According to both Musk and Tesla, the car in question was completely stock, which is the only way to properly claim a record. If an automaker were to even use tires that are more aggressive than what’s offered on the car from the factory, that would disqualify it from breaking the record. So the car needs to be completely, 100-percent stock. However, it seems as if the Model S Plaid that ran the claimed lap was modified.

Some photos from the ‘Ring, showing off the specific Model S Plaid that claimed to break the EV lap record, have surfaced and it seems that the Tesla was modified at least a bit. For starters, it clearly used a circular steering wheel, rather than the obnoxious yoke that comes on the Plaid from the factory. While that’s not a huge deal, it’s still not stock, as the Plaid is only available with the yoke for customers. Maybe Musk plans on offering a circular wheel in the future, so we’ll overlook that.

More importantly, though, you can also clearly see that the Model S Plaid lapping the ‘Ring was equipped with different wheels (potentially lightweight wheels?) and much larger brakes than the standard car comes with. Even more than that, the massive brakes featured carbon ceramic rotors and much bigger brake calipers. On a tricky track like the Nürburgring, big brakes are hugely important and could make an enormous difference.

There’s some on-board video of the lap, which shows the yoke steering wheel, so it’s possible that the car in the photo was a different car that wasn’t timed. However, the video from Tesla doesn’t show any independent timing gear, showing the lap time, making it difficult to trust the fact that the Model S actually did the lap time Tesla claims. It’s also what’s leading a lot of enthusiasts to think that the bigger brake-wearing Model S was the car that actually did the lap time, while the one in the video was just to throw people off the scent.

If, however, Tesla did actually record that time with a bone-stock Model S Plaid, it’s a commendable achievement. There’s no doubt the car, even in its stock form, is bonkers-quick in a straight line. But if it can also lap the ‘Ring faster than a Taycan Turbo, it’d be even more impressive. Although, as it stands now, that’s a doubtful “if”.

[Images provided by Tesla Inc.]

[Source: Motor Authority]

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It like look like your average MINI Cooper but underneath its skin lies and entirely different powertrain from what you’ll find in any of the brand’s other products. Essentially, what MINI’s done is take a standard Cooper 2-Door, rip out its internal combustion guts and stuck in a BMW i3 powertrain, only the latter is backwards.

While the i3 is rear-motor, rear-wheel drive, the MINI Electric is front-motor, front-wheel drive. It also has a different battery pack, as the i3’s wouldn’t fit. Powering that front electric motor is a 32.6 kWh battery pack, that helps give the little Cooper SE 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Its total range is about 110 miles, as per the EPA.

So what’s it like on track? Well, like most front-wheel drive electric cars, it suffers from a lot of understeer. That’s not really a problem, considering the fact that the little MINI Electric is a city car and not a track car.

However, what is surprising is just how often it limits power, or cuts it altogether, during heavy throttle applications. That isn’t all that encouraging, considering that MINIs are designed to be fun. So it’s a bit disappointing that it limits that its power if you matte the go-pedal.

Still, the rest of the electric MINI seems quite good. Once full power is utilized, it’s quite quick and it still feels nimble and fun. With stickier tires, it’d be even more fun, at the expensive of fuel-efficiency. As it stands from the factory, though, the MINI Electric seems to be a fun little electric hatchback that can still put that classic MINI smile on your face.

The post VIDEO: All-Electric MINI Electric hits the Track with One Lap appeared first on EVGLOBE - News on Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.