Jay Leno's Garage - Tesla Model S Plaid:New Info from Chief Designer and Engineer - Sept 1 2025 Jay Leno sits down with the masterminds behind the latest Tesla Model S: Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Lead Engineer Lars Moravy. This episode offers an exclusive look into the new updates and design philosophies that make the latest Model S the "best version of this car" ever built. Unveiling New Technology: Carbon Ceramic Brakes: The duo details the new carbon ceramic brakes, now a standard option on the Plaid. Unlike other carbon brakes, these are made with a continuous carbon matrix, providing excellent stopping power even when cold. This is especially useful for one-pedal driving, which Jay says has left his own car's original brake pads in near-perfect condition. Thermal System & Range: Discover the new "super minimal version two" thermal system, which uses a cast aluminum manifold to improve cooling and heating efficiency for the entire powertrain. This has increased the real-world range on the long-range model to 410 miles and significantly narrowed the gap between sticker and real-world range. Aerodynamic Improvements: Learn how Tesla uses aerodynamic design with new wheels and optional caps to improve efficiency and range. Design & Performance Insights: Power and Speed: The Model S Plaid boasts 1020 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time under 2 seconds, a 200 mph top speed, and a quarter-mile time of 9.20 seconds. Manufacturing Quality: Franz and Lars reveal how years of refinement have led to tighter panel gaps and better overall build quality. They also explain the benefits of Tesla's water-based paint, which makes it easier to color-match for repairs. The Yoke Steering Wheel: The team discusses the yoke steering wheel and why its design allows drivers to see the entire dashboard without obstruction. Interior Upgrades: Explore the upgraded interior, including new ambient lighting that can sync with music, and a larger rear screen with a unique dual-audio feature for passengers using Bluetooth headphones. Join Jay, Franz, and Lars as they take this incredible car for a test drive and share firsthand details about its groundbreaking features