The Tesla Model S cuts the 0-60 mph time to 2.3 seconds - as fast as the Dodge Demon.
The great thing about the Tesla Model S is that it's getting better with software updates. Tesla has released an update for the Model S that brings the 0-60 mph acceleration time down from 2.5 seconds to 2.3 seconds.
The update, spotted by Autoblog on Wednesday, makes the Model S's 0-60 mph time as fast as the 840-horsepower Hemi V8 of the supercharged 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. At least if you compare official figures. Dodge previously told Motor Authority that the Demon can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds, depending on how you measure it.
Notably, while both the Model S and Demon are American brands, only the Tesla is made in the United States. The Model S was built in Fremont, California, while all 3,300 examples of the Demon were assembled in Canada, as were all Challenger models.
Tesla has previously hinted that the Model S Performance will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds in the most aggressive Ludicrous Plus mode. However, Tesla's website until recently listed 2.5 seconds. It now lists 2.3 seconds, giving the Model S Performance a range of 348 miles and a top speed of 163 miles per hour.
Tesla releases software updates as they become available, so it's not surprising that the changes were made without an official announcement. Therefore, it is also unclear how Tesla achieved this performance improvement.
Autoblog notes that Tesla recently released a software update called "Cheetah Stance" that reportedly lowers the front of the car and improves traction. Tesla has not stated that the improvement in 0-60 mph acceleration is related to this update.
Tesla has also repeatedly announced a high-performance powertrain called "Plaid", in honor of the movie Spaceballs. The Plaid powertrain was first mentioned during the unveiling of the second-generation Tesla Roadster, and the Model S mules on which the new setup is expected to be tested have been tested at the Laguna Seca and Nurburgring tracks in 2019.
Last fall, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the Plaid variant would be a three-motor setup that would become available for the Model S and Model X in 2020.
