Tesla announced new performance versions of its Model S and X vehicles on Tuesday.
Elon Musk, Tesla Chief Executive, said that the automaker will offer new versions of its Model S and X vehicles with bigger, 100-kilowatt-hour batteries, giving the cars faster acceleration and a longer battery range.
According to Tesla, the new P100D Model S is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 2.5 seconds, making it the third fastest production car after the LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder – two supercars with tiny production runs. The bigger battery also means the car’s range is higher too, allowing it to travel up to 315 miles on a single charge.
The Model X P100D can achieve a 0-60 time of just 2.9 seconds and will have a range of 289 miles on a single charge.
Musk said that for the first time “the fastest car in the world, of any kind, is electric. In the future, people are really going to look at gasoline cars in the same way we look at steam engines today: They’re quaint, but it’s not really how you get around.”
Tesla said in its announcement:
Model S and Model X are engineered to be the safest cars on the road and to have the highest ratings from NHTSA. Both have access to the Tesla Supercharger network for the freedom to travel long distance for free. And every Tesla will improve over time with free over the air upgrades.
Tesla customers who have ordered a P90D Ludicrous, but not taken delivery, can upgrade to the 100 kWh pack for $10,000. Existing P90D Ludicrous owners can also upgrade to a 100 kWh pack, but for $20,000, as their used 90 kWh pack will have to be recycled.
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. Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development.
