Tesla provides new Tesla S model with ‘autopilot’ with radar, sonar and camera

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced a new luxury Model D of the Tesla S. The new version features two electric motors for all-wheel drive, autopilot, faster acceleration and an extensive photo and radar system.

The new version of the Tesla S, with type name P85D, was announced by Musk at a major event at an airport in Hawthorne, USA. Among other things, the car has an autopilot function that can interpret traffic signs and navigate to other lanes.

According to Musk, the system uses a camera with image recognition, radar, sonar and GPS. The system can also monitor traffic lights and pedestrians. An LCD also shows the vehicles in the vicinity of the Tesla. The technology is a prelude to a fully autonomous driving car, which, according to Musk, will be suitable for a broad rollout within five to six years.

There is also an extensive automatic parking function that means that, in Musk’s words, ‘you can get out of the car after which it drives into the garage itself’. Conversely, the car can drive towards you if you want to leave and this function can be linked to your agenda so that the car ‘knows’ when it has to be ready. The extra engine has increased acceleration: the P85D reaches a speed of 97 kilometers per hour in 3.2 seconds.

The model will be available in December and two more dual-motor Tesla cars are expected to appear next year: the 60D and the 85D. With the Tesla S, the second engine will be available for an additional cost of USD 14,600, or EUR 11,500, while the ‘autopilot’ is part of the tech package, which can be installed for USD 4250, or EUR 3346.