The new Tesla electric car, unveiled yesterday by the company’s wunderkind CEO Elon Musk, is the by far its fastest model, and has a range of new smart functions.
Some were left disappointed that The D – which is actually called Model S P85D – is essentially an upgraded version of Model S electric sedan.
Rumours of a self-driving car may have been a little off the mark, but The Model D does introduce certain autonomous vehicle capabilities.
Here are the five best reasons to be excited for Tesla’s new supercar.
It’s really fast
This is Tesla’s fastest car ever, and actually one of the fastest sedans ever, electric or otherwise. The Model D’s dual motors enable it to hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds.
That acceleration is as fast as a McLaren F1, and even faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.
Tesla has built an honest-to-god electric sports car. Elon Musk told USA Today:
“It’s like having your own personal roller coaster.”
Safety first
Autopilot, as Tesla have quite succinctly named it, is the Model D’s brain.
It uses a forward mounted radar, a camera and 12 sensors with a sight range of 16 feet all of which are connected to the streering, brake and GPS.
Tesla Model D Autopilot
This Model D brain improves safety, as well as giving the driver some treats that we’ll get into shortly.
The car can detect and avoid pedestrians, and will also brake to avoid collisions with vehicles up in front.
Musk said the sensors can “see a small child, or even a dog” even when it’s at full speed.
Read more: Independent