As promised, Elon Musk released the specs and details of the Tesla Model S P85D, a monstrous new variant of the electric sedan with close to 700 horsepower power output and all-wheel-drive. The AWD system is said to be the next level in electric motoring. 

Tesla is yet to put out an official press release, but according to the info leaked from the conference, the P85D is equipped with a 200 horsepower front electric motor which is essentially what makes it four-wheel-drive, working in tandem with the existing P85 motor at the back.

Together these motors enable the Tesla Model S P85D to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in pulverizing 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. You would expect the driving range take a major blow due to the extra oomph and enhanced performance, but actually it has a range of 275 miles, which is 10 miles more than the normal P85. That is because of new efficiency measures taken.

If you remember, Musk also promised to reveal something else. Turns out that was a host of advanced new technology features such as lane-departure warning with tons of sensors and the capability to read road signs. Combined with a 360 degree sonar, this system can turn the Model S to a semi-autonomous vehicle.

Via Autoguide