Unplugged Performance Model S Plaid Completes Pikes Peak Climb in Under 10 Minutes

The 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb witnessed a notable achievement by the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model S Plaid racecar. Referred to as “Dark Helmet” as a nod to the movie Spaceballs, the vehicle completed the hill climb in under 10 minutes, specifically 9:54.901, setting a new record.

What distinguishes Unplugged Performance’s Tesla Model S Pikes Peak racer is its retention of the factory powertrain and drivetrain, despite sporting radical aerodynamics and high-performance components like brakes and sway bars. Consequently, in terms of power, the Model S Plaid Pikes Peak racer is relatively similar to other Plaid sedans produced at the Fremont Factory.

Nonetheless, Unplugged Performance significantly upgraded the vehicle, as per a press release from the Tesla tuning shop. These enhancements include UP x Ohlins TTX 4-way coilovers, billet aluminum adjustable control arms, sway bars, a Superlight Carbon Ceramic Big Brake Kit, and a Carbon Fiber Brake Cooling Duct Kit, all of which contribute to improved performance and control. The car was also fitted with Unplugged Performance UP-03 lightweight race wheels wrapped in Yokohama A005 Biomass tires made from sustainable materials.

Randy Pobst, an esteemed racecar driver with extensive experience at Pikes Peak, successfully navigated the race in “Dark Helmet,” completing it in 9:54.901. In his post-event statement, Pobst highlighted the vital role of Unplugged Performance’s modifications and the vehicle’s tires in achieving this milestone. These upgrades allowed the Model S Plaid to utilize its formidable power during the race fully.

Unplugged Performance CEO Ben Schaffer emphasized the Model S Plaid’s inherent nature as a family car, despite its power and speed. Considering this perspective, the successful hill climb of the Model S Plaid at Pikes Peak this year is quite impressive.

Schaffer expressed his satisfaction: “We are thrilled with our success at the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Dark Helmet had a class win in 2021 on a shortened race, but to run the full course this year with our fastest qualifying time ever and set a modified production EV record is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by the Unplugged Performance team.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What was the significance of the Tesla Model S Plaid’s class win and record at Pikes Peak?

“Schaffer expressed his satisfaction: ‘We are thrilled with our success at the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Dark Helmet had a class win in 2021 on a shortened race, but to run the full course this year with our fastest qualifying time ever and set a modified production EV record is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by the Unplugged Performance team.’”

The significance of this victory is multifaceted. Not only did the team succeed in a full-course run with unprecedented speed, but they also set a new benchmark by breaking the modified production EV record. This achievement underscores the power and potential of electric vehicles, particularly demonstrating that a luxury family sedan can stand toe-to-toe with purpose-built race cars.

This accomplishment also resonates deeply within the community that has supported the team for years. It highlights a decade of dedication and innovation, further motivating the team to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The victory at Pikes Peak is more than a win; it’s a bold statement about the future of automotive performance and the enduring spirit of innovation.

How does the team relate this achievement to their community and future goals?

The success further inspires the team to innovate, fueled by a decade of support from the Tesla community.

What is the broader mission or purpose of participating in the Pikes Peak event with a Tesla?

The aim was to demonstrate that a luxury family sedan can compete with specialized race cars.

What specific record was set during this year’s race?

They established a new record for a modified production electric vehicle.

What was achieved this year that was different from previous years?

This year, the team successfully completed the entire course and recorded their fastest qualifying time to date.

What was the previous achievement of the team with Dark Helmet at Pikes Peak?

In 2021, Dark Helmet secured a class victory during a race that was shortened.

What record did the Tesla Model S Plaid racecar set at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb?

The 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb witnessed a notable achievement by the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model S Plaid racecar. Referred to as “Dark Helmet” as a nod to the movie Spaceballs, the vehicle completed the hill climb in under 10 minutes, specifically 9:54.901, setting a new record.

This remarkable feat highlights the prowess of the Model S Plaid, equipped with Unplugged Performance parts, showcasing its ability to conquer one of the most challenging racing events in the world. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, known for its demanding course and high-altitude conditions, serves as the ultimate test of endurance and engineering.

Event:101st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Vehicle:Tesla Model S Plaid with Unplugged Performance parts
Nickname:“Dark Helmet”
Record Time:9:54.901

By achieving this impressive sub-10 minute run, “Dark Helmet” not only set a new benchmark for electric vehicles but also underscored the potential of high-performance EV technology in motorsport.

What was the vehicle’s run time?

The racecar achieved a time of 9 minutes and 54.901 seconds.

What was the context of the record?

The vehicle set a new record for its class by completing the hill climb in less than 10 minutes.

What event did the achievement occur at?

The achievement took place during the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

What specific modifications were made to the vehicle?

The racecar was fitted with specialized Unplugged Performance parts to enhance its capabilities.

What specific vehicle was involved?

The record-setting vehicle was a Tesla Model S Plaid racecar equipped with parts from Unplugged Performance.

What comments did the racecar driver make about the Tesla Model S Plaid racecar’s performance?

“Randy Pobst, an esteemed racecar driver with extensive experience at Pikes Peak, successfully navigated the race in ‘Dark Helmet,’ completing it in 9:54.901. In his post-event statement, Pobst highlighted the vital role of Unplugged Performance’s modifications and the vehicle’s tires in achieving this milestone. These upgrades allowed the Model S Plaid to utilize its formidable power during the race fully.”

Pobst expressed his enthusiasm by stating, “Our best Pikes Peak yet! Dark Helmet was so perfectly dialed by the Unplugged Performance team.” He emphasized that the combination of Unplugged parts and Yokohama biomass tires was crucial, allowing them to achieve a top 10 position, break the sub-10-minute barrier, and set a new record.

The synergy between the advanced modifications and cutting-edge tire technology ensured that every ounce of the Model S Plaid’s potential was harnessed, leading to a performance that left Pobst “absolutely electrified with excitement.”

What specific components contributed to the performance?

The performance was significantly enhanced by specialized parts from Unplugged Performance and Yokohama biomass tires.

What specific achievements were highlighted by the driver?

The driver highlighted achieving a top 10 finish, completing the race in under 10 minutes, and setting a new record.

What is the driver’s emotional reaction to the performance?

The driver expressed immense excitement and enthusiasm following the successful performance.

How did the Tesla Model S Plaid racecar’s performance at Pikes Peak reflect its capabilities as a family car?

“Unplugged Performance CEO Ben Schaffer emphasized the Model S Plaid’s inherent nature as a family car, despite its power and speed. This perspective makes its achievements even more remarkable; after all, how often do you see a family vehicle excel in such demanding conditions?

The Model S Plaid’s successful hill climb at Pikes Peak this year underscores its unique capabilities. While it’s easy to be mesmerized by its high-performance stats, it’s equally important to recognize that this vehicle is designed to comfortably accommodate everyday family needs.

Considering this dual nature, the hill climb is not just a testament to engineering excellence but also a redefinition of what modern family cars can achieve.”

What is the contrast highlighted about the Model S Plaid?

There is a notable contrast between the Model S Plaid’s significant power and speed and its role as a family vehicle, which makes its performance feats particularly remarkable.

Why is the performance at Pikes Peak impressive?

The hill climb at Pikes Peak is impressive because it showcases the vehicle’s exceptional capabilities while maintaining its identity as a family car.

What is the core nature of the Model S Plaid?

The Model S Plaid is fundamentally designed as a family car, despite its high-performance capabilities.