The Newest Model S Could Be Quicker Than Tesla Admits
Click “pause” on that Model S vs. supercar/fighter jet video, Tesla aficionados.
The newest Model S P90D will outrun last year’s top-shelf Tesla while in Ludicrous mode, according to acceleration tests published by Drag Times.
The 0-to-60 mph run was made in a fresh-off-the-line P90D by Brooks Weisblat. The Model S underwent a styling and content update earlier this year, though Tesla claims its power hasn’t changed. Weisblat’s Vbox sport performance meter says otherwise.
Tesla rates the P90D at 532 horsepower when equipped with Ludicrous mode, good for a 2.8-second 0-60 run. On a non-prepared roadway, Weisblat’s stock Model S returned a time of 2.65 seconds.
No stranger to fast launches, Weisblat was reportedly very surprised by the Tesla’s puissance. Just to make sure the acceleration figure wasn’t a weird fluke, he conducted the run again. Again, 2.65 seconds.
The automaker isn’t saying why the newest P90D appears to be faster than previous models. Speculation abounds, however, with the answer ranging from subtly improved aerodynamics to a secretly improved battery pack.
Watch the very brief run to 60 mph below:
[Image: Tesla Motors]
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- Jbltg Nope.
- ChristianWimmer This would be pretty cool - if it kept the cool front end of the standard/AMG G-Class models. The front ends of current Mercedes’ EVs just look lame.
- Master Baiter The new Model 3 Performance is actually tempting, in spite of the crappy ergonomics. 0-60 in under 3 seconds, which is faster than a C8 Corvette, plus it has a back seat and two trunks. And comparable in weight to a BMW M3.
- SCE to AUX The Commies have landed.
- Arthur Dailey The longest we have ever kept a car was 13 years for a Kia Rondo. Only ever had to perform routine 'wear and tear' maintenance. Brake jobs, tire replacements, fluids replacements (per mfg specs), battery replacement, etc. All in all it was an entirely positive ownership experience. The worst ownership experiences from oldest to newest were Ford, Chrysler and Hyundai.Neutral regarding GM, Honda, Nissan (two good, one not so good) and VW (3 good and 1 terrible). Experiences with other manufacturers were all too short to objectively comment on.
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Good to see the Tesla being used for what it is - a toy. Because with its pathetically miserable range, it has no business competing with proper cars.
A friend of my brother had a Super Bee six pack. He said you could hear the tank flush when you stepped on the gas. He also said his personal best Minneapolis to Brainerd (~130 miles) was under an hour and a half, including 2 stops for gas. edit: Oops this was supposed to be attached to 993cc's range comment.