Tesla Model X electric crossover to begin production in late 2013
10 February 2012
Tesla Motors unveiled its current prototype of the Model X electric crossover Tuesday night at its Los Angeles Design Studio. The six-seater, featuring “Falcon Wing” rear doors, will come in rear-wheel drive, dual motor all-wheel drive, and performance dual motor all-wheel drive options, with a choice of a 60 kWh or 85 kWh pack.
Tesla notes that the second motor enables more than all-weather, all-road capabilities: it increases torque by 50%. When outfitted with AWD, Model X Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
Tesla expects to begin production of Model X in late 2013, ramping up deliveries in early 2014. Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S. More details will be announced as production nears.
California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 2,000 Roadsters to customers worldwide. The Tesla Model S,the company’s second production vehicle, begins deliveries in mid-2012.
I know I go all electric about this car. Musk said the 4wd standard edition should be able to do 0 to62mph in 4.4 sec. However, the performance edition would be much faster. I have no doubt the performance edition will get into the 3 sec territory. Such a car will never be made using a combustion engine as you would probably need 800 hp or more for that kind of acceleration in that size of a car and that does not exist for a series production car. Tesla rocks and makes all the large performance cars with combustion engines look slow and outdated by comparison.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 10 February 2012 at 07:04 AM
My 800 hp EV is bigger, heavier and faster than yours. That is visible proof that I'm richer or I can borrow more than you. It will sell very well in Texas and 48 other States.
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 February 2012 at 08:37 AM
I don't care how big, heavy, or expensive it is IF it sells. If the rich buy them, then others will buy smaller, lighter,cheaper versions. Someone has to start the parade.
Posted by: JMartin | 10 February 2012 at 09:49 AM
This seems like a bit much considering that they still need to get their Model S out and into production. It is like a concept vehicle except they claim to actually plan to produce this in only one year. I wish them the best, but stick to doing the basics first.
Posted by: SJC | 10 February 2012 at 09:55 AM
Some price estimates are in the $60k-$90k region. I suppose this would attract the people that buy high end Mercedes SUVs, but they like to go on long trips with those.
Posted by: SJC | 10 February 2012 at 04:47 PM
I watched the reveal video on Tesla's site--impressive car with lots of people and luggage space. The 'falcon' doors are trick, but I'd worry about having to fix them when they break at the most inconvenient time. Also, can you put a roof rack on this car (probably not)?
Great car for a road trip, but cognitive dissonance is ringing in the back of my mind. What if I wanted to camp at the end of the road in the Sierra Nevada? I need a generator pod/trailer option or something like that. I think I'd like this better as a plug-in. Lose the trick doors and add roof rails, replace the luggage space under the hood with a gen set, cut battery pack size in half. With, say, 40-50 miles range on batteries this is a soccer mom's daily driver on electricity only, with the ability to take the team to out of town games without a worry.
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 11 February 2012 at 09:38 AM
Oh, and cut the price in half.
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 11 February 2012 at 09:40 AM
And by 'pulg-in' obviously I mean 'plug-in hybrid'.
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 11 February 2012 at 09:42 AM
That would be too practical Nick :) The roof rack is a good point and the falcon wing doors are not necessary. Put the Lotus 50 kW genset under the hood and save a ton on batteries. You might just get the price under $40k.
Posted by: SJC | 11 February 2012 at 12:33 PM
I like wagons/hatchbacks, practical features--a car is totally a transportation appliance to me. Not that I don't appreciate good handling and comfort, but I will trade style for good rear visibility any day.
I'm wondering just how successful Tesla is going to be with the pure electric approach. Until you can reliably re-fuel in 10 minutes, electric cars are going to have limited appeal as primary vehicles, IMHO. And enough with the expensive gadgets already. /curmudgeon
Having said all that, I see this as the perfect carpool van--seats 7 adults, uses the diamond lane--for commuters from Alamo to Palo Alto, perhaps.
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 11 February 2012 at 02:00 PM
I think the Model S would be a good commuter for 3-4 car pool people. Many commuters are maybe 35-40 miles each way, you could lease one of those, everyone contributes and share the driving.
Posted by: SJC | 11 February 2012 at 04:44 PM