The electric carmaker named after one of the most original and greatest inventors and thinkers of all time introduced a brand new CUV called the Model X, which is based on the running gear and chassis of the Model S sedan.
Tesla says its latest creation fuses the utility of MPVs with the style of SUVs offering an available all-wheel drive option and seating for seven in three rows of seats.
The 195.9-inch (4,976mm) long Model X comes complete with a pair of rear side doors that rise up and hang like bird wings – hence the name "Falcon Wings".
"Falcon Wings open up and out of the way, in even the narrowest of parking spots. You easily step, not climb, into Model X," says Tesla.
There are three rows of seats for seven passengers inside while the Model features two trunks, one at the back and one at the front. The front passengers get a humongous 17-inch touchscreen on the center console that controls most of the interior's functions.
The base Model X is offered with a 60 or 85 kWh battery mounted under the chassis. Whereas the Model S is offered only with rear-wheel drive, the Model X is optionally available with a Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive. The second motor increases torque by 50 percent and in combination with the larger battery pack it accelerates the CUV from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in less than 5 seconds.
Seen here in prototype form, the Model X is expected to enter production in late 2013, with first deliveries in early 2014.
According to Tesla, the Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S, which carries an MSRP of $67,400 for the 60 kWh version and $77,400 for the 85 kWh variant, not including a $7,500 federal tax credit.
12 Comments:
Of all the ways other automakers have made it easier to access the 3rd row of seat in their cars....Tesla had to choose the most expensive and clumsy way to do so all for the sake of showing off.
Oh yeah, they aren't going to convince anyone that those gullwing doors are "falcon wing" doors.
Very unique car indeed - and a great presentation except for - I'm surprised they didn't know in advance how to open the hood! Ok guys - who goofed on that one? But an excellent presentation otherwise. Definitely a vehicle to add to my wish list - and a very convincing point that electric drive is the wave of the future. The only barrier now to the mass proliferation of electric venicles is the necessary infrastructure of Level-III Rapid Re-Charging Stations - and as they come into play - the death nell for the piston engine will have been sounded Out Loud! Great and Very Inspiring Demonstration from Tesla!
I'm not saying the car suck; it looks fantastic.
I just think the rear doors are gimmicky and that the 2nd row seats could slide forward like in every other car with a 3rd row.
The design reminds the joke called De Tomaso SLS (
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/02/de-tomaso-shows-more-of-its-new-sls.html ) but with goofy back doors.
Those doors won't open in my garage, I would scrape them on the ceiling...
They should have used someone with a command of the english language for the presentation. To me it made it seem like an last minute job.
The Doors are big!! Anyways,this looks like a really chubby and a fake Jaguar XF.
Is this an Apple presentation?
Of course not! Their car would be aluminium,bright,and have glowing apple logos.
Keeping the name of the Great Nikola Tesla alive. He was great human being which is most important.
That is an impressive use of space, and we could be looking at the doors of the future for all SUVs and vans. Being able to stand up in a moving vehicle like that has all kinds of useful applications, everything from hunting to photography.
Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X
http://gigaom.com/cleantech/hands-on-video-with-teslas-electric-suv-the-model-x/
The difference between "falcon wing" and gullwing is that the Falcon wing doors bend in the middle, more like a, well, falcon than a gull. It's also to provide easier access for rear passengers and for people with young children. The doors don't reach any higher than the rear hatch of a conventional SUV.
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