Tesla’s ‘D-something’ has officially been unveiled and it’s a new range of cars based around the Model S. The new vehicles will be adding a D to the Model S labeling and each of the three cars revealed is something special. But there’s one that a bit more special than the others and that is the Tesla S P85D.
The other two vehicles are the Model S 60D and the Model S 85D and all three of the electric cars are different from the standard Model S in that they feature dual electric motors – one in front and one in the rear – that extend the range, speed and acceleration of each. And any model fitted with the dual motors will also find itself capable of all-wheel-drive (AWD).
The 60D, fitted with the dual motor setup, will attain 100km/h in just over 5.7 seconds and will have a top speed of 201km/h. In terms of distance, you’re looking at 362km on a charge (when travelling at 105km/h). The 85D improves on this, making nought to 100 in a tad over 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h and a range of 475km on a charge. This is thanks to its 85kW battery as both models feature the same motor configuration: 2 x 188hp for a total of 376 horses.
And then there’s the Model S P85D, which has a 221hp front and 470hp rear motor for a total of 691 horsepower – which puts it into supercar territory. 0 to 100km/h? 3.2 seconds. The top end remains 250km/h but the acceleration is a little crazy so Tesla have probably limited it in the factory. Range actually drops, to 443km per charge, but Tesla have added a high-performance suspension in to cope with it’s antics on the road.
And then there’s in-car tech to play with. Tesla are outfitting the new D-models with an array of sensors that watch the road, that “…over time will enable sophisticated convenience and safety features that use these sensors to respond to real world conditions”. There’s also a Tech Package with Autopilot as an option which will drive you along American highways. Residential roads… not so much.
What will something like this cost you? Well, the P85D starts at around $120,000 (R1.33 million) and that’s without any of the extras installed. The P85D will become available in the States from December, while those after the less pricey models will have to wait until February next year.
Source: The Verge 1, 2
