Late last year we first told you Tesla was working on a handling package for the Model S that was being benchmarked against a McLaren MP4-12C supercar. Apparently its CEO, Elon Musk, was spurred on after being told the McLaren handled better than his Model S.
Just a month on, Musk confirmed that additional Model S variants would be launched in 2013 but provided no further details.
Now, thanks to the keen eye of InsideEVs, we can reveal that Tesla has finally announced one of these additional variants on its website.
The new variant is the Tesla Model S Performance Plus, which will cost an additional $6,500 over the 85-kWh Model S Performance, which lists at $87,400 after a $7,500 federal tax credit.
The upgrades include revised suspension dampers and bushings, thicker stabilizer bars and wheels that are 20 millimeters wider and staggered at the rear. These wheels measure 21 inches in diameter and are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.
Some of the performance claims include supercar-like handling but with improved comfort and efficiency. Range is also said to have been improved by 6 to 12 miles over the EPA-rated 265 mile range of the regular Model S Performance.
If you’re an existing Model S Performance owner and would like the ‘Plus’ treatment, Tesla will reportedly offer a retrofit package as well, though this will set you back an additional $13,000 and doesn’t get you the revised dampers and stabilizer bars. Apparently the necessary removal and replacement of the full suspension would be far more costly.
For our complete coverage on the Tesla Model S, click here.
