TESLA has announced a new uber-fast Model S P100D, and admitted that the company’s future partly rides on its “obviously expensive” price tag.

The company released a statement about the P100D yesterday, heralding it as the “quickest production car in the world”. The release included a curious admission, saying “while the P100D Ludicrous is obviously an expensive vehicle, we want to emphasize that every sale helps pay for the smaller and much more affordable Tesla Model 3 that is in development.

“Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development.”

Tesla Australia spokesman Heath Walker told Wheels the statement refers to the company’s commitment to putting profits back into EV development as well as the company’s future.

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Tesla is yet to confirm Australian pricing or specifications for the P100D, though based on Model S variants already sold here, the new flagship will likely start north of $210,000 when it arrives.

For the price, buyers will get an ultra-modern electric vehicle which owns far more expensive production supercars in the acceleration stakes. Tesla says the Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode clocks 0-100km/h in 2.7secs; 0.1secs faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce and 0.2secs faster than the Porsche 911 Turbo S. While the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 are quicker, all examples of each are sold out.

And as Tesla points out: “While those cars are small two seaters with very little luggage space, the pure electric, all-wheel drive Model S P100D has four doors, seats up to five adults and has exceptional cargo capacity.”

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Anyone who has ordered a P90D Ludicrous and is yet to take delivery can upgrade to the 100 kWh versions for roughly $13,000 based on US prices. Owners of previously purchased P90D Ludicrous can also retrofit the 100 kWh pack, but for about $26,000 as the used 90 kWh pack will have to be recycled.

The 100kWh battery pack is also available on the already quick Model X SUV being launched in Australia today. The Model X already claims the mantle of world’s quickest SUV from 0-100km/h and it’s P100D variant in Ludicrous mode is expected to accelerate to from 0- 100km/h in 3.1 seconds. It will also be able to travel an estimated 542km on a single charge.

Model S and Tesla Model X P100D with Ludicrous mode are available to order now, with delivery times varying based on location.