The Tesla Model S and Model X P100D models have been revealed costing from £114,200 and £117,200 respectively. Both feature a more powerful battery pack which allows the Model S P100D to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2.5 seconds.
Tesla founder Elon Musk recently tweeted “there will be a P100D Ludicrous Easter egg soon that uncorks the full performance,” hinting that an even faster version could be unlocked via an over-the-air update. He also confirmed a new sunroof will be available for the Model S soon.
In a previous conference call Musk said “there are only 2 cars faster to 60mph and those are the LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. It can beat a McLaren F1 – that’s nuts.
“The fastest car in the world that you can buy new is electric. In the future people will look at gasoline cars as quaint – not how you get around.”
It’ll be limited to a small number of cars at first, with Musk noting that despite a relatively small increase in capacity it’s much more difficult to produce. “The production volume initially is quite low because of the challenge in producing it: making sure it’s effective and safe,” he said.
Tesla customers who have ordered a P90D with Ludicrous mode but not taken delivery can upgrade to the 100 kWh pack for an extra fee. Existing P90D owners can also upgrade, at a larger cost.
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The P100D will contain a 100kWh battery – increasing performance over the existing P90D model. Despite having the same power output as the 90kWh battery, range is up to 613km (381 miles). An increased 0-60mph time as low as 2.5 seconds is possible, achieved through enhanced software and powertrain updates. The P100D moniker means it gets four-wheel drive, too.
The Model X P100D manages the 0-60mph sprint in 2.9 seconds, with a range of 337 miles.
Musk said the charge rate is unchanged on one of Tesla’s Supercharger fast charging stations – though as there’s more miles to charge it it might take a little longer.
Tesla removed the 85kWh versions of its Model S saloon from sale earlier this year in a bid to simplify the range. The rear-wheel drive 90kWh model has also been phased out in the UK, leaving only the 70kWh model in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, as well as the 90kWh model in standard or Performance (P90D) guise, both being all-wheel drive.
Further upgrades for the Model S this year include an increase in charger size from 40 amps to 48 amps, allowing shorter charging times both at home and public charging points. This is accompanied by Tesla’s advanced air filtration system, too.
Tesla Model S 60 60D
Tesla’s new 60 and 60D models are designed to create a new entry point to the range. The new 60 starts from £53,400, wbut still manages a 248-mile range, a top speed of 130mph and comes equipped with Tesla’s autopilot software.
The 0-60mph time is just 5.5 seoncds, but that can actualy be improved with a simple software update, at an extra cost: the battery pack in the 60 and 60D is actually a 75kWh unit, so customers can upgrade their car’s performance via Wi-Fi.
Would you buy a Tesla Model S? Which version takes your fancy? Let us know below…
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