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"Ludicrous Speed" For Tesla's Model S Means 0-60 MPH In 2.8 Seconds
Automobile Magazine, writes reader Eloking, reports that the highest-end of the Tesla line has just gotten a boost upward, thanks to a new "Ludicrous Speed" mode:
In combination with a newly optional 90-kWh battery pack, this new mode brings 0-60 mph acceleration down to 2.8 seconds (from a quoted 3.2 seconds for the P85D model). This larger battery pack is offered as an upgrade from the existing 85-kWh model, creating new 90, 90D, and P90D models.
It doesn't come cheap, though: this isn't just a firmware update to download. For P90D owners, the upgrade costs $10,000 (including the larger battery); P85Ds can be upgraded for half that price.
Are you even trying anymore, editors?
No, they went to earnings calls and straight to market just on the strength of some nerd's multiplication skills, no one actually thought of getting into a car and timing it. Maybe you should call and let them know to try it.
"Our two-party system is like a bowl of shit looking at itself in a mirror." - Lewis Black
Have the battery display look like a flux capacitor.
Oh yes...
Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!
Utility of a 2.8 second 0-60 time for most ICE car owners = 0.
Utility of being able to drive 500 miles and then 'recharge' in five minutes = lots.
Utility of having decent range and never having to stop at a gas station = priceless!
Seriously. Buy a second car (owners of this Tesla can certainly afford one). Or borrow a friends (they'll be happy to drive you Telsa for a day). Or rent a car for your trip. The convenience of having a fully charged car every morning more than makes up for any range anxiety I might have had, and my electric has less than half the range of a Tesla.
Only every single state in the union, that's all. If the cops don't like the cut of your jib, their racket is to nail you for "exhibition of speed" or the equivalent (I know it's really acceleration, not speed, but you're not going to win the argument with ol' man law by dazzling him with grammatic precision - please trust me on this). Completely aside from obvious no-nos like drag races, street races, peel outs, skidding, sliding, and drifting, any suggestion of "showing off" is your doom, but you can also be written up for doing it alone on a deserted stretch of road. And the old ruse of "gee officer, the car surprised me, I wasn't trying, I had no idea the car had that much power" also usually doesn't fly at all.
Finally, "breaking traction for an extended period of time", are you kidding? Just barking the tires instantaneously is a no-no.
I get that there may still be efficiency gains over pushing a gas-fired car to 60mph in ~2 seconds, but doesn't this kind of wasteful driving sort of defeat the purpose of having an electric vehicle? Meanwhile you're using up highly specialized materials that simply aren't needed, if all you want to do is show off. --Legal.Troll (dodging his -1 Karma)