Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) wants to give the Tesla Model S a bit more speed through a software update that will make Ludicrous mode faster by 0.1 seconds than it currently is.
The Tesla Model S P100D is currently capable of achieving 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds. This speed is already supercar-level fast but Tesla wants to make that figure even more ludicrous. Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated on his Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) account that the Model S P100D will soon be capable of hitting 60 mph in 2.4 seconds. The company plans to release a software update that will make this possible.
“Looks like the Model S P100D Easter egg will allow it to do 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 sec and a 10.6 sec 1/4 mile via software update next month,” revealed Musk through a tweet.
The extra speed will hardly be noticeable from the vehicle’s current capability but it will solidify the car’s position among a series of fast electric cars capable of competing with regular combustion-engine powered supercars. A report on the matter also claims that the Model S’ quarter mile time will also receive a slight improvement. The extra power will be unlocked through an over-the-air update that the company is still working on.
The software update will be released soon and it will not require the Model S owners to upgrade any hardware components. The vehicle will still be capable of delivering the same level of power through the dual motor all-wheel drive system. The company has not disclosed how the update will affect the vehicle’s range if at all there will be any effect. The Tesla Model X P100D will also benefit from the same upgrade though it will not achieve the same speeds because the Model X is heavier.
Despite being a bit slower than its counterpart, the model S can still achieve an impressive performance and is able to pull 60 mph from a dead stop in 2.8 seconds. This is quite impressive for an electric car or any other car for that matter considering the Porsche 911 Turbo achieves 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Electric cars have the advantage because the torque is available immediately as opposed to the lag associated with combustion engines.
Tesla stock closed the latest trading session at $183.63.