Tesla reveals P100D says Model 3 hinges on Model S sales

TESLA has announced a new uber-fast Model S P100D, and admitted that the company’s future partly rides on its “obviously expensive” price tag.

The company released a statement about the P100D yesterday, heralding it as the “quickest production car in the world”. The release included a curious admission, saying “while the P100D Ludicrous is obviously an expensive vehicle, we want to emphasize that every sale helps pay for the smaller and much more affordable Tesla Model 3 that is in development.

“Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development.”

Tesla Australia spokesman Heath Walker told Wheels the statement refers to the company’s commitment to putting profits back into EV development as well as the company’s future.

He said while Tesla had been criticised for its advanced vehicles being priced out of the reach of most people, the commercial success of its cutting-edge technology is crucial to the development of more affordable cars like the Model 3, which is projected to sell in much higher volume and ultimately turn Tesla’s fortunes around to become profitable.

Tesla is yet to confirm Australian pricing or specifications for the P100D, though based on Model S variants already sold here, the new flagship will likely start north of $210,000 when it arrives.

For the price, buyers will get an ultra-modern electric vehicle which owns far more expensive production supercars in the acceleration stakes. Tesla says the Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode clocks 0-100km/h in 2.7secs; 0.1secs faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce and 0.2secs faster than the Porsche 911 Turbo S. While the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 are quicker, all examples of each are sold out.

And as Tesla points out: “While those cars are small two seaters with very little luggage space, the pure electric, all-wheel drive Model S P100D has four doors, seats up to five adults and has exceptional cargo capacity.”

Perhaps more significantly, the P100D’s larger eponymous 100 kWh battery increases range substantially to an estimated 613km. This is 100kms more than the previous range-topping Tesla, the Model S P90D and the longest range of any production all-electric vehicle so far.

Anyone who has ordered a P90D Ludicrous and is yet to take delivery can upgrade to the 100 kWh versions for roughly $13,000 based on US prices. Owners of previously purchased P90D Ludicrous can also retrofit the 100 kWh pack, but for about $26,000 as the used 90 kWh pack will have to be recycled.

The 100kWh battery pack is also available on the already quick Model X SUV being launched in Australia today. The Model X already claims the mantle of world’s quickest SUV from 0-100km/h and it’s P100D variant in Ludicrous mode is expected to accelerate to from 0- 100km/h in 3.1 seconds. It will also be able to travel an estimated 542km on a single charge.

Model S and Tesla Model X P100D with Ludicrous mode are available to order now, with delivery times varying based on location.