Unplugged Performance brought a thoroughly modified Model S Plaid to Pikes Peak in hopes of redeeming itself on the challenging course.
There is little doubt that the Tesla Model S is one of the fastest production cars ever created. Reaching 60 mph from a flat 0 in less than 2 seconds, the EV packs some insane acceleration. So naturally, Tesla loyalists and car enthusiasts around the globe were craving to see the Model S Plaid ace the highest races in the world, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. We had high expectations for Tesla’s flagship model, and we weren’t disappointed at all.
Videos from practice runs of Unplugged Performance’s heavily modded Tesla Model S show that the car is unbelievably fast, even on the demanding Pikes Peak course. The footings of the training session show Randy Franklin Pobst, aka The Rocket, fly across a dedicated segment of the 12.4-mile route of the Hill Climb, hitting speeds of 130 mph.
Dark Helmet FTW! UP Tesla Model S Plaid is getting dialed in at @PPIHC and and so far has set the fastest time on this section! 2:40!!! Alien technology unleashed!
Great job @RandyPobst!
Thanks to our sponsors @bilsteinUS @YokohamaTC @BrailleBattery pic.twitter.com/pQ7AgeBwc9— UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE (@UnpluggedTesla) June 22, 2021
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is one of the most intimidating challenges out there. Death awaits at every curve, quite literally. Even though the entire 12.4 miles is wholly paved now, large chunks are still exposed and unprotected. Starting at the height of 9,000 feet, the course takes you on a breathtaking climb to the finish line hiding among the clouds at 14,115 feet above sea level. Each hairpin bend can potentially result in an overenthusiastic racer running off the edge into the trees and rocks. While drivers need to be on their toes at all times, the climb is very demanding for the competing vehicles as well.
Unplugged Performance’s 2021 Pikes Peak race would be a redemption of sorts for both the Tesla tuner and Randy Pobst. The duo previously brought a Tesla Model 3 to the Pikes, and things did not go as planned. Although matters could have been much worse, Pobst’s last attempt at the Pikes Peak ended in a devastating crash where he, along with the vehicle, ran the risk of disappearing into what the locals call the ‘Bottomless Pit.’
Unplugged Performance wishes to put past failures behind and strive to conquer the Pikes Peak as an ultimate way of displaying its EV modding capabilities. So far, the video confirms that Unplugged Performance knows what it’s doing when it comes to building impressive Time Attack-focused EVs.
Good luck to Pobst and his Model S zooming through the Pikes Peak Hill Climb this weekend, quickly and safely!
