Tesla wouldn't offer any updates on its long-awaited SUV at a press conference on Friday -- but it gave us something else to get excited about.
Remember the Insane Mode? That was cute. Tesla just debuted Ludicrous mode for the Model S sedan that promises to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced an improved 0-60 mph acceleration time for the upgraded P90D, the top of the range dual motor Model S P85D. The former P85D took 3.2 seconds. It will be a $13,000 option on top of the base price of the Model S P85D.
Ludicrous mode requires a 90kWh upgrade from the 85kWh hour battery, which will cost $3,000 plus a $10,000 upgrade to enable this acceleration. The upgrade in battery pack will ad 15 miles of range to the top-of-the-line Model S, bringing range to 300 miles even.
This 0-60 mph time puts the Model S close in acceleration time to the Porsche 911 Turbo S, which is one of the fastest cars money can buy. It also puts the Model S far ahead of the Dodge Charger Hellcat, which can only manage a 0-60 sprint of 3.7 seconds. The P85D is still limited to a top speed of 155 mph, trailing the Charger Hellcat's 204 mph substantially.
Ludicrous Mode will also be available on the Model X SUV, though Musk noted that the 0-60 mph time would only take 3.3 seconds, since the SUV is heavier and taller.
In a reference to the film Spaceballs, Musk teased a "maximum plaid" speed for an all-new next generation Roadster, which will come in four years.
On the other end of the spectrum, Tesla will release a 70kWh rear wheel drive version of the Model S, which will cost $5,000 less than the all wheel drive version.
Musk also promised the Model X SUV would start being delivered in two months, a long wait since its announcement in February 2012.