Tesla has announced new versions of its Model S and Model X electric vehicles, imbuing both cars with faster acceleration and extended battery range.
The Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode is the third fastest accelerating production car in the world, according to Tesla, only behind the far more limited and more expensive LaFerrari and Porsche 918.
The electric car can go 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, up from the vehicle's previous acceleration rate of 2.8 seconds.
A brand-new 100kWh battery is key to the EV's new acceleration prowess, extending its rang eto an estimated 315 mile EPA/613km EU range. In another first, this range makes it the longest-range production EV, Tesla says.
The battery is up from Tesla's 90 kWh battery, which gave the Model S a range of 294 miles previously.
Speed - and range - demons
The car maker's Model X crossover is also getting the larger 100 kWh battery, helping extend its range to 289 miles EPA/542km EU.
With Ludicrous mode on, the Model X can hit 60mp in 2.9 seconds, Tesla said.
As for the price, it's steep for both vehicles. The Model S price starts at $134,500, while the Model X kicks off at $135,500, according to CNBC.
Customers who've ordered a P90D Ludicrous but not received it yet can upgrade to the 100 kWh battery for $10,000. If you already own one, you can upgrade for $20,000 - more expensive since the existing 90 kWh battery will need to be recycled.
Clearly aware of how high-end those prices are, Tesla reasons those prices have benefits lower down its product range.
"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," Tesla says. "Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development."
More come...
from Techradar - All the latest technology news