Maurizio Pesce
When asked by a member whether Ludicrous Mode had been requested by customers, Must replied, "No one was asking for Ludicrous Mode because it was too ludicrous."
In Ludicrous Mode, Tesla claims the upgraded Model S will be able to 0-60 in just 2.8 seconds - down from 3.2 seconds in insane mode.
"The car can accelerate at 1.1g," Musk said at the press conference. "That's faster than falling."
According to Tesla, the upgraded S will be able to run the quarter miles in 10.9 seconds and reach 155 mph in 22% less time.
Ludicrous Mode will also be available on the upcoming Model X crossover SUV. Musk estimates the Ludicrous Mode-equipped Model X cars to be able to hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
In additional to a faster Model S, Musk also announced the introduction of a 90 kWh battery pack for the car. With the 90kWh pack, the S will have an additional 15 miles of range.
As a result, the dual motor Model S with the 90 kWh pack is expected to achieve roughly 300 miles of highway range at 65mph.
Musk also announced a $70,000 price tag for the 70 kWh single engine Model S. That's $5,000 less than the dual engine 70D. According to Tesla, with incentives and savings over five years of ownership, the price of the single engine Model S 70 falls to $52,500.