Tesla Model S pulls 0-97kph in 2.8 seconds

"Nobody was asking for Ludicrous Mode because it was too ludicrous." Photo / Tesla Motors

Tesla previously kitted its high-performance Model S P85D out with "Insane Mode". Unashamedly giving reference to Mel Brooks' Spaceballs comedy film, Insane Mode allowed the large electric vehicle to achieve zero-to-60mph (97kph) in a staggering 3.2 seconds.

But now Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced "Ludicrous Mode", which will mean the sedan can reach 97kph from a standstill in just 2.8 seconds.

"Nobody was asking for Ludicrous Mode because it was too ludicrous," says Musk.

Insane Mode has been very well-received, and Musk comments Tesla found out how to supersede it from an engineering perspective, "so we figured we should release that."

Ludicrous Mode ranks the Model S among the fastest street legal cars. It even beats the Porsche 911 Turbo S, which takes 2.9 seconds to hit 97kph.

Current owners of the Insane Mode model need not fret, as the Ludicrous Mode actually only involves a fuse update to allow more power to be directed to the engine, whilst preventing it from overheating. They will be able to have their car refitted relatively cheaply to achieve that 2.8 second acceleration time.

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