2015 Tesla Model S P85D revealed

Electric carmaker Tesla announces the first dual electric motor production car and new Model S safety and autopilot upgrades.

Tesla has taken the wraps off a new flagship version of its Model S sedan, with the new P85D adding a second electric motor and all-wheel drive over existing versions.

The all-paw upgrade is not just about improving traction and safety over the existing rear-drivers though, as the second motor brings supercar levels of performance to the pure-electric Model S.   

While not quite in the same realm as the McLaren P1 or Porsche 918, the P85D should wipe the floor with BMW's high-tech i8 plug-in hybrid in terms of outright acceleration. Tesla claims the P85D is capable of hitting 60mph (96km/h) in a blistering 3.2 seconds – clearly significantly faster then the i8 with it's 4.4 second 0-100km/h official figure.

The new Tesla is also significantly quicker to 100km/h than more traditional petrol-only performance sedans like Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S (3.6 seconds) or BMW M5 (4.2 seconds). Even the Audi R8 V10 Plus developing a massive 404 kW takes 3.5 seconds to reach 100km/h. Top speed for the P85D is also 40km/h faster than the single motor Model S P85 at 250 km/h. 

The regular Tesla Model S P85

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The regular Tesla Model S P85

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The regular Tesla Model S P85

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The regular Tesla Model S P85

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2014 Tesla Model S

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2014 Tesla Model S

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In addition to the P85D's impressive speed and performance, this latest version also introduces new autopilot and safety features that will be fitted to all new Model S variants.  

The autopilot capability is quite revolutionary and a sign of things to come. The Model S is not yet able to take full control of the driving - regulations currently don't permit it anyway - but the technology is staring to get close. Using an array of sensors, radar and a camera the car can change lanes when the driver starts indicating and automatically steer back in the lane if you start drifting outside the lane markings. It can also avoid or mitigate front collision damage when it detects other vehicles or objects are in the way.

The car can basically drop you off on the driveway and then continue to the garage by itself. 

The radar can see through fog and snow while the camera has image recognition capability to read traffic signs as well as detect pedestrian movements. The self-parking feature is a clever feature too, having the ability to take over and park in a pre-designated spot in your garage. The car can basically drop you off on the driveway and then continue to the garage by itself. 

US customers will take delivery of the first Model S P85Ds in December, while Australian buyers can expect to see it in local showrooms in June 2015. Australian pricing is expected to start at around $160,000 for the P85D performance hero, but dual motor Model S will also soon be available in less performance-focused and affordable 60D and 85D variants.