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NEWS
Tesla unveils dual-motor Model 'D'
World's first dual electric motor all-wheel drive production car to hit 100km/h in 3.2 secondsTesla Motors has taken the covers of a dual electric motor, all-wheel drive version of its Model S in the US this weekend.
Dubbed 'D' for dual-motor, the new powertrain arrangement gives us an early look at the motor-on-each-axle arrangement expected to drive the Tesla Model X SUV, due next year, while also improving on the acceleration and wet-weather handling of the Model S sedan.
According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the dual-motor system sees the Model S now equipped with a second electric motor above the front wheels, supplementing drive from the rear axle motor currently fitted to all Tesla variants by as much as 50 per cent. The model is likely to attract a $4000 (US) premium over the rear-wheel drive Model S.
Unlike conventional mechanical systems, which use a transmission to distribute drive from a single motor to all four wheels, the Tesla's system is 100 per cent electronic "digitally and independently controlling torque to the front and rear wheels".
Depending on variant, the Dual Motor Model S is available with 60kWh or 85kWh battery packs and, depending on variant a combined output of either 280kW/490Nm (on 60D and 85D) or 515kW/930Nm on the P 85D. The figures give the P 85D a 0-100km/h time of just 3.2 seconds making it one of the fastest four-door production cars ever built.
Though Musk says the 'D' isn't all about power.
"I think there will be a whole new class of buyers for whom all-wheel drive is extremely important," Musk told media gathered for the unveiling of the Dual Motor Model S. "They don't really care about performance, but they really want all-wheel drive. Literally, everything about the car improves with dual-motor."
Tesla said that with its dual-motor propulsion system capable of splitting current more precisely between each motor, both the Model S 60D and 85 D variants are expected to be slightly more efficient than the current rear-wheel drive counterparts. The lower-spec 60 D offers up to 360km range from a single charge while the 85D is capable of almost 475km, up to 16km more range than the rear-drive Model S.
Other technological improvements for the Tesla range see new safety features and "autopilot functionality" available on 2015 models. All Model S variants will soon include forward-facing radar, long-range ultrasonic sensors, a forward-looking camera and digitally-controlled braking system. With future software releases, Tesla says the hardware will deliver "a range of active safety features, using digital control of motors, brakes, and steering to avoid collisions from the front, sides, or from leaving the road".
Lane-keeping technology, road-sign recognition and traffic-aware cruise control will also be included in time while the Tesla will also be able to change lanes by itself in autonomous mode with a tap of the indicator stalk.
"Once we upload the software over the next two or three months the Model S will have the most sophisticated driver assistance or autonomous functions of any car on the road. We're going to push the limit of what's safe with this level of hardware and what's allowed by regulations," Musk said at the press conference.
Finally, improvements to seat comfort levels, better noise attenuation, wider-opening doors, an electric-opening and self-closing charge door on 'D' variants, larger visors, air ionizor and carbon cabin filter, updated steering column control module, revised trim options and a standard parcel shelf and cargo net will also be included.
US customers can order a Dual Motor Model S from this week, with deliveries of the P85D slated for early December (2014). Tesla 60D and 85D variants will arrive from February (2015) with other markets to follow mid-year.
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Written byCarsales Staff
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