Unplugged Performance Model S Plaid ‘Dark Helmet’ Sets Records at GridLife Laguna Seca
The Unplugged Performance Model S Plaid ‘Dark Helmet’ race car buzzed the entire field at the GridLife Laguna Seca finals, as their factory driver Crag Coker set a remarkable lap time of 1:26.7. FASTER THAN HYPERCARS, MCLAREN SENNA, P1 AND PORSCHE 918, TOOK A PODIUM FINISH AND IS NOW THE FASTEST EV AND THE FASTEST SEDAN TO LAP WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA EVER.
Racing EVs has been a growing sport in recent years, with all-electric vehicles lighting things up (no pun intended!) at various events. From time attack, Formula-E, and autocross, to events like the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, the powerful, fast & impressive electric racecars have been proving their worth. And in the most recent example of sheer speed EVs can deliver, the Unplugged Performance’s Tesla Model S Plaid ‘Dark Helmet’ – a fully race-prepped all-electric vehicle – lit up the famous corkscrew bend at the GirdLife Laguna Seca finals.
The weekend was a celebration of diverse speed and innovation, and the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model S Plaid, Dark Helmet, was a silent killer at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. With a podium finish and two incredible track records, Dark Helmet showcased the immense potential of electric vehicles on the track, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Development driver, Craig Coker, was the maestro behind the wheel clocking a remarkable lap time of 1:26.7, securing a well-deserved podium finish, as well as setting two new records. Dark Helmet is now the fastest EV, and the fastest sedan to ever lap Laguna Seca. To put this in perspective, Dark Helmet is faster around Laguna Seca than hypercars McLaren Senna, P1 and Porsche 918. Craig achieved another first for Dark Helmet, an astounding 2.5 lateral G’s in cornering thanks to Yokohama A005 slicks. These tires, designed for the most demanding track conditions, provided the traction and control needed to break records and set new standards.
The Unplugged Performance Model S Plaid ‘Dark Helmet’ is equipped with the factory powertrain system delivering the same 1,020 hp as all Model S Plaids. Beyond the extensive front and rear splitters and wing, Dark Helmet’s modifications are limited to the same street-application modifications Unplugged Performance offers to customers.
The suspension includes all-new billet control arms at the front and rear to allow for adjustability of the camber, caster, and toe for a precise racing alignment. It’s equipped with UP x Ohlins TTX 4-way coilovers and stopping the nearly 5,000 lb racecar is an Unplugged Performance Carbon Ceramic front and rear Big Brake Kits (BBK). The Yokohama slicks are wrapped around Unplugged Performance signature lightweight forged UP-03 Pikes Peak Spec wheels, developed exclusively for Tesla racecars.
Dark Helmet’s journey continues as it heads to SEMA 2023 in Las Vegas next week, followed by a return to Buttonwillow Raceway Park for the Global Time Attack Finals on November 10-12. It’s gearing up for another round of record-breaking runs, and we can’t wait to see what it accomplishes next. Please grab a video of the record-breaking run below, joined by an extensive & detailed media gallery from which we already see several wallpaper-fitting images.
