Latest news with #ModelSPlaid
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Ordered to Buy Back Model S Plaid After Brake Failure Ruling
Tesla Ordered to Buy Back Model S Plaid After Brake Failure Ruling originally appeared on Autoblog. A Norwegian court has ordered Tesla to buy back a Model S Plaid after a catastrophic brake failure during a track day, marking one of the most damning legal defeats for the automaker in recent memory. The Oslo District Court ruled in favor of the owner, Vilhelm Dybwad, who reached out to The Drive about the incident, after the high-performance EV failed to complete even a single lap without overheating its brakes—despite being advertised as a track-ready court found Tesla's marketing claims to be misleading and ruled that the $150,000 vehicle was sold under false pretenses. Tesla must now refund the full purchase price, pay interest, and cover legal fees—adding up to nearly $150,000 in total compensation. What Happened on Track? Dybwad's Model S Plaid experienced total brake fade at Rudskogen Motorsenter, Norway's most demanding racetrack, on its very first hot lap. The failure was immediate and severe: the car's brake system overheated almost instantly, flashing warning messages and rendering the car unsafe for track owner filed suit under Norway's strong consumer protection laws. The court found that Tesla had marketed the Model S Plaid as 'track-capable' without equipping it with proper hardware to survive a performance environment. Tesla's defense—that a carbon-ceramic brake package was coming later—was not deemed sufficient, as it wasn't available at the time of purchase. Marketing Promises Versus Reality Tesla has long walked a fine line between performance bragging rights and practical durability. In this case, its own ads—including a Nürburgring campaign and various Plaid promo clips—were used as evidence of deceptive claims. This ruling comes at a time when Tesla is also facing significant pressure in the U.S. over how it markets its driver-assist this week, the company published a new safety report claiming its Autopilot system is significantly safer than manual driving, stating that cars using Autopilot went over six million miles between crashes in Q2. But critics argue that real-world user experience often paints a more inconsistent inconsistency has become a legal liability. In California, Tesla is now facing a potential 30-day sales ban over allegations of misleading advertising regarding its 'Full Self-Driving' and 'Autopilot' systems—terms regulators argue are dangerously inaccurate. More Trouble Ahead The buyback ruling could set a precedent in Europe and beyond, particularly for owners who have pushed the Model S or Model X beyond their daily comfort zones. Although Tesla has already launched track packages for newer Model S units—complete with upgraded brakes—this case highlights a wider problem for the company: the disparity between its marketing and real-world also comes amid growing global competition. In China, Tesla faces a serious threat from Dongfeng's new M-Hero M817, an off-road-capable hybrid SUV that racked up 10,000 pre-orders in just 24 hours. The M817's broad capability and local appeal make it a formidable rival in a market where Tesla's position has become less secure. What This Means for Owners and Enthusiasts For Model S Plaid owners, the takeaway is clear: despite its straight-line speed and headline-grabbing horsepower, the Plaid may not be as versatile as Tesla claims. Unless fitted with the appropriate hardware—and driven within its limits—the car may not meet the expectations its marketing has this case sparks more lawsuits is unclear. But it's certainly part of a broader reckoning Tesla faces—not just for its product claims, but for its relationship with regulators and consumers worldwide. Tesla Ordered to Buy Back Model S Plaid After Brake Failure Ruling first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla Ordered to Buy Back Model S Plaid After Brake Failure Ruling
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. A Norwegian court has ordered Tesla to buy back a Model S Plaid after a catastrophic brake failure during a track day, marking one of the most damning legal defeats for the automaker in recent memory. The Oslo District Court ruled in favor of the owner, Vilhelm Dybwad, who reached out to The Drive about the incident, after the high-performance EV failed to complete even a single lap without overheating its brakes—despite being advertised as a track-ready machine. The court found Tesla's marketing claims to be misleading and ruled that the $150,000 vehicle was sold under false pretenses. Tesla must now refund the full purchase price, pay interest, and cover legal fees—adding up to nearly $150,000 in total compensation. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen Tesla sales in Europe drop yet again Watch More Source: Tesla What Happened on Track? Dybwad's Model S Plaid experienced total brake fade at Rudskogen Motorsenter, Norway's most demanding racetrack, on its very first hot lap. The failure was immediate and severe: the car's brake system overheated almost instantly, flashing warning messages and rendering the car unsafe for track use. The owner filed suit under Norway's strong consumer protection laws. The court found that Tesla had marketed the Model S Plaid as 'track-capable' without equipping it with proper hardware to survive a performance environment. Tesla's defense—that a carbon-ceramic brake package was coming later—was not deemed sufficient, as it wasn't available at the time of purchase. Source: Holden Marketing Promises Versus Reality Tesla has long walked a fine line between performance bragging rights and practical durability. In this case, its own ads—including a Nürburgring campaign and various Plaid promo clips—were used as evidence of deceptive claims. This ruling comes at a time when Tesla is also facing significant pressure in the U.S. over how it markets its driver-assist features. Just this week, the company published a new safety report claiming its Autopilot system is significantly safer than manual driving, stating that cars using Autopilot went over six million miles between crashes in Q2. But critics argue that real-world user experience often paints a more inconsistent picture. That inconsistency has become a legal liability. In California, Tesla is now facing a potential 30-day sales ban over allegations of misleading advertising regarding its 'Full Self-Driving' and 'Autopilot' systems—terms regulators argue are dangerously inaccurate. Source: Tesla More Trouble Ahead The buyback ruling could set a precedent in Europe and beyond, particularly for owners who have pushed the Model S or Model X beyond their daily comfort zones. Although Tesla has already launched track packages for newer Model S units—complete with upgraded brakes—this case highlights a wider problem for the company: the disparity between its marketing and real-world performance. It also comes amid growing global competition. In China, Tesla faces a serious threat from Dongfeng's new M-Hero M817, an off-road-capable hybrid SUV that racked up 10,000 pre-orders in just 24 hours. The M817's broad capability and local appeal make it a formidable rival in a market where Tesla's position has become less secure. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. What This Means for Owners and Enthusiasts For Model S Plaid owners, the takeaway is clear: despite its straight-line speed and headline-grabbing horsepower, the Plaid may not be as versatile as Tesla claims. Unless fitted with the appropriate hardware—and driven within its limits—the car may not meet the expectations its marketing has set. Whether this case sparks more lawsuits is unclear. But it's certainly part of a broader reckoning Tesla faces—not just for its product claims, but for its relationship with regulators and consumers worldwide. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
The Drive
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Judge Orders Tesla to Buy Back Model S Plaid Over Track Braking Failure
The latest car news, reviews, and features. A Tesla Model S Plaid owner took the electric automaker to court and won after his EV cooked its brakes on the first turn of a track day. He sued Tesla for misleading advertising as it marketed the car specifically for track use, though in his experience, that was far from the case. The judge has even ordered Tesla to buy back the 1,020-horsepower sedan as a result. The ruling was issued in Oslo District Court, citing violation of Norway's Consumer Protection Act. Vilhelm Dybwad, the Model S Plaid owner who initiated the suit against Tesla, reached out to The Drive about his misfortune. 'The stock brakes are horrible, inadequate, and downright dangerous for any type of track driving,' he wrote in an email. 'We got the error message that the bakes were too hot while under braking for the first corner (after the warmup lap) at Rudskogen Motorcenter.' That circuit is a serious one, designed by F1 track specialist Hermann Tilke. At a touch over two miles, the main course features 14 turns with long, high-speed straights and roughly 140 feet of elevation change. Turn One, where Dybwad's Model S Plaid brakes overheated, is a slightly uphill lefthander that requires heavy stoppage before rolling into Turn Two. Just after that is a half-circle that leads to another straight where high-powered cars hit triple-digit speeds. What I'm getting at is: Even if the Tesla's brakes hung on through the first corner, they wouldn't have long to recover before another high-intensity event that could spell disaster. That's Turn One on the far righthand side, following the long start/finish straight. Rudskogen Dybwad belongs to a car enthusiast organization in Norway called Amcar. The club's technical committee prepared a statement regarding his EV's failure and provided witness accounts as well as independent testing to prove the Model S Plaid didn't work as advertised. When they put an experienced track driver in a similar but different Plaid at Rudskogen, it also malfunctioned after making the first turn. This evidence held up in court, leading legal officials to observe Tesla's marketing materials. The district court agreed that Tesla advertised the Model S Plaid as being track capable, even showing it on a race circuit in several videos while claiming it can 'continuously lap the track without performance degradation.' Tesla supposedly argued that Dybwad could have optioned his car with carbon ceramic brakes, which perform far better in high-heat situations, though those weren't offered until 10 months after he purchased it. Normally, this is where The Drive would reach out to the automaker's PR department for a comment, but Tesla doesn't have one of those. Having determined the issue was significant enough to fall under the Consumer Protection Act, the court ordered Tesla to pay Dybwad the equivalent of $122,972 USD plus interest, as well as his legal costs totaling $26,869 USD. This effectively canceled his purchase of the car. Tesla can appeal the decision, but as Dybwad's legal representation told Nettavisen , they aren't worried. Dybwad and his Model S Plaid. Amcar Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
Car and Driver
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Tesla Model X Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview As the largest SUV in the current Tesla lineup, the Model X's mission is clear: deliver the speed, range, and left-of-center design and tech choices that define the brand in a three-row SUV. That means a choice of two AWD powertrains, a futuristic shape with genuine gull-wing doors, and a heavy reliance on the touchscreen for most operational functions instead of traditional knobs and buttons. It's also incredibly quick, with our test drivers knocking off the 60-mph sprint in 3.3 seconds—in an older, less powerful version, no less. Less impressive is the interior fit and finish, which feels a little out of place in a vehicle that starts at over $90k. Groundbreaking when it arrived a decade ago, the Model X is still impressive, but is beginning to show its age. What's New for 2026? Tesla says the 2026 Model X benefits from updated suspension bushings that provide improved ride quality. Tesla claims increased space for the third row and cites an uptick in the amount of sound-damping materials and the inclusion of active noise canceling as efforts to create a quieter cabin environment. A new exterior color dubbed Frost Blue joins the palette, and new dynamic ambient interior lighting activates on entry for a bit more welcoming sizzle. New wheel designs are said to be more aerodynamically efficient, and both the new adaptive headlights and a new camera installed in the front bumper aim to improve forward visibility. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Tesla Model X starts at $91,630 and goes up to $106,630 depending on the trim and options. All-Wheel Drive $91,630 Plaid $106,630 The Plaid model with its three electric motors is sure to deliver insane acceleration, but that added performance is mighty expensive. And its 335-mile estimated driving range isn't as good as the less expensive All-Wheel Drive model's estimate, so we'd save the cash. The Model X All-Wheel Drive offers up to 352 miles of estimated driving range and is still mighty quick. EV Motor, Power, and Performance The base Model X comes standard with two electric motors—one at the front axle and one at the rear—which enable all-wheel drive with a claimed total output of 670 horsepower. The 1020-hp Plaid high-performance model has a motor up front and two at the rear. The X's handling is respectable, but it's still a big and heavy SUV with the fun party trick of blistering acceleration generated by its electric motors. 0–60-MPH Times The X's base setup is plenty swift: Tesla claims a 60-mph time of 3.8 seconds, but even an older, less powerful model easily beat that in our testing with a 3.3-second run. The tri-motor Plaid variant boasts a claimed 60-mph time of 2.5 seconds, but we haven't verified its acceleration times at our test track yet. When we tested the Model S Plaid sedan—which is based on the same basic underpinnings as the Model X—it managed a viscera-compressing 2.1-second 60-mph time. View Photos Tesla Towing and Payload Capacity While the Model X wouldn't be in our top ten list of ideal towing vehicles, it is rated for up to 5000 pounds. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The All-Wheel Drive model comes with an EPA-estimated driving range of 352 miles, a 23-mile increase over 2025. The faster Plaid model drops the estimated driving range to 335 miles, a 21-mile increase over the previous model. As to recharging, it's quick via one of Tesla's Superchargers, which are available across the country. Charging at home via a 240-volt or 120-volt connection will be slower, but probably more convenient for owners, so Tesla offers in-home charging equipment for purchase. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe The EPA hasn't released MPGe estimates for the 2026 Model X yet, but the 2025 Model X All-Wheel Drive returned 104 MPGe city and 96 MPGe highway. Even the Plaid model, which sacrifices some efficiency for its massive increase in power, outperformed key rivals in this metric. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Model X's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Love it or hate it, a stark and nearly buttonless interior design is classic Tesla. The driver faces a digital gauge display and a unique rectangular yoke-style steering controller instead of a conventional circular steering wheel; the yoke is often frustrating to use and difficult, if not impossible, to get used to. At least a regular steering wheel is available as a no-cost option. Also unique is the Model X's combination windshield and glass roof that runs seamlessly from the base of the hood up and over the front-seat passengers for a nearly uninterrupted view of what's ahead and what's above. Despite these whiz-bang features, the Model X's cabin leaves us wanting, especially considering its price approaches the six-figure barrier for the Plaid. The cabin has a nondescript look, the seats are relatively flat, and we've noticed poorly aligned panels and other build-quality issues. View Photos Tesla Infotainment and Connectivity A huge touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dashboard and controls nearly all of the Model X's various features and settings. A secondary digital readout directly in front of the driver serves as the gauge cluster. Tesla's infotainment system is certainly high-tech, but you won't find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability in it. Rear-seat riders are treated to their own small display, which provides entertainment and some control over the car's features. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Model X comes with Tesla's Autopilot feature and can be optioned with Full Self-Driving. Tesla's driver-assist modes employ several cameras to detect objects, people, and other vehicles, and uses them to help steer, accelerate, and brake the Model X. But don't be fooled by their names: these systems do not provide fully autonomous operation; the driver must remain in charge at all times. The Model X also offers a Summon feature that allows the user to park or retrieve the SUV from tight spots while standing outside. For more information about the Model X's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning Standard adaptive cruise control[DG1] Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Tesla offers a comprehensive warranty package to protect the Model X's powertrain and battery components but lacks the lengthy bumper-to-bumper coverage and complimentary scheduled maintenance packages of some competitors[DG2] . Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers eight years and unlimited miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications VEHICLE TYPE: front- and rear-motor, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback PRICE AS TESTED: $133,700 (base price: $116,700) MOTOR TYPE: 2 asynchronous AC POWER: F: 259 hp R: 503 hp Combined: 532 hp Torque: F: 244 lb-ft R: 469 lb-ft Combined: 713 lb-ft TRANSMISSION: 1-speed direct-drive DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 116.7 in Length: 198.3 in Width: 81.5 in Height: 66.3 in SAE volume: F: 60 cu ft M: 52 cu ft R: 28 cu ft Cargo volume (third row up/folded): 13/68 cu ft Front trunk: 7 cu ft Curb weight: 5594 lb C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 3.3 sec Zero to 100 mph: 8.3 sec Zero to 120 mph: 13.0 sec Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 3.5 sec Top gear, 30-50 mph: 1.3 sec Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.1 sec Standing ¼-mile: 11.8 sec @ 116 mph Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph Braking, 70-0 mph: 172 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g* FUEL ECONOMY: EPA city/highway driving: 89/90 MPGe EPA range: 250 mi C/D observed: 77 MPGe** *Stability-control inhibited. **Based on vehicle's trip counter. TEST NOTES: Launch control requires at least a 90-percent charge, the Max Battery Power setting, and Ludicrous Speed mode switched on. Hold brake with left foot, floor accelerator with right foot, and release. Floor the accelerator again, release the brake, and you're gone. More Features and Specs
Motor 1
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Tesla Finally Updated the Model S and Model X. But Not Much Has Changed
Tesla updated the Model S and Model X today, but any significant changes are hard to spot. Many of the upgrades lie hidden beneath the familiar-looking exteriors, with Tesla making several minor tweaks to the cars that fail to enhance their appeal in the increasingly competitive luxury EV segment. Tesla claims the new S and X are 'even quieter inside,' with less wind and road noise paired with more effective noise cancellation. The EVs will also have a smoother ride thanks to new bushings and a new suspension design, although Tesla failed to provide specifics. Photo by: Tesla Photo by: Tesla There's a new Fost Blue exterior color for the pair and a new front fascia camera for improved visibility. Inside, Tesla adds dynamic ambient lighting while increasing third-row passenger and cargo space in the Model X. Oh, and the yoke is still available as an $1,000 option on the Plaid variants. The Model S Plaid has fresh exterior styling that Tesla says is optimized for high-speed stability, but the updated car has a lower top speed than its predecessor. It's down from 200 miles per hour to 149 mph—a huge drop. At least it can still hit 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds. Tesla also has new wheel designs for the sedan and SUV, which improve aerodynamics and increase range. Tesla Model S and Model X Range Gains The updates have resulted in Tesla creating its longest-range EV ever—the Model S Long Range. The sedan can travel up to 410 miles on a charge, according to the company, while the Model S Plaid improves to 368 miles. The Model X can now go up to 38 miles more than before—352—while the Plaid gets a 21-mile bump in range to 335. Photo by: Tesla Mild Updates, Fresh New Price Despite the mediocre enhancements to the updated Model S and Model X, Tesla is now charging $5,000 extra across both trims of each car. The Model S now costs $86,630, while the Model S Plaid starts at $101,630. If you want the crossover, you'll pay $91,630 for the Model X with all-wheel drive and $106,630 for the high-performance Plaid variant. Read More Tesla News: The Tesla Model Y Just Got Even Cheaper Elon Musk to Remain Tesla CEO 'Unless I Die' Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Tesla / X Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
