The Newest Model S Could Be Quicker Than Tesla Admits

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

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]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Asdf Asdf on Aug 19, 2016

    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.

    • See 5 previous
    • Asdf Asdf on Aug 20, 2016

      @TonyJZX "I have driven LOTS of cars that wouldnt get 330 miles on a tank in normal driving." No problem, since they could be refuelled in a matter of minutes. That's been the norm with petrol-powered cars, and yet the supposedly modern Tesla doesn't even come close. That really is utterly pathetic, and I think it's a shame that EV consumers appear to be more concerned with virtue signalling than with rejecting sub-par products in the marketplace, so that EVs might actually one day become compelling choices as the EV manufacturers would be forced to up the ante.

  • Dave W Dave W on Aug 19, 2016

    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.

  • ToolGuy I was challenged by Tim's incisive opinion, but thankfully Jeff's multiple vanilla truisms have set me straight. Or something. 😉
  • ChristianWimmer The body kit modifications ruined it for me.
  • ToolGuy "I have my stance -- I won't prejudice the commentariat by sharing it."• Like Tim, I have my opinion and it is perfect and above reproach (as long as I keep it to myself). I would hate to share it with the world and risk having someone critique it. LOL.
  • SCE to AUX Sure, give them everything they want, and more. Let them decide how long they keep their jobs and their plant, until both go away.
  • SCE to AUX Range only matters if you need more of it - just like towing capacity in trucks.I have a short-range EV and still manage to put 1000 miles/month on it, because the car is perfectly suited to my use case.There is no such thing as one-size-fits all with vehicles.
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