Now The Verge, citing an inside source, is reporting that the all-wheel-drive Model S is a sure thing and that the car may be launched as early as next year. Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] is likely to initially offer it on its range-topping P85 trim and, depending on demand, may extend it across the range.
All-wheel drive would improve the car’s popularity in the Northern states, where winter driving demands extra traction for performance-oriented vehicles. It’s one of the reasons Mercedes-Benz’s go-fast division AMG is gradually switching its full lineup to all-wheel-drive cars and Jaguar is offering the option for the first time on its XF and XJ sedans.
If you’re a performance fan, which you must be since you’re reading Motor Authority, you’re probably wondering what the extra traction could do for the Model S’ acceleration times (we've seen one do 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds). Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to find out.
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