HAWTHORNE, Calif. — Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla D, a new version of the luxury electric car maker’s Model S sedan that includes all-wheel drive and self-driving “auto pilot” features.
Thursday night’s event, which was open to the public, included free alcohol and test rides on an airport tarmac.
With more than 1,000 Tesla fans in the audience, Musk explained that the current Model S is a rear-wheel-drive car with one motor, but a new version will have two motors — one powering the front wheels and one powering the rear wheels.
All-wheel drive helps grip slippery roads and is standard on many luxury sedans. Analysts have said Tesla needed it to boost sales in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as Europe.
Tesla’s all-wheel-drive system improves speed, acceleration and mileage by optimizing which motor is used, Musk said.
The dual-motor version of the P85 performance sedan will have a top speed of 155 mph, compared with the current 130 mph.
