While Tesla claims that the new Model S Plaid will hit 200 mph (320 km/h), it has been revealed that such a top speed won’t be achievable until a software update is introduced.
For buyers that want to be able to hit 200 mph, the first thing they will need to do is option the 21-inch Arachnid wheels that come standard with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The Model S Plaid is available as standard with 19-inch “Tempest” wheels, but you can’t hit 200 mph with them. According to Motor Trend, the 21-inch wheels and Michelin tires are essential as they are the only ones validated by Tesla at the claimed top speed.
Watch Also: Tesla Shows Off The Potent Model S Plaid To Customers, 0-60 MPH Tested
However, none of the early Model S Plaid buyers will be able to hit 200 mph until Tesla introduces a software update. It remains to be seen when this update will be introduced and just why it wasn’t ready for the sedan’s launch. As they wait for the update, owners will be capped to 163 mph (262 km/h), which is still plenty fast enough.
Of course, it is not so much the top speed of the Model S Plaid that is the real selling point but rather Tesla’s claim that the car can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 1.99 seconds. However, the only way to achieve that time is to subtract the first foot of rollout which effectively makes it a 6-60 mph sprint. The Model S Plaid also needs to be tested on a prepped drag strip to dip below the 2.0-second mark.
