Skip to main content

The Tesla P85D shows just how Dyno-mighty it is

Tesla’s all electric sedan, the Model S has already made a name for itself, recieving impressive accolades like Consumer Reports’ highest score of 99 out of its 100-point scale. It’s newest iteration, the all-wheel-drive P85D is furthering the legend, dominating the internet with demonstrations of its immense torque output.

In the video by Drag Times, the Tesla is put to a scrutinizing test on a dynamometer to measure it more accurately than just pitting it against exotic sports cars.

Screen Shot 2014-12-31 at 6.26.00 PM
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The test takes a couple tries as the torque output it so immediate, the Model S spins its wheels a couple times, ruining the first test runs. The dual electric motors of the sedan put out the combined equivalent of 691-horsepower, and the acceleration stats say the car can do 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds, but there’s no real mention of official torque numbers.

When the Drag Times crew finally get the P85D to behave itself, the result is a staggering peak output of 864 foot-pounds of torque. To put that into perspective, the Pagani Huayra supercar’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 can only muster 740 foot-pounds. The Tesla also holds way more people – seven total if you pop two kids in the optional rear-facing jump seats.

Given that electric motors tend to generate plenty of torque in a hurry, it’s not surprising that the number is high on the Model S, we just weren’t expecting such a substantial figure. It should make for some interesting red light encounters for any would-be challengers thinking that they could best a simple electric sedan. They’ll be in for a shock.

Topics
Alexander Kalogianni
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…
Alpine sale: Up to $160 off speakers and subs for your car
alpine speaker sale crutchfield march 2024 car and amp setup on table

If you’re looking to kit your car out with some superior speakers or a subwoofer, Crutchfield is the place to go today. Right now, there’s a huge sale on Alpine subwoofers and speakers with nearly 50 different items forming the sale. As there are so many options, the best idea is to hit the button below to see what’s around. If you don’t know where to start though, read on while we take you through some great items in the sale.

What to shop for in the Alpine sale
Buying the best aftermarket car speakers are important for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road and is currently dealing with a mediocre sound system. One good starting point in the Alpine sale is the 2-way speakers for $104 instead of $130. You get two 2-way speakers with a polypropylene/glass fiber/mica woofer with a specialized rubber surround. There’s a one-inch silk dome tweeter with speakers able to handle up to 80 watts RMS with 240 watts peak power. The grilles aren’t included but the factor ones should be fine for most purposes.

Read more
Mercedes to trial humanoid robots for ‘low-skill, repetitive, demanding’ jobs
Apptronik's Apollo robot at work in an auto plant.

Humanoid robots have been coming on leaps and bounds in recent years, and some major companies are starting to take note.

Mercedes-Benz, for example, has just entered into an agreement with Texas-based robotics specialist Apptronik to collaborate on identifying applications for highly advanced robots that the auto giant could deploy. The deal will involve a trial that will see Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot work alongside Mercedes' human workers on the factory floor.

Read more
Hyundai Ioniq 9: price, release date, range, and more
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Front

Hyundai has been at the forefront of EV development for a while now, largely thanks to the success of the crossover-sized Hyundai Ioniq 5. But the company is readying another new EV that could be even more popular than the Ioniq 5 -- or at least more desirable in the U.S., the land of big cars.

The upcoming Ioniq 9, previously set to be called the Ioniq 7, will be Hyundai's take on an electric SUV. It will be to Hyundai what the Kia EV9 is to Kia. It will have three rows and carry over design elements from the Ioniq 5.

Read more