Tesla’s ‘Ludicrous Mode: Zero to 60 in 2.8 Seconds

Tesla Motors Inc. has announced new options for its Model S electric sports sedan, including a “ludicrous” mode that will rocket the car from zero to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.

In a news conference, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the Palo Alto, Calif., automaker also will offer a new 90 kilowatt-hour battery pack version that will extend the vehicle’s range at highway speed to about 300 miles. It’s a $3,000 upgrade from the 85 kWh, which was the automaker’s largest battery.

Tesla also will introduce a rear-wheel-drive base model version of the S with a 70 kWh battery and shorter range. It will be $70,000 before any federal and state incentives for electric cars.

“Nobody was asking for ‘ludicrous’ mode because it is too ludicrous,” Musk said. “It is just incredible fun. It is like having your own roller coaster.”

Some versions of the Model S already come with an “insane” driving mode that accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds.

Tesla has made a series of physical improvements to the Model S since its first delivery in 2012.

In April, the automaker announced it would scuttle the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Model 60 in favor of the 70D, an all-wheel-drive version with dual electric motors, one on each axle.

With a driving range of about 240 miles, the 70D can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Its dual-motor system is capable of driving the 70D to a top speed of 140 mph, Tesla said.

The electric-car company also sells the rear-wheel-drive Model S 85. The all-wheel-drive performance version, the P85D, starts at $105,000 and can cost much more with options.