After the conference call this morning, we can confirm that Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk is a fan of Spaceballs.
Of course, we learned some other things too.
The sexiest revelation is that a new "Ludicrous" high-performance mode will be available for P85D and new P90D versions of the 2015 Tesla Model S. This setting will be even more aggressive than the already ridiculous "Insane" mode currently offered.
The new performance will be possible due to an upgraded battery pack, as capacity has jumped from 85 to 90 kilowatt-hours. The new unit will be available to current P85D owners for the next six months, and cost $5,000, not including installation costs.
WATCH: Koenigsegg Regera’s Powertrain Unleashed In 217-MPH Simulated Run: Video
All the extra juice means the Ludicrous cars will sprint from zero to 60 mph in a scant 2.8 seconds, and cover the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds. For those keeping score, both those figures are enough to embarrass Nissan's 2015 GT-R and a host of other genuine sports cars and even some supercar models.
Hitting those speeds will subject passengers to 1.1 g, and should approximate what it feels like to be shot out of a cannon.
To ensure that all the power doesn't simply liquefy the rubber, Tesla will employ an "advanced smart fuse" designed to delay the full brunt of the battery until the car reaches 30 mph. After that speed, the unit will discharge as fast as safely possible—imagine it as the electrical equivalent of an afterburner.
The additional go-fast models mean Tesla will offer—at least—ten different versions of its Model S:
- 70 (RWD), the base model, starting at $70,000
- 70D (AWD), at $75,000
- 85 (RWD)
- 85D
- P85D with Insane mode (0-60 in 3.1 secs)
- P85D with Ludicrous mode (0-60 in 2.8 secs)
- 90 (RWD)
- 90D
- P90D without Ludicrous mode (0-60 in 3.1 secs)
- P90D with Ludicrous mode (0-60 in 2.8 secs)
_______________________________________