Tesla says Model S Plaid owners will have to wait until the fall for 200 MPH

Tesla has found a clever way to reveal Model S Plaid specifications: the much-hyped presentation event made sure to only mention the strengths, and now we are gradually learning about limitations as well.

For one, customers who would like to try and reach 322 kilometers per hour (200 mph) with their Model S will have to invest $4,500 USD into special 21-inch Arachnid wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. That, and be prepared to experience a driving range drop from 627 to just 560 kilometers (390 to 348 miles, accordingly). The manufacturer-claimed range is apparently only valid for stock 19-inch Tempest rims.

For another, the claimed top speed will only become available after a software update scheduled for September. Using the current software and the largest rims available on the market, the current Plaid will not go beyond 262 km/h (163 mph).

Note that the new Tesla flagship boasts a carbon-fiber rotor housing that strengthens the electromagnetic field and unlocks higher RPM counts compared to the second-best P100D spec. Specifically, while the P100D can do 18,000 RPM, the Plaid is estimated to be capable of 23,308 RPM.