all-wheel drive tesla model S 90D electric car races to 60mph in 2.8s (Update)

all-wheel drive tesla model S 90D electric car races to 60mph in 2.8s
images courtesy of tesla motors

update: july 20th, 2015

mr. musk announced some hardware updates to the very popular ‘model s’. the 70kWh single motor version of the ‘model s’ will now cost $5,000 (USD) less than the dual motor version, which stays consistent with the price difference for the single and dual motor 85 kWh model. also in the announcement, new buyers now have the option of upgrading the pack from 85 to 90 kWh for $3,000 (USD), which provides about 6% increased range. existing owners can get in on the update, but it’s not recommended unless the usage is on the edge of it’s current range. 

a new 90kWh version has been introduced

finally, the best news was it’s hardware/software update, dubbed ‘ludicrous mode’. the name comes from the cult classic film ‘space balls’ where the spaceships in the film have the same setting, but go even faster than light speed mode. tesla developed an advanced fuse for the batteries that constantly monitors current at the millisecond level and the changed the material of the main pack contractor to a high temperature space grade superalloy. 

the ‘model s’ is a four door sedan with luggage compartments in the front and rear

the combination now safely increases the max output from 1300 to 1500 amps, and results in 0 to 60 mph time to 2.8 seconds. that makes the tesla ‘model s’ in the top 20 fastest accelerating production cars in the world, and the only fully electric one to do so. consider the bar raised, mr. musk.

console includes a large touch screen display

offering a 250 mile range at 65 mph, the all-wheel drive tesla ‘model S 70D’ electric sportscar, available in ocean blue, obsidian black and warm silver, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. with independently operational front and rear motors, the automobile includes the supercharging feature that enables long-distance travel, autopilot hardware, navigation and blind spot detection. similar to the company’s previous models, it can receive free over-the-air updates that improves both the functionality and driving experience for years to come. it has a starting price of $75,000 USD but, when considering its cost advantages over an internal combustion engine and the fuel savings, the cost reduces to $55,000 over five years.