Tesla Model S sets Laguna Seca EV record

A modified Tesla Model S Plaid has become the fastest electric vehicle around Laguna Seca.

Pro driver and Motor Trend writer Randy Pobst set the record last weekend, lapping the California track in 1:28.2 during a Tesla-only track day.

The time shaves a tenth of a second off the Porsche 911 GT2 RS’s best effort, and is just six tenths of a second short of the McLaren Senna’s time – itself the quickest production car around Laguna Seca. Both were also driven by Pobst.

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Pobst managed the new feat behind the wheel of Unplugged Performance’s Model S Plaid.

Known as ‘Dark Helmet’ (A Spaceballs reference in the vein of Tesla’s own Ludicrous and Plaid names), the car retains its stock electric drivetrain, which is good for 761kW.

Modifications include Unplugged Performance’s own super-lightweight UP-03 wheels, shod with Yokohama racing slicks, Bilstein shock absorbers, larger brakes and aggressive front and rear spoilers.

Inside, the stripped interior uses race seats, a six-point harness, carbon fibre steering wheel and a full rollcage. The company offers a wide range of performance parts suitable for Teslas – even giving buyers the option to build their own customised vehicle through the website.

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While the modifications exclude Dark Helmet from the ‘production car’ category, it’s a seriously-impressive time for any electric vehicle.

The Plaid’s nearest rival, the Lucid Air Tri-Motor prototype, last year managed a 1:31.3 lap around Laguna Seca in stripped-out form.

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The Pobst-Plaid combination also raced at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in June, finishing first in the Exhibition class and 10th overall with a 6:57.000.

Ice and snow atop the summit forced organisers to run a shorter course, so the Volkswagen I.D. R retains both the EV and overall Pikes Peak crowns.

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Pobst’s efforts at Pikes Peak in 2020 saw him crash Unplugged Performance’s Tesla Model 3. While the car internal suffered battery damage, it was quickly rebuilt and still managed 2nd place in its class.