As has become his customary way of releasing info, Tesla founder Elon Musk took to Twitter yesterday to tease some of the upcoming changes the carmaker is planning for the P85D, the ferociously fast high-performance version of the Model S sedan. Turns out, the 691-hp screamer could also have the best cruising range of any sedan in Tesla's lineup–if it weren't for those sticky tires.
According to Musk, the current software setup governing the P85D's dual-motor all-wheel-drive system isn't yet optimized for energy savings. The beauty of Tesla's drivetrain design, however, is that it allows the automaker to beam software updates to customer cars whenever they become available, meaning that an upcoming tweak will boost the performance model's battery range to just about equal that of the lower-performing variants.
Software update to achieve max efficiency (going to full idle on 2nd motor) is not out yet. Range of P85D should then closely match P85+.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 24, 2014
Apparently, there's potential to wring even more energy savings out of the blistering P85D—but it sounds as if that would involve a compromise Musk is unwilling to make.
85D has higher range than 85 when using the same tires. Sport tires have better handling, but 3% to 5% range impact. Tradeoff is worth it :)
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 24, 2014
It's been a busy few weeks for Musk's electric-car company. Earlier this week, Musk hinted that the all-but-forgotten Tesla Roadster could soon receive a battery upgrade, one rumored to give the model a driving range of up to 400 miles.
And there was last week's blockbuster announcement that Tesla will begin real-world testing of its battery-swap program, which removes a Model S's dead battery and replaces it with a fully charged unit in a claimed 90 seconds. If the first battery-swap facility in California proves viable, it could lead to a nationwide network of swapping stations, where Tesla drivers could get a fully charged battery in the time it takes to fill a conventional car's fuel tank.
Musk's Twitter musings didn't stop at Tesla, however. Here he is opining on proposed confectionery regulations.
Really should be a rule that oatmeal-raisin cookies can't look too much like choc chip. Doppelgänger cookie trickery!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 20, 2014
Nothing against all the oatmeal-raisin cookies out there. Just be yourself.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 20, 2014
- Tesla Roadster to Get Updates, Possibly Including New Battery Pack
- Tesla Model S 60 Full Test: Supercharging a Super Car
- Tesla Model S News, Reviews, Features, Specs, and More
This story originally appeared on roadandtrack.com.
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