Tesla CEO and Founder Elon Musk is shocking his fan base with a special feature more likely to appeal to drag racers and Middle East “drifting” aficionados than the usual suspects attracted to his stylish and environmentally excellent electric cars. Press the “Insane Button” and his all-wheel-drive Model S P85D rockets from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in just over 3 seconds. It’s the world’s fastest electric car, now with roller-coaster thrills built-in.Consider that the average sports cars can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds by applying the full horsepower of the sedan’s twin motors (691 horsepower). A few Formula One race cars can match that in 1.6 seconds, but this electric car is faster than a Porsche Panamera Turbo or a Lamborghini Murciélago LP640.
Tesla insists the feature is safe. Check out this video from YouTube channel DragTimes and judge for yourself. Passenger profanity reaction suggests the car is speeding wildly, but the driver appears in complete control.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/1qFV5i8tBhs[/youtube]
The all-electric vehicle can also park itself, and has a new braking system that Musk claims is among the most advanced in the world. It includes a “lane changer” feature that guides your car across lanes only when sensors show that the coast is clear, cued by your pressing the turn indicator. The car can also read road signs.
Its $120,000 price tag is also insane, but the company plans to introduce more affordable versions in 2017 priced around $40,000.
Silicon Valley-based Tesla Motors Inc. designs, manufactures and sells electric vehicles (EVs) and electric vehicle powertrain components. It is the only automaker building and selling highway-capable EVs in serial production (as opposed to prototype or evaluation fleet production) in North America or Europe.
The chat on car-site message boards questions whether the feature will ratchet insurance rates up as profiling of Tesla drivers moves from well-heeled tree-huggers to daredevil speedsters. Green Prophet says if Insane Mode lures more customers from gas-guzzling luxury cars, more power to Tesla and the EV industry.
Images from Tesla
luxury, gasoline-guzzling sedan.
[…] SolarEdge, Tesla recognizes the need and opportunity to develop innovative solutions designed to lower the cost of […]
[…] Tesla teases with insanity: get shocked by this electric car! The chat on car-site message boards questions whether the feature will ratchet insurance rates up as profiling of Tesla drivers moves from well-heeled tree-huggers to daredevil speedsters. Green Prophet says if Insane Mode lures more customers from … Read more on Green Prophet […]
[…] Tesla teases with insanity: get shocked by this electric car! Consider that the average sports cars can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds by applying the full horsepower of the sedan's twin motors (691 horsepower). A few Formula One race cars can match that in 1.6 seconds, but this electric car is … Read more on Green Prophet […]