turo if you are interested. I would assume the opportunities to test drive a plaid are almost nonexistent ATM.smitcat wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:32 amGiven that you are getting no feedback from owners is there some way you can test drive one of these cars?RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:45 pmstoptothink wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:29 pmIt's faster at Laguna Seca than cars that beat it by 30 secs (or more) at Nurburgring
Is this even a consideration if you're not driving on the Nurburgring? Honestly.
IMHO - if you like it buy it ...if you dont do not buy it.
Certianly would be much more valuable for the OP's questions then what is posted here.
Re: Tesla Plaid
Jags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:48 pmRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:38 pmJags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:04 pm Very very quick, but kind of lame. No one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable so you’re essentially paying 130k for an 8 year old car design . Part of the allure of a fast expensive car is how it looks.
And don’t get cocky on the autobahn, 16 year old M5s can walk away from a Model S Plaid - top speed 204 mph. Looks like you can pick one up for about $22k nowadays.
I disagree with "no one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable of", as I've been following uploads and most amatuers achieve 9.2 - 9.7 1/4 mile times (insanely fast for any production vehicle). To me it seems like the easiest car to drive. Press the acceleration pedal to the floor and hold on. No need to do a burn out, don't need to get the RPMs up, no clutch, no shifting, not much driving skill there.
As for the autobahn, I don't know, I don't live in Germany, and nobody here in the US drives above 100mph on the highways for very long without risk of getting caught/arrested/prosecuted. If I'm wrong I'm wrong. But so far I haven't seen much feedback from actual owners of these cars and that's unfortunate.
I’m not sure what feedback you’re looking for. The car is blazing fast when it comes to acceleration. In terms of top speed, 30 year old cars have it beat.
I posted what feedback I'm looking for.. "first hand user experience, from ordering to delivery, dependability, value, pros and cons etc"
It's top speed is 163. More than enough for almost any track.
Light weight baby!
Re: Tesla Plaid
If you're just looking for positive feedback, maybe try a Tesla forum. I'd imagine most BH folks frequenting this forum drive 90s imports.RobLyons wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:59 pmJags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:48 pmRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:38 pmJags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:04 pm Very very quick, but kind of lame. No one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable so you’re essentially paying 130k for an 8 year old car design . Part of the allure of a fast expensive car is how it looks.
And don’t get cocky on the autobahn, 16 year old M5s can walk away from a Model S Plaid - top speed 204 mph. Looks like you can pick one up for about $22k nowadays.
I disagree with "no one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable of", as I've been following uploads and most amatuers achieve 9.2 - 9.7 1/4 mile times (insanely fast for any production vehicle). To me it seems like the easiest car to drive. Press the acceleration pedal to the floor and hold on. No need to do a burn out, don't need to get the RPMs up, no clutch, no shifting, not much driving skill there.
As for the autobahn, I don't know, I don't live in Germany, and nobody here in the US drives above 100mph on the highways for very long without risk of getting caught/arrested/prosecuted. If I'm wrong I'm wrong. But so far I haven't seen much feedback from actual owners of these cars and that's unfortunate.
I’m not sure what feedback you’re looking for. The car is blazing fast when it comes to acceleration. In terms of top speed, 30 year old cars have it beat.
I posted what feedback I'm looking for.. "first hand user experience, from ordering to delivery, dependability, value, pros and cons etc"
It's top speed is 163. More than enough for almost any track.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
You mean the race where there's significantly reduced oxygen due to the altitude which would give an electric vehicle a significant advantage not really found many places in the world?alfaspider wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:51 am A minimally modified Plaid (stripped/caged, bolt on suspension mods, and aero) beat an LeMans prototype race car at the Pikes Peak hill climb. It also beat the fastest spec Cayman GT4 race car by 20+ seconds on a shortened course.
Re: Tesla Plaid
Would rather have a cybertruck.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
Deleted
Last edited by fatcoffeedrinker on Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Tesla Plaid
The stat looks amazing, thanks for sharing.fatcoffeedrinker wrote: ↑Wed Jul 21, 2021 12:31 pm Forget the Plaid. Just wait for the Roadster.
https://www.tesla.com/roadster
Re: Tesla Plaid
I am not interested in a Tesla so I cannot help directly but....in the past I have been able to find and meet some very good folks that would let me meet with them and review their 'special' cars. Some of the places you can look are where there are car clubs, local shows , online forums etc.RobLyons wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:59 pmJags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:48 pmRobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:38 pmJags4186 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:04 pm Very very quick, but kind of lame. No one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable so you’re essentially paying 130k for an 8 year old car design . Part of the allure of a fast expensive car is how it looks.
And don’t get cocky on the autobahn, 16 year old M5s can walk away from a Model S Plaid - top speed 204 mph. Looks like you can pick one up for about $22k nowadays.
I disagree with "no one can drive these things anywhere near as quickly as they are capable of", as I've been following uploads and most amatuers achieve 9.2 - 9.7 1/4 mile times (insanely fast for any production vehicle). To me it seems like the easiest car to drive. Press the acceleration pedal to the floor and hold on. No need to do a burn out, don't need to get the RPMs up, no clutch, no shifting, not much driving skill there.
As for the autobahn, I don't know, I don't live in Germany, and nobody here in the US drives above 100mph on the highways for very long without risk of getting caught/arrested/prosecuted. If I'm wrong I'm wrong. But so far I haven't seen much feedback from actual owners of these cars and that's unfortunate.
I’m not sure what feedback you’re looking for. The car is blazing fast when it comes to acceleration. In terms of top speed, 30 year old cars have it beat.
I posted what feedback I'm looking for.. "first hand user experience, from ordering to delivery, dependability, value, pros and cons etc"
It's top speed is 163. More than enough for almost any track.
There is no way to replace seeing the car and maybe driving one with varied written articles and opinions.
Good luck with whatever you do....
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Re: Tesla Plaid
Once upon a time years ago there was a forum I participated in where they were comparing a fast sports car to a very normal car that happened to have a big engine and managed to best the sports car in a straight line by 0.05 sec.
One of the responses that stuck with me was "hey look, I can strap dynamite to a cow pie and it will beat the sports car to 60 mph. But I'd still rather have the sports car".
The Tesla Plaid (and "fast" electric cars in general) always brings that statement back into memory. Especially because you need to prep it. To be fair, similar criticism applies to the Dodge Demon (only works as advertised if you do a bunch of special prep).
I think electric cars are great. However, their highest and best use (at least currently) is short distance appliance-level commute transportation. I drive on closed circuits. I drive once a month 300 miles each way with no charging at the end. My wife takes the kids to visit her sister a few times per year 500 miles each way. A buddy of mine travels for sales and puts 30k miles on his car per year. None of those scenarios works for an electric car. For a 40 mile commute in bumper to bumper traffic and a backup battery for the house in a power outage? They're the ideal appliance.
Sports cars are slowly adding electrification but the best sports cars and exotic cars remain primarily internal combustion with electric assist only which runs out after a short number of miles driven. There's a reason for that (weight). If you want a sport car experience, there remains only 1 option for now.
One of the responses that stuck with me was "hey look, I can strap dynamite to a cow pie and it will beat the sports car to 60 mph. But I'd still rather have the sports car".
The Tesla Plaid (and "fast" electric cars in general) always brings that statement back into memory. Especially because you need to prep it. To be fair, similar criticism applies to the Dodge Demon (only works as advertised if you do a bunch of special prep).
I think electric cars are great. However, their highest and best use (at least currently) is short distance appliance-level commute transportation. I drive on closed circuits. I drive once a month 300 miles each way with no charging at the end. My wife takes the kids to visit her sister a few times per year 500 miles each way. A buddy of mine travels for sales and puts 30k miles on his car per year. None of those scenarios works for an electric car. For a 40 mile commute in bumper to bumper traffic and a backup battery for the house in a power outage? They're the ideal appliance.
Sports cars are slowly adding electrification but the best sports cars and exotic cars remain primarily internal combustion with electric assist only which runs out after a short number of miles driven. There's a reason for that (weight). If you want a sport car experience, there remains only 1 option for now.
You can do anything you want in life. The rub is that there are consequences.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
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Last edited by fatcoffeedrinker on Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
Its a missile on wheels. Why would you ever want it? For me its comfort, range and safety. When Audi A8 becomes all electric, I will trade in.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
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Last edited by fatcoffeedrinker on Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Tesla Plaid
I was talking to a friend who sells cars, telling him I was thinking of getting a Tesla. He said "Cruise, stay away from EVs, they are known to burst into flames. A slight puncture of the battery and whoosh!"
I laughed and gave him a friendly thrashing about. Then today, out comes this news:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/gm-recalls ... lead_pos11
Just sharing.
I laughed and gave him a friendly thrashing about. Then today, out comes this news:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/gm-recalls ... lead_pos11
Just sharing.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
Sure, but Pikes Peak cars typically utilize high boost forced induction to compensate. It's also not exactly a drag race. I use Pikes Peak because it was one of the very first motorsports contests entered by the Plaid (the car was delivered just a couple weeks before the race). There will be more examples. The fundamental point is that the idea that the car's performance is just for a couple of drag race runs is simply untrue and largely based on Tesla cars from almost 10 years ago utilizing obsolete tech. They may not have changed the exterior design much, but "under hood" is dramatically different.barnaclebob wrote: ↑Wed Jul 21, 2021 10:34 amYou mean the race where there's significantly reduced oxygen due to the altitude which would give an electric vehicle a significant advantage not really found many places in the world?alfaspider wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:51 am A minimally modified Plaid (stripped/caged, bolt on suspension mods, and aero) beat an LeMans prototype race car at the Pikes Peak hill climb. It also beat the fastest spec Cayman GT4 race car by 20+ seconds on a shortened course.
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Re: Tesla Plaid
According to one review on YouTube (by MKBHD) if you take this car to a NHRA certified drag strip, technically the rules indicate you would need a parachute to help decelerate.
Re: Tesla Plaid
mudphudder wrote: ↑Sat Jul 24, 2021 9:03 am According to one review on YouTube (by MKBHD) if you take this car to a NHRA certified drag strip, technically the rules indicate you would need a parachute to help decelerate.
Correct. And a roll cage. But for some reason there's some tracks that don't go by this standard (maybe they are non NHRA?).
Either way it's a nice pipe dream but obviously not necessary nor practical. Just something cool to talk about. Also I've seen a few reports of the battery dying and the owners being trapped inside
I'll continue to drive my practical 2017 Prius and my fun car a foxbody mustang with a 347 that's cost me $6k, $4k of fixing, upgrades
Light weight baby!
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Re: Tesla Plaid
I have an X with Ludicrous mode for 18 months or so, and I've used Ludicrous mode once. You are correct you need to stage the car (I think it heats the batteries to reduce impedance and increase current).barnaclebob wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 3:28 pmI read you have to prep the battery ahead of time which can take a few minutes.RobLyons wrote: ↑Mon Jul 19, 2021 3:25 pm With the exciting news about how amazingly great and fast this vehicle this is, are there any Boglehead Tesla model S Plaid owners (or future) owners here? It appears the plaid outperforms most exotics and supercars so I'm interested to hear first hand user experience, from ordering to delivery, dependability, value, pros and cons etc. Thanks!
In spite of that, I have an order in for an X with Plaid (due Jan)
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