Dive Brief:
- After setting the Internet abuzz with a cryptic tweet last week, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk unveiled "the D" on Thursday night—a new Model S car with dual motor all-wheel-drive. The high-end performance version of the all-wheel-drive Model S will have the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a reported 3.2 seconds.
- Musk also unveiled "something else"—a series of smart driving assistance features, including forward-looking radar and the ability to switch lanes automatically, read speed limit signs and adapt accordingly.
Dive Insight:
While "the D" may not have lived up to its substantial hype, Tesla's announcement has significant implications for the electric vehicle market.
The Model S currently has one motor powering the rear wheels only, but the much-hyped "D" will have two motors—one for each set of wheels. This all-wheel-drive capability will enable Tesla to expand its market territory to colder, snowier climes—such as the Northeast and Midwest.
The other notable part of the announcement is the roll-out of the auto-pilot features. In an interview with CNN last week, Musk said he wanted Tesla cars to be 90% self-driving by the end of 2015. These new features will help move Tesla in that direction.
The coolest new feature, however, may be the three settings that Musk revealed for the new high-end Model S—"normal, sport, and insane." Yes: Insane.
"It's like having your own personal roller coaster," Musk commented.
Meet Dual Motor Model S: 60D, 85D & P85D. And introducing Autopilot. http://t.co/G61LrT9jG4 pic.twitter.com/J9bDVgMDGI
— Tesla Motors (@TeslaMotors) October 10, 2014