Rumour: Hacker says Tesla has a new Model S P100D
Tesla has been working on a new Model S P100D, a version that the firm is yet to announce, according to a notorious Model S hacker called Jason Hughes. Hughes claimed via a tweet that Tesla is working on a version of the Model S: “@elonmusk @teslamotors #tesla I know your secret. SHA256 of best part: 5fc38436ec295b0049f186651ebba5fd55e8d7b81eb61cbd00d3f1bf,” tweeted Hughes. This cryptographic hashtag apparently reveals that the firm is working on a 100 kWh battery pack for its Model S electric vehicle. Later the hacker tweeted, “There have been references to the P100D in firmwares as early as 2 months ago. They finally added the badges to 2.13.77.” Hughes has since revealed that Tesla is unhappy with the information he leaked, and is forcing a downgrade update to his own Model S in retaliation. 

To most people, the following tweet looks like gibberish generated by a spambot. If you dig a little deeper, however, it's actually a clue that Tesla is about to offer a Model S P100D.

This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. @elonmusk @teslamotors #tesla I know your secret. SHA256 of best part: 5fc38436ec295b0049f186651ebba5fd55e8d7b81eb61cbd00d3f1bf18dd9c81 — Jason Hughes (@wk057) March 4, 2016

As Electrek points out, the first clue there's something more to that tweet is that it comes from Jason Hughes, a fairly well-known Model S hacker.

Tesla Motors Club members then got to work trying to decode it.

The result? "P100D."

Apparently Hughes found a hint that Tesla is working on a 100 kWh version of the Model S. While nothing has been officially confirmed, it's a move that makes sense. With no plans to refresh or redesign the Model S any time soon, it's important for Tesla to give the aging sedan regular updates.

As Electrek points out, it would probably be enough to push the Model S' official range past the 300-mile mark. It would also presumably be offered on the Tesla Model X, as well.

So . . . Tesla road trip anyone?