Dark Knight: The Road and Track Beast

In 2023, a game-changing moment happened at the Willow Springs International Raceway. A heavily modified Tesla Model S, known as Dark Helmet, tore through the track with precision and power. Boasting a massive wing, slick tires, and a stripped-out interior, Dark Helmet wasn’t just fast—it was the fastest. However, it wasn’t exactly road-legal. That got Unplugged Performance, the minds behind the build, thinking: What if they dialed back the insanity a bit to create a street-ready, yet still track-capable version? Enter Dark Knight, the road-approved, track-ready sibling of Dark Helmet.

A Glimpse Into Dark Knight

Dark Knight, also known as “son of Dark Helmet,” is a highly modified Tesla Model S with a significant makeover. It’s built to be ferocious on the track while still being compliant for everyday road use. The transformation begins with its 19-piece carbon fiber wide-body kit that increases the width of the car by 60mm. The aggressive stance and aerodynamic refinements give it an unmistakable air of menace, reminiscent of Dark Helmet, but with a touch more elegance.

Standout Features

• Front Splitter: An optional large splitter up front helps in aerodynamics and road presence.
• Forged Monoblock Wheels: These massive wheels, paired with Michelin Pilot Sport S tires (285/30/20s in front and 305/30/21s at the rear), add to the car’s dynamic performance and ensure maximum grip.
• Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Massive brakes with integrated cooling ducts improve braking performance and reduce fade, crucial for both road and track use.
• Barge Board & Rear Diffuser: Functional aero upgrades, like the barge board and custom rear diffuser, ensure Dark Knight sticks to the track while slicing through the air.
• Subtle Carbon Longtail Spoiler: A nod to track performance, this spoiler adds stability at higher speeds without being too flashy.

Unlike many modified cars, Dark Knight gets an unofficial nod of approval from Tesla itself. The Model S, designed by Franz von Holzhausen, has an interior revamped by Franz’s own brand, using a material called “Bamboo.” This sustainable material covers the seats, dashboard, and door panels, reflecting Tesla’s environmental ethos. However, some might question the logic of using fake leather for a sustainable design, as it doesn’t necessarily offer a significant improvement over Tesla’s standard materials.

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Driving Experience: Road & Track

The Yolking Around

One of the standout changes in Dark Knight is the steering yoke, which replaces the traditional steering wheel. While it may look futuristic, it comes with its challenges. On the road, it works fine but can feel awkward during maneuvers like parallel parking. On the track, the yoke adds an interesting twist, but countersteering can become a challenge, especially when you’re pushing the car hard.

Suspension & Handling

While Dark Knight shares its powertrain with the Model S Plaid, it has a completely different feel due to its suspension. A lowering kit tightens up the handling, although the ride remains surprisingly comfortable for a car this aggressive. One thing to be cautious about is the low front splitter, which could get easily damaged on steep driveways or curbs. Tesla’s air suspension allows the car to raise and lower itself, but the process is a bit slower than ideal.

Despite its size and weight, Dark Knight performs incredibly well on the track. The suspension and wide tires give it impressive grip, especially in corners, where it handles its mass confidently. Tesla’s torque vectoring system, which uses three motors to distribute power to the wheels, enhances cornering ability, allowing the car to rotate more effectively.

Braking: No More Fade

One of the biggest complaints with the stock Tesla Model S is brake fade during aggressive driving. However, Dark Knight’s carbon-ceramic brakes eliminate this issue, delivering solid braking performance lap after lap. The regenerative braking system also enhances the brake feel, providing smoother transitions from high-speed driving to tight corners.

Speed & Acceleration

Dark Knight retains Tesla’s signature “party trick”—its mind-bending acceleration. With 0-60 mph achieved in just 2.1 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 4.1 seconds, Dark Knight delivers supercar performance. On straightaways, the sheer speed of this car is astonishing, reminding drivers why Tesla remains at the forefront of electric performance vehicles. The car may not reach the 200 mph top speed of Tesla’s track-focused packages, but its limit of 162 mph is still more than enough for any road or track adventure.

Track Time at Willow Springs

Taking Dark Knight to the same track where Dark Helmet set its blazing lap was an exciting opportunity. Willow Springs is known for its fast straights and demanding corners, providing the perfect proving ground for Dark Knight. Though it lacks the full-blown downforce of its sibling (no massive rear wing here), Dark Knight still performs admirably.

The steering feedback could be more pronounced, as drivers might feel slightly disconnected from the front wheels at times, but the grip and cornering speeds are impressive. While some competitors use rear-wheel steering for tighter cornering, Dark Knight’s torque vectoring does the job well, making it nimble despite its weight.

The wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires grip the track excellently, allowing for fast and stable cornering. Dark Knight’s adjustable suspension components, including upper and lower control arms and anti-roll bars, contribute to its track-ready demeanor, making it playful in the corners yet controlled.

However, if there’s one major flaw in Dark Knight’s track performance, it’s the seats. They offer little support during aggressive driving, which is far from ideal when tackling high-speed turns. For those serious about track days, swapping the standard seats for racing buckets would be a smart move.

Table of Key Specifications

FAQs About Dark Knight

1. What makes Dark Knight different from a standard Tesla Model S Plaid?

• Dark Knight features extensive modifications such as a carbon fiber body kit, upgraded suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and performance wheels, making it more track-capable while still being street-legal.

1. Is the yoke steering wheel practical for daily driving?

• While it works fine on the road, the yoke can be tricky during maneuvers that require a lot of steering input, such as parking.

1. How does Dark Knight compare to the Tesla Model S Track Package?

• The Track Package offers higher top speeds and more stability at the limit, but Dark Knight has more customization options, making it easier to fine-tune for track performance.

1. Can I daily drive Dark Knight?

• Yes, despite its track-oriented upgrades, Dark Knight remains comfortable and practical for everyday use.

1. What’s the price of the Dark Knight modifications?

• Pricing varies depending on options, but expect it to be significantly more expensive than a standard Model S due to the extensive modifications.

1. Is it possible to drive Dark Knight on public roads?

• Absolutely. Dark Knight is fully road-legal and designed to be usable on a day-to-day basis.

1. Are the stock seats suitable for track driving?

• Not really. For serious track enthusiasts, upgrading to racing bucket seats is recommended for better support and comfort during aggressive driving.

Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds

Dark Knight is a beast, combining Tesla’s renowned straight-line speed with track-worthy upgrades that make it more than capable on circuits like Willow Springs. Though it has a few quirks, such as the steering yoke and lackluster seats, the overall package is thrilling, both on and off the track. With a mix of road usability and track performance, Dark Knight delivers on its promise of being a tamed version of Dark Helmet—one that enthusiasts can enjoy daily.