Tesla introduces ‘Ludicrous’ speed
Better batteries boost range, performance
How about an SAN FRANCIS CO automobile that can keep pace with a $1.4 million Ferrari LaFerrari supercar for about one-tenth the price?
That’s the latest proposition from Tesla, whose electric sedans will now be capable of hitting 60 miles per hour in a scant 2.5 seconds, or about twice as fast as a Bentley Continental Flying Spur and on par with Ferrari’s latest state-of-the-art machine.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the news of more powerful batteries to power the most capable versions of its electric cars Tuesday, including a range now topping 300 miles per charge. On a conference call, Musk noted the new top-of-theline Tesla Model S P100D sedan, with aptly named “Ludicrous” mode, will cost $134,500. The Model X P100D crossover with the same high-performance option will cost $135,500 and will hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.
The sedan will have a range of 315 miles, and the crossover will go 289 miles. Breaking the 300mile barrier (up from 294 for the 90D) is an incremental if symbolic milestone as the automaker looks to erase so-called “range anxiety” as a reason not to buy an electric car.
Customers who have ordered what had been the highest-performance Tesla — the P90D with Ludicrous, which hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds — will be able to upgrade to the new peak model for another $10,000. Existing P90D owners who want to make the switch will have to pay $20,000 because the change requires replacing and recycling their cars’ existing motors.
Musk pointed out that the new Model X, a four-door SUV, will be faster than the vaunted 1990s McLaren F1 supercar, which now trades hands for around $12 million. He once owned one.
“You have a seven-seater SUV that beats a McLaren F1. That’s nuts,” Musk said. “The public pays attention to precedents and superlatives. This will help convince people around the world that electric is the future, and that it’s time to move to sustainable transport.”
Tesla shares jumped briefly early Tuesday after Musk tweeted about upcoming product news but dropped after the announcement, closing up 0.9% at $224.93.
“This will help convince people around the world that electric is the future.” Elon Musk