Holy underpants on the outside Batman, Tesla have officially made available its quickest Model S yet, the staggering P100D. With the introduction by Tesla of the improved 100kWh battery packs the new Model S will get a 7% increase in range too.
So, we now again have another re-crowning; the quickest production car you can buy today. By quick we simply mean, 0-100kph (60mph) in 2.5 seconds - itchee-wahwahh - that'll have the limited production holy trinity quaking in their boots. The McLaren P1, LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder @ 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds, 2.5 seconds and 2.4 seconds respectively can no longer be bought new - talk about winning by default.
Quoting Tesla founder Elon Musk, "It's quite a milestone that the fastest car in the world will be electric."
We played with Tesla's online configurator until we were optioned up to our satisfaction and let me tell you, it ain't gonna be cheap, but given the price comparison, Tesla is set to have some serious head scratching performed by the hypercar boys who are still kinda dancing around with EV integration. Ok, sure they maybe don't want to take away all the fun - we totally get that - but it really does look like the limits of their EV performance and range offerings could be in question.
Tesla customers who have ordered a P90D with Ludicrous Mode but not taken delivery, can upgrade to the 100 kWh pack for $10,000 US. Existing P90D Ludicrous Mode owners can also upgrade to a 100 kWh pack, but for $20,000 US, as their used 90 kWh pack will have to be recycled.
The new range of batteries will not be exclusive to the Model S and will be extended to the Model X, so when you see a Mummy Van passing by, spankin' your HSV like it's standing still, don't say we didn't warn you. I'm calling it, It's only a matter of time, R.I.P. internal combustion engine.
With the Model 3 coming onboard, Tesla is clearly still happy to produce the Model S in numbers which aren't practical to the many, but it does pave the way for further funding of the Model 3 which is an undeniable positive. Elon Musk is sending another message to the rest that power, performance and luxury can get together and work successfully to be earth-wise, smart and fun.
Fortune favours the bold.
