When Tesla launched the Model S P90D a couple of years ago, it set some incredible records for electric cars, proving that EVs can accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than three seconds and return a range of over 200 miles at the same time. Come 2016 and Tesla is taking things even farther into ludicrous territory by dropping a 100-kWh battery in both the Model S sedan and Model X SUV, thus creating a new range-topping model, the P100D.

The new version also sets a couple of important benchmarks. For starters, the Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode will become the quickest accelerating production car, needing only 2.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. That's as quick as the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 supercars. There's no word on horsepower, but the P100D will definitely have more than the 762 horses that come with the P90D Ludicrous model. Range will also be better with the new battery, going up from 270 to 315 miles. Tihs makes the Model S the first EV to run for more than 300 miles on a single charge.

Moving over to the Model X, the P100D upgrade will give customers a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 2.9 seconds and a range of 289 miles. Compared to the P90D model, it's 0.3 seconds quicker and returns 32 extra miles. For reference, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Pretty slow, huh?

Pricing-wise, the Model S P100D will start at $134,500 and the Model X 100D will retail from $135,500. Model S and Model X P90D owners can upgrade their battery packs for $20,000, while customers that have already ordered a P90D but havn't taken delivery, can get the extra power and range for an additional $10,000.

As spectacular as it sounds, creating the P100D wasn't all fun and games, though. According to Elon Musk, going from 90 to 100 kWh was like a "50-percent increase in difficulty" and the battery's complexity will make the P100D a low-volume model for now.

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Why It Matters?

Tesla has been doing amazing things for the electric car market since its inception in 2003, and that's not going to stop anytime soon. Not only as quick as million-dollar supercars, the Model S P100D also offers what the LaFerrari and 918 Spyder cannot. It has four doors, seating for at least five people, and a lot of luggage room. It's also significantly more affordable that most vehicles that can hit 60 mph in under three seconds. Sure, it doesn't have the exciting roar of a V-8 or V-12, but it's a package you can't ignore if you want that kind of performance. And just think of all the gas money you will save while pressing that pedal to the metal.