Tesla Has Left The 'Ring Without Posting A Time, Claims 07:05 May Be Possible

If you were excited to find out exactly how fast Tesla’s prototype Model S can go around the Nurburgring, prepare for disappointment. The manufacturer is no longer there, having left without posting a time.

One of the cars prepped for the Nordschleife was timed by an eyewitness at roughly 07:23, though, and Telsa itself is claiming the triple-motor ‘Plaid Mode’ Model S “can achieve 7:20,” according to “data from our track tests.”

Not only that, but in the same Tweet, the company said: “With some improvements, 7:05 may be possible when the Model S returns next month.”

It’s that “improvements” bit which piques our interest more than the target lap time - which is, by the way, three seconds faster than a Nissan GT-R Nismo with N Attack parts went a few years ago. The Model S Tesla has been sending around the Nurburgring doesn’t just use a prototype powertrain - it’s littered with special parts, most of which stand little chance of ever appearing on the options menu for the car.

It has lightweight wheels wrapped in wider semi-slick Goodyear tyres - either Eagle F1 Supersport RS or Supercar 3Rs - blistered arches, a big rear spoiler and vast carbon ceramic brakes. Tesla even completed gutted the interior before sending it out.

“Some improvements” seems to suggest the Model S Tesla will bring to the Nurburgring in October could be even further from standard specification. The Porsche Taycan, meanwhile, ran the Pirelli P Zeroes it’s fitted with from the factory and was unmodified save for a roll cage. Plus, it was only the Turbo model - the Turbo S is yet to go for a lap time at the circuit.

If Tesla can come back to the Nordschleife and beat the Porsche with a car on steel brakes and less aggressive tyres, a hat must be doffed. For now, it’s hard not to feel a little frustrated with Musk & Co’s first-ever ‘Ring stint.