Tesla’s Latest Test

Tesla’s Moves

Tesla is tinkering around with a revised edition of the Model S Plaid, which, back in the day, was a game-changer in the performance sedan game. Spotted making rounds on the Nürburgring in Germany, the new version sports minor nip and tuck on its design — think a fresh front splitter and an updated rear diffuser. Besides a possible size-up in wheels, this one’s pretty close to what folks saw after the 2021 refresh.

Some fans were holding their breath for bigger changes, especially after Tesla’s VP of Engineering hinted at major overhauls for the Model S and Model X by 2025. For now, this latest prototype seems more like a minor facelift than a complete transformation.

Facing New Rivals

Back when the Model S Plaid took center stage, its 1,020 horses under the hood made it the electric sedan to beat. But things have heated up with new players like Porsche’s Taycan Turbo GT and even a surprise entry, Xiaomi’s EV, the SU7 Ultra. These new kids on the block match the Plaid’s performance and bring in newer styles and more cutting-edge designs.

Though the Model S still zips with eye-watering acceleration, its slightly dated chassis is starting to give way. Critics are chatting about its suspension struggling a bit when dealing with those high-speed corners and sudden braking.

Time for a Refresh

Launched way back in 2012, the Model S is hitting that 13-year mark now — an age that’s quite long in car years. Tesla has thrown several upgrades its way over the years, but the base and fundamental design haven’t seen that deep-dive revamp that the latest performance EVs are flaunting.

New features like 800-volt charging systems, four-wheel steering, or a suspension designed for aggressive handling are gradually becoming industry norms. Yet, they’re conspicuously absent in the Model S, which might be concerning for Tesla’s flagship EV.

Keeping Pace

Tesla’s often seen as a fast-paced tech company, but it lags slightly when it comes to rolling out vehicle updates. Patience was key with the Cybertruck’s nearly five-year-long journey to production, and both the Model S and Model X have seen minimal changes over the last decade.

With more electric competitors stepping into the ring every month, especially from places like China, Tesla’s laid-back pace on updates might be losing some ground. Established automakers are stepping up faster, making it increasingly tough to wrap one’s head around Tesla’s styling at its premium pricing.

Final Thoughts

One can hope that Tesla has some sweeping changes brewing beneath the surface. However, if that Nürburgring model is any cue, the 2025 Model S Plaid update might end up being a touch-up rather than a makeover. Considering Tesla once set the benchmark for what a modern EV should look like, staying ahead in an ever-competitive and swiftly-evolving market could be a tall order without some innovative leaps.