Now we have refreshed, updated "Plaid" versions of each. Tesla has given the cars all-new interiors, with updated screens and climate controls.
The biggest change is the vertical centre display is replaced by a 17-inch landscape format touchscreen that looks like the one found in the Model 3 and Model Y. The screen resolution is much higher now at 2200 X 1300 with brighter colours and better responsiveness, according to Tesla. On top of that, the steering wheel is heavily revised, with the top chopped off to look like a yoke steering wheel with no stalks or paddles behind it.
It’s also redesigned the battery pack and modules in the new cars and has been making upgrades to the plant in Fremont ahead of their launch later this quarter.
Exterior revisions are focused on the lower portion of the front fascia. Along with new wheel designs, the tweaks make the exterior look sportier and more aggressive.
The Model S Plaid is quite something. Tesla says it’s capable of 0-60 in less than 2 seconds, claiming in the earnings presentation that it’s the fastest-accelerating production car in the world, beating out the Porsche 918 Spyder and Bugatti Chiron.
It will cost US$112,990 (RM458,000), including potential incentives. That will get you 627km of range and a top speed of 320kph. Deliveries will start around March, according to the company’s website.
There’s a higher-spec US$132,990 (RM538,000) Plaid+ model which has a greater 836km range on a single charge. The company estimates it will be set for delivery in late 2021.
The Plaid version of the Model X has had a similar makeover and injection of speed and power.
In fact, Tesla claim it’s the “highest performing SUV ever built” in terms of power and acceleration, according to its website. Starting at US$113,190 (RM458,000), inclusive of incentives, it has a maximum range of 547km (less than the more standard Long Range model) and can do 0-60 in 2.5 seconds.
Three high-performance motors give the X Plaid peak power of 1,020 horsepower. Musk said in the Q4 earnings call deliveries of the Model S Plaid will be in February.
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Cybertruck pickup is on track to debut later this year, but Musk said high-volume production won’t begin until 2022. He also said Tesla plans to join others racing to build electric vans but cautioned that battery-supply constraints will force the company to pace its debuts of new vehicles.
“We will take as many batteries as they can produce,” the CEO said, mentioning leading suppliers such as Panasonic Corp., LG Chem Ltd. and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. “We urge them to increase their production, and we will buy as much as they can send to us.”
