Tesla is well-known for pushing the envelope. Earlier this year, the carmaker unleashed the Model S P85D, which came with an option literally called Insane Mode. But that wasn\u2019t enough. Tesla CEO Elon Musk wants to go faster.<\/p>\n
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During a conference call on Friday, Musk announced a series of battery upgrades, including a new Model S, the P90D, which goes so fast that it comes with a Ludicrous Mode. So fast that it pins riders back at 1.1G, which is faster than the feeling of free-falling. Faster than any commuter car has any right to go. But I digress.<\/p>\n
Equipped with 762 horsepower, the Model S P90D is quick enough to rock a quarter mile in 10.9 seconds.\u00a0Even Dominic Toretto, who lives his life a quarter mile at a time, would approve.<\/p>\n
Musk explained how Tesla achieved the breakthrough during the call, saying the company devised a \u201csmart fuse\u201d for\u00a0the new 90kWh battery pack.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of a standard fuse that just melts past a certain amperage, which means you aren\u2019t exactly sure when it will or won\u2019t melt or if it will arc when it does, we developed a fuse with its own electronics and a tiny lithium-ion battery,\u201d Musk said. \u201cIt constantly monitors current at the millisecond level and is pyro-actuated to cut power with extreme precision and certainty.\u201d<\/p>\n
What that means for drivers is a 10-percent improvement in 0 to 60 mph over the previous model (0-60 in 2.8 seconds), and a faster time to 155 mph, which is an absolutely ridiculous speed. Or, as it\u2019s being called, Ludicrous.<\/p>\n
The new mode actually works in conjunction with Insane Mode, Musk explained. Once you hit about 30 mph through Insane, Ludicrous Mode will kick in, allowing drivers to drive at supercar speeds. The Model X\u2014no surprise\u2014will feature Ludicrous Mode as well, though its o to 60 mph is clocked at 3.3 seconds, which is still incredibly quick for an SUV.<\/p>\n
The Ludicrous Mode will also come with a price to match: it\u2019s a $10,000 option for the car, which means you have to really love going fast to upgrade. Owners of the Model S P85D can upgrade their vehicles battery for $5,000 before installation fees..<\/p>\n