The Tesla P100D Has Landed. 0-60 In 2.5 Seconds

The second worst kept secret in the automotive universe is that that Tesla has been working on a 100 kWh battery. The first worst kept secret is that Apple is planning to build an electric car. Today, August 23, 2016 at 12:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time, Tesla thrilled all its faithful followers with the official announcement that a performance version of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV with dual motors is now available.

Here is the announcement in full. Cue the fanfare of trumpets.

The Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode is the third fastest accelerating production car ever produced, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.5* seconds. However, both the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder were limited run, million dollar vehicles and cannot be bought new. While those cars are small two seaters with very little luggage space, the pure electric, all-wheel drive Model S P100D has four doors, seats up to 5 adults plus 2 children and has exceptional cargo capacity.

The 100 kWh battery also increases range substantially to an estimated 315 miles on the EPA cycle and 613 km on the EU cycle, making it the first to go beyond 300 miles and the longest range production electric vehicle by far.

The larger battery pack is also available on the Model X, making the world’s quickest SUV even faster. Model X P100D with Ludicrous mode accelerates to 60 mph in 2.9* seconds and travels up to 289 miles EPA estimated and 542 km EU on a single charge. Model X is also a pure electric SUV and can seat up to seven adults.

Model S and Model X are engineered to be the safest cars on the road and to have the highest ratings from NHTSA. Both have access to the Tesla Supercharger network for the freedom to travel long distance for free. And every Tesla will improve over time with free over the air upgrades.

Tesla customers who have ordered a P90D Ludicrous, but not taken delivery, can upgrade to the 100 kWh pack for $10,000. Existing P90D Ludicrous owners can also upgrade to a 100 kWh pack, but for $20,000, as their used 90 kWh pack will have to be recycled.

While the P100D Ludicrous is obviously an expensive vehicle, we want to emphasize that every sale helps pay for the smaller and much more affordable Tesla Model 3 that is in development. Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development.

* Expected value using max power mode and Motor Trend benchmark

Note that Motor Trend uses the one foot roll out procedure common in drag racing when measuring a car’s maximum acceleration.

The world of Tesla is aquiver with excitement. Just imagine. If you already own a newish Model S p90D with Ludicrous Mode, your car already hauls to 60 in 2.65 seconds, according to Drag Times. But now, for a paltry $20,000 more, you can upgrade to a P100D and shave 1.5 tenths of a second off that time. If that doesn’t peg your giggle meter, it’s hard to imagine what would.

Source: Tesla Motors