- Unplugged Performance debuted its modified Model S Plaid police vehicle at SEMA.
- The 1,020-horsepower pursuit car is equipped with red and blue emergency lights throughout.
- While the powertrain remains stock, Unplugged has upgraded the brakes for high-speed pursuits.
Imagine you’re a criminal who’s running from the police. After perhaps playing a little too much Grand Theft Auto, you get into a police chase, but rather than pulling over, you floor it, trying to outrun the authorities. But you’re not being chased by any old patrol car; instead, a Tesla Model S Plaid is pursuing you. Yes, a Plaid. The EV equivalent of a ballistic missile on wheels, armed with 1,020 horsepower and a 0–60 time that’s under two seconds. Still feeling lucky?
While this scenario is unlikely to unfold (right,guys?), given how pricey the Model S Plaid is, that hasn’t stopped Unplugged Performance’s UP.FIT division from using the flagship EV as the base for its latest pursuit vehicle, unveiled at SEMA. It’s worth pointing out that this is a vehicle designed to showcase the brand’s police-focused upgrades, but Unplugged is accepting orders for its Model S Plaid, should any authorities in the US be interested in getting the ultimate pursuit vehicle.
Read: Unplugged Performance Brings An Army Of Cybertrucks To Take Over SEMA
The modifications are a little more extensive than slapping on some flashing lights and calling it a day. To maximize the EV’s aerodynamics, UP.FIT has decided against using bulky lights on the roof and instead, incorporated these lights behind the windshield and the rear window.
The Model S Plaid’s front end has also been altered with a black push bar incorporating small red and blue lights. UP.FIT has then added high- and low-frequency emergency sirens and installed police lights to the skirts, the tailgate, and the rear diffuser. A black and white livery for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department completes the look.
As standard, the flagship Model S leaves the factory with 1,020 hp and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 1.99 seconds. That’s more than quick enough to chase down any suspect, so UP.FIT hasn’t messed with the car’s two electric motors. However, it has upgraded the brakes and fitted new forged lightweight wheels.
Now, whether any law enforcement agency can actually justify splurging on a Model S Plaid is another question. But considering the increasingly exotic fleet of police cars out there—some departments already have Cybertrucks, after all—it’s not entirely out of the question.
