The Tesla Model S was already extremely quick, but now there is a new version that has the sort of performance hypercars should worry about.
Elon Musk announced on Twitter there would be a product launch later in the day and it turns out he was referring to the Model S P100D, a 100kWh capacity version of the facelifted Model S.
By taking the battery capacity from 90kWh to 100kWh, the Tesla Model S is able to offer an estimated EPA range of 315 miles – extending its lead as the most range-friendly all-electric vehicle money can buy.
Opt for the Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode and you get serious performance. 0-60mph comes and goes in just 2.5 seconds, while 0-62mph (0-100kmh) takes 2.7 seconds – the sort of acceleration you get from supercars that cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.
It is, in fact, now the third fastest production car in the world, narrowly losing out to first-place Ferrari LaFerrari and the second-place Porsche 918 Spyder. Both cars cost more than most people earn in a lifetime.
Unlike its hypercar competition, however, the Model S has seating for five adults and an extra two children in the boot if you spec the optional third-row seats. But no cupholders, for some reason.
Tesla also gave its Model X sports utility vehicle the 100D treatment and in the process increased the maximum EPA-estimated range to 289 miles and the 0-62mph time down to 3.1 seconds. Good luck trying to beat that in a Range Rover Sport.
Anyone who has ordered a Tesla Model S P90D but not taken delivery can upgrade to the 100kWh pack for US$10,000. Existing P90D cars can be upgraded for US$20,000, with the much higher cost attributed to having to recycle the old battery pack.
Tesla is yet to release a price for the Model S P100D but it is obviously going to cost more than the £101,100 P90D with the £8,700 Ludicrous Speed Upgrade. Not exactly small change, but then can you get a pram in a McLaren P1?
Those who do take the plunge will sleep better knowing they are helping fund the affordable electric car revolution. “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,” Tesla said.
“Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development,” the Californian company added.
Tesla is yet to update the UK website for orders of the P100D at the time of writing. Check out our Model S review and wait patiently for our verdict on the facelifted car.
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