Tesla Adds “Ludicrous” Mode To Model S, 0 to 60 In 2.8 Seconds

tesla-motors-p85dLess than a year ago, Elon Musk held an over-the-top presentation at the Tesla Motors factory to introduce his latest creation; the Tesla Model S P85D. Using what Musk called a “Dual Motor Drive” system to deliver power to all four wheels, the P85D burst out of the gate with 691 horsepower and a 0 to 60 MPH time of just 3.2 seconds when put into “Insane” mode. A software update earlier this year improved acceleration even more, bringing the 0 to 60 time down to just 3.1 seconds.

But enough is never enough for serial entrepreneur Elon Musk, who’s latest reveal brought even more insanity to the table. Amid a flurry of announcements about the Model S that includes a (slightly) lower-priced version and a bigger battery pack is the new “Ludicrous” driving mode. Part of a $10,000 upgrade package, Ludicrous mode adds an additional 71 horsepower (bringing the total up to 762) and drops the 0 to 60 MPH time to just 2.8 seconds. But this is more than just a software update; Tesla actually has to replace a fuse to make it’s fastest vehicle even faster.

tesla-p85dSee, the typical fuse on the Tesla P85D melts when you try to push as much amperage through as Ludicrous mode requires (1500 amps, to be specific), so part of the $10,000 upgrade is replacing the single, expensive fuse. The upgrade also includes a new, more energy-dense 90 kWh battery pack, giving the new P90D a claimed 2.8 second 0 to 60 MPH time for a MSRP of $119,200 compared to just $106,200 for the P85D. Existing P85D customers can pay just $5,000 for parts and labor to get the Ludicrous mode upgrade as well.

That covers the major announcement (at least as far as we’re concerned), but there was one more additional announcement that speed junkies should pay heed to. Tesla has confirmed that a new Roadster is in the words, and should come out in four years ago. The second-gen Tesla Roadster will have the next-step above Ludicrous mode, which Spaceballs fans will know as “Maximum Plaid.” No other details were released, though it’s safe to assume that Musk and co. are Spaceballs fans of the highest caliber.

Where does the geekery end?

About the author

Chris Demorro

Christopher DeMorro is a freelance writer and journalist from Connecticut with two passions in life; writing and anything with an engine.
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