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Tesla Increases Battery Sizes, Adds Ludicrous Mode, and Provides Roadster Timeline

(Credit: Tesla)

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Tesla Increases Battery Sizes, Adds Ludicrous Mode, and Provides Roadster Timeline

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla)

Tesla had a pretty big day recently, as it announced three big updates for the Model S. One change reduces the base price of the Model S, while the other two increase range and up the sedan’s performance. Tesla also gave us a quick update on the new-generation Roadster.

As for the lower base price, Tesla has released a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version of the 70 kWh model. This model replaces the 70D model as the entry level into the Model S lineup, and it is $5,000 cheaper, putting it at $70,000 before any tax credits.

The new Model S 70 is still a quick machine thanks to a 5.5-second 0-to-60 sprint and a top speed of 140 mph. What’s more, it can travel up to 230 miles on a single charge.

The second item on the Tesla news board is the addition of a new 90 kWh battery pack. This pack is available as an optional upgrade to the 85 kWh pack. It increases range by about 6 percent. This upgrade will run $3,000 over the current 85 kWh versions of the Model S. Elon Musk stated that existing owners can opt for this upgrade too, but he recommends waiting a few years, as the technology will only get better with time.

Another awesome piece of Tesla news today is the addition of the Ludicrous mode. No, this isn’t some special mode designed by the rapper turned actor. Instead, this is a new performance mode that was made possible by a new smart fuse that allowed Tesla to up the amps from 1,300 to 1,500. In this new mode, the P85D hits 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds (0.3 seconds quicker than the standard P85D) and runs the quarter mile in just 10.9 seconds.

The hardware and software needed to use Ludicrous mode will run $10,000 on all new Model S P85Ds, but the automaker is offering it to all existing owners for just $5,000 including installation for the next six months.

Finally, Tesla let out that the next-generation Roadster will be the only thing faster than a Model S in Ludicrous mode. It also announced that it plans to release the new model in four years, which is about six year Tesla time.

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