Tesla has announced a new version of its Model S sedan with a brand new battery that enables acceleration speeds topped only by the best Ferrari and Porsche cars money can by.
The Tesla Model S P100D with the top-spec Ludicrous mode will go from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds, shaving half a second off the acceleration speed of the current top-spec P90D.
The LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder are the only cars on the market that can accelerate faster. However, Tesla says its new P100D, which also hits 100mph in 2.9 seconds is now the quiclest production car in the world.
It’s all thanks to the new P100D battery that’ll ship with the high-end performance option, which is the largest battery Tesla has ever placed within a car.
Naturally, that world-beating performance comes at a price, with Tesla charging from $134,500 for the car. It’s up for pre-order today, with deliveries starting next month.
Those who’ve already ordered the P90D Ludicrous mode cars will be able to upgrade, but for a cost of $20,000, which will handle the costs associated with recycling the battery.
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Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Elon Musk says the firm will only be able to make around 200 of the new batteries each week, so supplies will be limited at present.
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“This was constrained to make three digits in the kilowatt levels but without fundamental improvements in the cell chemistry. But there will be cell chemistry improvements in future.”
The new battery pack will also be available on the Model X, “making the world’s quickest SUV even faster,” Tesla says.
Now the Model X P100D with Ludicrous mode will travel from 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds and rack up an estimated 289 miles on a single charge.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.