The 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid, equipped with the $24,000 Track package, achieved a lap time of 2:43.2 at the annual Lightning Lap competition. This marks the first time Car and Driver tested the model with the performance-enhancing upgrade, which includes carbon-ceramic brakes, wider forged-aluminum wheels, and high-performance Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires (285/35ZR-20 front, 305/30ZR-20 rear). The package also unlocks a 200-mph top speed.
Performance & Handling
The Track package significantly improves braking performance, eliminating the fade observed in the standard Model S under hard use. The car generated 1.13 g’s of grip in Turn 1, second only to the Corvette ZR1 this year. Despite this grip, the Tesla exhibited a tendency to oversteer, requiring careful throttle management to avoid losing control, particularly in high-speed corners.
The Model S’s acceleration remains brutal, allowing it to compete directly with other high-horsepower EVs like the Lucid Air Sapphire and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. In the final sector, it matched the Lucid and slightly outperformed the Porsche, demonstrating impressive straight-line speed and late-braking capability.
Where Time Was Lost
The Model S lost over a second to its rivals during braking into Turn 1. At speeds exceeding 167 mph, the braking zone stretches over 750 feet, taking approximately five seconds to scrub off enough speed for the corner. The reason for this discrepancy isn’t entirely clear, but may be due to the tires’ longitudinal grip limitations, or the track surface’s reduced grip.
Value & Category Standing
Despite this braking disadvantage, the Tesla Model S Plaid Track Package holds a significant price advantage. At $144,630 as tested, it undercuts both the Lucid Air Sapphire and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT by roughly $100,000. In its performance category (LL3), the Tesla places second, behind only the C8 Corvette Z06.
The Model S Plaid with Track Package delivers exceptional performance for its price, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking high-speed thrills without breaking the bank. The oversteer tendencies and braking limitations are manageable tradeoffs given the car’s overall capabilities and value proposition.
