Elon Musk confirms Ludicrous Mode for the Tesla Model 3

By Stephen Edelstein May 3, 2016

Tesla Model 3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tesla released fairly little information about the Tesla Model 3 during a widely publicized unveiling at the end of March, but thankfully CEO Elon Musk gets chatty on Twitter. He recently used what appears to be his favorite method of communication to confirm that the Model 3 will get Ludicrous mode.

When asked by a fan if the performance option would be offered on Tesla’s forthcoming $35,000 electric car, Musk replied with a simple “of course.” That not only indicates that the Model 3 will be able to dust other sport sedans, but also that it will cover a very wide price range. Ludicrous mode is a $10,000 option on the Model S and Tesla Model X, after all.

Ludicrous mode adds a “smart fuse” and other safeguards that allow current to flow from a car’s battery pack to the motors (the feature is only available on all-wheel drive cars at the moment) at a faster rate. This improves the responsiveness of the motors, cutting acceleration times. In Ludicrous mode, Tesla says the Model S P90D will do 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, compared to 3.1 seconds otherwise. The Model X P90D takes 3.2 seconds to reach 60 mph in Ludicrous mode, shaving 0.6 second.

Read more: Watch a Tesla Model S P90D race an airliner in Ludicrous mode

A Ludicrous mode-equipped Model 3 probably won’t be that quick, but should still be an invigorating ride. Tesla hasn’t released specific performance figures for the standard version, only saying that it will do 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Expect Ludicrous mode to be offered as an option on a special “P” performance model, just like the Model S and Model X.

The specifics of Ludicrous mode aren’t the only Model 3 mystery. The prototype cars Tesla showed at the reveal had no instrumentation besides one large central screen, which baffled some journalists and fans. Musk subsequently said (again, on Twitter) that this doesn’t represent the final configuration of the Model 3 interior.

Tesla has given itself plenty of time to reveal those details. Model 3 production isn’t scheduled to start until the end of 2017, and Tesla may not even meet that deadline. So far, every one of its car launches has been delayed.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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