By Tom Brant
Rumors of a P100D have swirled for several months, following the discovery in March of that nomenclature in a Model S firmware update was unveiled today.
A new battery pack helps propel it from zero to 60mph in 2.5 seconds.
A new version of the Tesla Model S, can accelerate from zero to 60mph in 2.5 seconds, with the California automaker claiming that it is now the quickest production car currently on sale.The P100D version of the Model S trails only Ferrari’s LaFerrari and Porsche’s 918 Spyder in zero to 60mph time, according to Tesla, neither of which are currently available.
The speed jump is thanks to a new, larger battery pack that produces 100kWh of electricity. The new pack also enables a range boost, with the Model S P100D able to travel an estimated 315 miles on a single charge. (That range assumes, of course, you aren’t doing zero to 60mph in under three seconds at every stoplight).
Like most cars Tesla makes—with the exception of the forthcoming Model 3—the 100kWh battery is pricey. People who have already ordered a Model S P90D with “Ludicrous mode,” but have not yet taken delivery, can upgrade to the new pack for $10,000. Existing P90D Ludicrous owners will have to pay twice that to upgrade, since their used 90kWh battery will have to be recycled.
Owners of Tesla’s Model X SUV can also opt for the new battery, though pricing was not announced. The seven-seater Model X P100D Ludicrous can accelerate to 60mph in 2.9 seconds and travel up to 289 miles on a single charge.