Impressive performance, usable range, and luxury appeal aside, perhaps the most intelligent and coolest feature of the Tesla Model S is its ability to improve thanks to over-the-air software updates. And for those fortunate few to have an all-wheel-drive Tesla Model S P85D in the driveway, Insane mode is about to get just a little more insane.


According to a Twitter post from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a new software update for the dual-motor Model S P85D will improve acceleration from 0-60 mph by about 0.1 second. Acceleration in the standard P85 will also improve, but not quite as much. Tesla clocks the P85D currently at 3.2 seconds from 0-60 mph, riding on a colossal wave of all-electric thrust that totals 691 hp and 687 lb-ft (470 hp/443 lb-ft from the rear motor, and 221 hp/244 lb-ft up front).

However, our colleagues at Motor Trend tested the Tesla Model S P85D and recorded a 0-60-mph sprint of 3.1 seconds. If the D is about to get even quicker as a result of an update to its “inverter algorithm,” we could see that time fall to as little as 3.0 seconds. That would be right on par with the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which is most certainly not a four-door, all-electric luxury sedan weighing just shy of 5,000 lbs. Then again, we’ve already seen that the P85D is fantastically quick off the starting line, even when matched up with a Ferrari 458 Italia.

Musk also notes on his Twitter feed that the goal of the all-wheel-drive system behind the dual-motor Tesla Model S P85D was actually improved traction in snowy conditions. Apparently “Insane speed was a side effect.” Not sure whether the eccentric evil-genius billionaire is serious or just playing it cool, but apparently there’s at least one P85D owner out there who is savoring the wintertime benefits. Musk also posted this video (below) of a P85D climbing an icy road past a few disabled SUVs.

For all we know those vehicles could be stuck because of bald tires or any number of reasons, but it’s nonetheless impressive to see the Tesla best the icy hill. Let’s also not forget the Tesla depicted in the clip is wearing Michelin X-Ice Xi3 winter tires, and we’ve long professed that proper rubber goes a long way regardless of all-wheel drive.



Read more: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1501-tesla-model-s-p85d-will-accelerate-faster-with-software-update/#ixzz3QOuB52JE
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Read more: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1501-tesla-model-s-p85d-will-accelerate-faster-with-software-update/#ixzz3QOtbnn2h
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