Tesla Offers Something Called 'Ludicrous Mode'

Tesla already offered an "Insane" mode of speed, and now it's moved on to "Ludicrous"—the new P85D Model S sedan will allow drivers to go from zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds, reports Bloomberg. CEO Elon Musk announced the upgrade yesterday, one that will cost customers interested in covering a quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds an extra $10,000, reports the Verge. "It's faster than falling," says Musk, pointing to an acceleration of 1.1Gs. The company's Model X SUV also will have a Ludicrous Mode, but the larger size means it will take an extra half-second to get to 60.

"It's kind of mind-boggling," observes a post at Jalopnik of the 762 horsepower feat. The upgrade prompted the obvious question to Musk: After Insane and Ludicrous, what level will come next? He says that won't happen until the next-generation Tesla Roadster is unveiled in four years with Maximum Plaid. (Yet another Spaceballs reference.) "Which sounds like a joke," writes Jalopnik's Michael Ballaban. "But do you think he’s kidding?" (More Tesla stories.)