---
title: "Modified Tesla Model S Plaid Crushes Lap Record at Willow Springs"
description: "Electric cars are doing more than straight-line speed these days. A modified Model S Plaid just proved that pretty handily."
date: "2022-12-08"
modified: "2022-12-08"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/modified-tesla-model-s-plaid-crushes-lap-record-at-willow-springs"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Racing"
  - "Tesla News"
---

# Modified Tesla Model S Plaid Crushes Lap Record at Willow Springs

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/08/unplugged-model-s-plaid-tesla-streets-of-willow-lap-record.jpg>)
*\<em\>Unplugged Performance via YouTube\</em\>*

It's no secret that [electric cars are fast](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/43944/watch-the-rivian-r1t-destroy-the-ram-trx-in-a-drag-race>)⁠—at least in a straight line. Many questions exist about whether they can cope with their extreme weight in corners [or while stopping](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/a-lot-of-bad-decisions-led-to-this-stripped-tesla-model-s-crash>), but the answer to that question is gradually emerging. It's yes. Proving this point is a new lap record at Willow Spring's Streets of Willow, set by a modified [Tesla Model S Plaid](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/41492/2022-tesla-model-s-plaid-review-a-new-1020-hp-chapter-in-american-luxury>) driven by Craig Coker.

The previous record, according to *[fastestlaps.com](<https://fastestlaps.com/tracks/willow-springs-streets-of-willow>)*, was 1:16.45. It was set by a modified Corvette Grand Sport. The new record is 1:13.51. That's practically a millennium on a 1.6-mile track like Streets of Willow. An R35 [Nissan GT-R Nismo](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-gt-r-is-sold-out-for-this-year-and-its-not-clear-whats-next>), for context, does it in 1:19.07.

A video of the run can be seen below. It's remarkably undramatic.

https://youtu.be/kAaVct38Aag

The company that modified the Tesla, [Unplugged Performance](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/35773/modified-tesla-model-3-trashes-model-s-plaids-laguna-seca-lap-record>), has experience running performance EVs. It's even [gone up Pikes Peak before](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/tesla-model-s-touchscreen-kinda-ruins-two-drivers-races-at-pikes-peak>). It gave a full list of modifications necessary to achieve the time. It's a long list, but it's worth noting that the car is still using the factory Tesla drivetrain and stock Tesla track mode. From there, the car gets new coil overs from Ohlins, large carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fiber widebody and aero, new wheels, Lexan windows, and a roll cage.

For the record, the car is still very heavy despite receiving a slew of mods. It weighs in at 4,898 pounds according to Unplugged. The record was also set with "worn-out A005 Yokohamas and less than a full charge." In other words, it could go faster.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/08/unplugged-model-s-plaid-tesla-streets-of-willow-lap-record-inline-A.jpg>)
*The modified Tesla Model S Plaid that set the record. *Unplugged Performance**

So, as it turns out, electric cars *can* go around corners. Heavily modified ones can even set lap records. Heck, just take a look at the car that now owns the Goodwood Hillclimb. That thing has internal combustion [dead and buried](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/watch-an-electric-fan-car-shatter-the-goodwood-hill-climb-record>) on track.

*Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com*

## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-5ba447192/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/_baldtires>)