The Tesla Model S Plaid in 2022 is not so distressing. Although I think my brain did rebound from behind my skull.

I recently brought Plaid to Champion Motor Speedway in M1 Concourse to experience the world's new speed standard. In less than two seconds it reached zero 60 mph, 1,020 horsepower, 9.23 seconds quarter mile (cough) 156 mph. In contrast, the fastest gasoline-powered car, the supercharged 840-horse Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, reached 60 in 2.3 seconds-a quarter in 9.65 seconds. On a wet December track, in a cold 30 degree temperature, I couldn't compare with Tesla's claimed 1.99 seconds 0-60 sprint under the best conditions in California.

But I did manage a series of 0-60 runs of 2 1/2 seconds with launch control. It was a peaceful and violent experience.

The start control is set by stepping on the brake pedal and accelerator pedal with the left and right feet (respectively). Release the brake. Our Lady of Mercy.

Model S Plaid retreated briefly as if struck by a bolt of lightning. The instrument display lights up with an orange grid pattern resembling a space ball. Then Tesla exploded forward, and the 1,050 pound-feet of electric torque generated by the three motors silently pressed my spine into the seat back. According to Motor Trend's data processor, Plaid produced 1.00 g-load at launch, reaching a peak of 1.23-g at 32 mph. 60 mph flew in an instant, but Plaid did not stop there, reaching 120 mph in about 7 seconds-or about the time it took the Nissan Leaf EV to reach 60.

"Stop this thing! I order you! Stooooop!" The dark helmet of the space ball yelled, because he insisted on his precious life.

But when the M1's back rushed straight up, I simply stepped on Plaid's big brake, and the car turned beautifully into the 150-degree turn 7 sweeper. Another data point? Plaid not only broke the Motor Trend's acceleration record, but also went from 0 to 100 and back to 0 again in 8.2 seconds, beating the McLaren Senna supercar in 0.3 seconds.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is clearly a fan of Spaceballs, and Plaid has always been the target of Tesla's flagship Model S. But the performance of Model S has reset expectations for electric vehicles a long time ago.

In 2012, the standard version of Model S priced at $70,000 was amazing with a 0-60 degree acceleration of 5.1 seconds and a range of 240 miles. The Silicon Valley automaker continues to improve the formula, launching more powerful and more costly all-wheel-drive models. In 2015, Tesla abandoned the Model S P90D with Ludicrous mode-this is a reference for the speed that Spaceballs One reached before Plaid.

I tested Ludicrous six years ago and it made me dizzy and the torque was so fast. This is a roller coaster ride at Cedar Point, and you can repeat it over and over again. Zero 60? 2.8 seconds. Now there is a grid pattern-nearly 30% faster.

Thanks to the three carbon-fiber casing motors (increased from two) that drive the wheels, a more efficient battery pack, and the front/rear fatter 9.5/10.5-inch tires under the enlarged fender.

But Tesla has always been more than a straight line speed. Musk and his elves are rethinking cars (it’s no coincidence that the Model S badge echoes the revolutionary Ford Model T a century ago). Traditional automakers are paying attention.

Tesla also attracted the imagination of the public with the simple interior of its iPhone-a 17-inch screen, wireless updates, and automatic driving assistance functions.

In order to catch up with American car companies that have been having lunch for the past ten years (high-end manufacturers in Detroit have been working hard to do this), German manufacturers have launched electric vehicles such as Porsche Taycan, Mercedes EQS and Audi e-tron GT. The cannon of the car.

Your move, Tesla. If the Model S's appearance is safe (subtle changes including front/rear face folds and rear checkered badges), the interior will not do anything. The brand halo usually sets the tone for the product line, and the design inspiration for the Model S comes from its popular Model 3 brother.

The iconic 17-inch central screen has been flipped into landscape mode with a simple horizontal dashboard (concealed vents and all), just like I have owned a Model 3 for three years. Unlike 3, S still has a meter display function and is now more cleverly integrated into the dashboard.

What is really bold about the 2022 Model S is the yoke steering wheel.

Tesla is obsessed with pushing the limits, using a wheel that is more common in game consoles and Formula One cars. Man, it was 15 minutes ago.

This design improves the visibility of the instrument display (see lattice light show) and is easy to use on the track. But it needs to get used to parking lots and other sharp turns that are usually negotiated by rotating the wheels manually. I found myself learning to drive with one hand in stressful situations, like a baton spinner. If Tesla introduces a single-pedal regenerative drive, why not one-handed steering?

Model 3's clever multifunctional rolling ball is now the core of the Model S yoke. But Musk continued to push the boundaries by hitting shift and turn signal levers. The switching between parking, driving and reversing is now done by screen sliders, and the turn signal is done by wheel-based buttons. The latter can be maddening.

Cruising along I-75, I started the autopilot navigation by simply pressing the scroll ball-and then used the turn signal button to automatically change lanes.

In extreme cases, no one can compete with the Porsche Taycan for talent, but Plaid has made a good effort with its most advanced adaptive suspension. In COMFORT mode, I was floating over the streets of Detroit. In PLAID mode, Model S crouched down-despite the cold weather, it still hugged the turn of the M1 Concourse tightly.

By overcooking it to turn 9, I easily grabbed the back end of Plaid, and the car's electronics helped rearrange its 4,677-pound perimeter.

As the first major renovation of Model S in ten years, Plaid once again raised the standard of luxury performance. With an unparalleled supercharger network, amazing speed, predictable handling and leading technology, it is the most ambitious car in the world. There is no doubt that its price can only be reached by a few people. But at US$134,490, it is not only US$50,000 cheaper than similar Porsche Taycan or Merc EQS, but also US$5,000 lower than the P90D I drove in 2015.

Tesla has left the grid, and the competition is still catching up.

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