Hacker claims Tesla Model S P100D coming

Tesla is working on an even faster version of its Model S sedan, claims security hacker, Jason Hughes, after he successfully broke into the US car-maker’s system.

After hacking into the car-maker’s firmware, the security consultant -- or ‘white hat hacker’ (good hacker), as he’s preferred to be known -- found reference to a ‘P100D’ model that was entered into the system.

If true, the firm could be readying a version powered by a 100kWh lithium battery pack. Currently Tesla offers its Model S with either a 70, 85 or 90kW/h batteries.

Not only did Hughes find reference to the P100D, he also found a mock-up of the actual badge the car could wear, reports carblog Jalopnik.

As well as the badge, Hughes claims he found other secrets but says his “lips are sealed” because he doesn’t want to “spoil all of Tesla’s surprises”.

Following the reveal in dialogue between Hughes and Tesla boss Elon Musk on social media platform, Twitter, Musk told the hacker “good hacking is a gift”.

If Tesla does release a P100D it’s difficult to imagine the performance it will offer.

The current P90D with Ludicrous mode fitted takes just three seconds to reach 100km/h, so with more powerful batteries the big sedan could wade deep into hypercar territory.