Tesla has been focusing on the high-performance sports car market since it opened for business, and its latest announcement is also for this segment of the car market. CEO Elon Musk has announced that they’re pushing out the “Ludicrous Plus” mode to the Model S. The sedan was already the fastest vehicle currently in production (or third, after the LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder, although they were only limited run production and can no longer be bought new).
Tesla pushes out a ludicrous update
As if the Ludicrous mode that was already on the Model S needed it, the EV maker has updated it through an over-the-air-software update. Before the update, a Model S fitted with Ludicrous mode could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 2.5 seconds. Now with Ludicrous Plus, the Model S can reach 60 miles per hour in only 2.4 seconds. That may not sound like a lot, but those who are really into high-performance sports cars will appreciate the fraction of a second improvement.
Musk originally tweeted the announcement about the improvement to Ludicrous mode in November, but Tesla is only just now pushing out the software update that carries it out to equipped Model S sedans. He claims that Ludicrous Plus is able to push the car up to 60 miles per hour in only 2.34 seconds, but so far, it seems 2.4 seconds is what most people are reporting from tests.
Activating Tesla’s Ludicrous Plus mode
In a video, the folks at DragTimes demonstrated how to engage Ludicrous Plus mode in the Model S, but they were only able to reach 60 miles per hour in 2.46 seconds. It will probably take some time for additional drivers to test it out before the 2.4-second milestone will be reached.
Apparently, Musk wants to make good and sure that it will be some time before they are bested, or maybe he wants to ensure that no other automaker beats them in this regard at all. Faraday Future is hot on Tesla’s heels though, as it showed off its FF 91, which can hit 60 miles per hour in only 2.39 seconds, beating a Model S. It’s not set for release until next year.
What else is in Tesla’s update
The update to Ludicrous mode is part of a larger software update for Tesla’s vehicles. Version 8.0 also brings safety enhancements for Autopilot and a major infotainment overhaul, in fact, the biggest update since the Model S launch. Navigation, the media player, and the trip planner have all been improved, according to Tesla. The automaker added voice control to the infotainment system and made it easier to use.