The 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid with Track Package Has Its Own Bragging Rights
Car and Driver
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid with the Track Package is a formidable contender in the electric vehicle (EV) market, offering impressive performance at an accessible price. While it trails slightly behind EVs like the Lucid Air Sapphire and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT in lap times, its ability to achieve a sub-2:44 lap at VIR makes it one of the most affordable ways to get this kind of speed. Priced around $135,630, the Model S Plaid is nearly $100,000 less than its competitors, making it a strong contender in its category. The Track Package adds high-performance features like carbon-ceramic brakes, wider forged-aluminum wheels, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3RF tires, enabling the Model S to reach a top speed of 200 mph.
The car's performance on VIR highlights its strengths and limitations. With 1,020 horsepower and a curb weight of 4,804 pounds, the Model S Plaid delivers impressive grip and thrust, achieving 1.13 g's in Turn 1 and matching the Lucid Air and Porsche Taycan closely in certain sectors. However, its tendency to oversteer in high-speed turns requires careful handling, as seen when nearly losing control in a fast left sweeper. Despite this, the Model S manages to outpace both vehicles slightly in the final sector, showcasing its potential.
The Model S Plaid's braking performance is notable, with powerful carbon-cer
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Originally published on Car and Driver on 2/24/2026