Model S Performance

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

Last month we first spotted a modified Tesla Model S at the Nurburgring. Coincidentally (or not), the Porsche Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S just had their respective debuts at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Earlier this week the "base" Taycan 4S premiered but Tesla does not like being out of the spotlight for long. Perhaps that's why it is continuing its quest for Nurburgring dominance. After promising to return to the Ring this month following September's trial run, the California-based EV automaker is back with not one but two prototypes.

Obviously lessons were learned from the previous outing and now it's time to apply them. Based on what we can see from these spy shots, both prototypes feature some slight modifications since last month. And it's obvious they're still not stock.

The wider fenders, large grille opening up front, a rear spoiler are all there, along with wider HRE wheels wearing sticky tires and housing carbon-ceramic brakes. New additions include air outlets on the front fenders along with the massive diffuser on the blue Model S. What's unknown is what has changed underneath, technically speaking. Has Tesla managed to find additional battery power somehow? Enhanced electric motors? That all remains a mystery.

More than likely, both prototypes are once again modified Model S P100Ds with the "Plaid" powertrain. Elon Musk previously enlisted the services of former Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg for some Nurburgring fast laps.

We don't know whether he's back this time around, but Tesla is clearly determined to beat the Taycan's lap record of 7:42 for a four-door electric car. Is it possible Tesla is back specifically to set the record? Yes, but as of this writing, no news has arrived. Of course that can change at any time so we'll keep everyone posted. But one thing is for certain: Elon Musk is not about to let Porsche have this title for long.