HAWTHORNE, Calif. — On Thursday, February 9, 2012, Tesla Motors unveiled a prototype of its third vehicle, the Model X, here at the company’s design studios. Elon Musk, the chief executive of the electric vehicle start-up, said the crossover-like car would enter production in late 2013.
Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla Motors, with the Model X prototype on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Mr. Musk said of the X in an interview after a preview for media.
“This is kind of the killer app for families/ It has more utility than a minivan, and better performance, much better performance, than an S.U.V.”
With a shape evocative of recent premium crossovers like the Acura ZDX and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the Model X fits within a popular niche. Its copious interior space, however, aligns it more closely with minivans and S.U.V.’s.
Acura ZDX AWD 4-Dr (Click Image To Enlarge)
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Mr. Musk said.
“Because it is an electric car, and we don’t have to package a traditional internal combustion engine powertrain, we have available to us much more packaging opportunities.”
The new model was shown weeks after the announcement of two high-ranking engineers’ departures sent Tesla’s stock price falling sharply before it rebounded the following week. News of the Model X also came days after Fisker Automotive, another start-up, announced it would not meet sales benchmarks outlined by the Energy Department in the $529 million loan it extended to the company in 2009, and would lay off dozens of workers. Tesla received a loan of $465 million from the DOE that same year.
Problems with cash flow plagued Tesla as it tried to deliver its first product, the Roadster, but contracts to supply electric power trains to companies like Daimler and Toyota, as well as a lucrative I.P.O. in 2010, have given the company more solid financial footing.
The Model X evokes other premium crossovers, particularly the Acura ZDX and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.
A signature feature of the Model X, destined for the production model, Mr. Musk said, was the so-called falcon-wing doors for rear passengers. Like a traditional gullwing door, they open upward, but a hinge in the middle allows the leading edge of the door to remain tucked closely to the car.
Mr. Musk said.
“You can get in and out in the tightest garage or parking spot without hitting the wall or car next to you, or your head.”
The Model X has two trunks: one in the rear and another under up front, where the engine would otherwise be found. Mr. Musk said.
“Some S.U.V.’s and minivans claim to have room for seven passengers. But if you fill them with people, there is no room for their luggage. The Model X offers ample room for seven adults, and their luggage.”
Like the Model S sedan, which is expected to arrive in showrooms this summer after numerous delays, the Model X conceals its batteries in the platform of the car. Electric motors spin the front and rear wheels independently. Mr. Musk said.
“It has an innovative all-wheel-drive system that is incredibly precise and accurate in its application of power and traction, much more so than any other type of all-wheel-drive out there.”
The Model X shares about 60 percent of its content with the Model S and weighs about 10 percent more. As a result, Mr. Musk said, the X would squeeze roughly 10 percent less range from its battery packs. The X would be offered with a choice of two packs, rated at 60 and 85 kilowatt-hours. For comparison, Tesla estimates a Model S can travel 160-300 miles on a full charge, depending on battery-pack specification.
Mr. Musk said.
“Even though the X is heavier, it will still go zero to 60 miles an hour in about 4.4 seconds. And that’s not even the Performance model.”
Pricing should be close to Model S territory, he added. That model starts at $49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit, but the price can approach $100,000, depending on options.
He said.
“This will be our most important, and highest-volume car, when it comes out.”
A fourth model, aimed at a lower price point and wider audience, would likely be announced in 18 to 24 months he added.
COMMENTARY: I love the Model X's gullwing doors and sportiness of a sedan and convenience and roominess of an SUV. The two trunks will really come in handy for groceries and carrying luggage and other cargo. The pricing is a high, but Tesla Motors has a reputation for well-designed and engineered automobiles. They tend to attract affluent buyers, so the Model X hits the sweet spot now occupied by BMW, Mercedes and Acura. The Model X fills an attractive niche in the luxury sedan/SUV space, and its technology should make it a formidable competitor to non-electrics. The touchscreen on the Model X dashboard is like the one on the Model S electric sports sedan.
Courtesy of an ar5ticle dated February 9, 2012 appearing in the New York Times Blog
I never owned one but seeing this inspired me to get one, one day. Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by: Chevy HHR cold air intake | 04/18/2012 at 07:20 PM
Danny, Thanks for your feedback regarding Tesla. It's always nice to hear from someone who actually owned a Tesla. I assume you owned the Roadster. I like the Model S sports sedan very much. The Model X is going to be a winner because of the lower price.
Posted by: Tommy | 02/25/2012 at 07:18 AM
Tesla vehicles are really good for comfortable driving. I owned a Tesla designed car and I know how good performance such vehicles can deliver to user. I like the new model X pretty much. Thanks
Posted by: Danny Edison | 02/25/2012 at 01:49 AM
Tesla vehicles offer ultimate control and superior handling with maximum comfort. Tesla Motors is a company that produces a high-performance electric sports car.
Posted by: Garage Equipment | 02/24/2012 at 10:07 AM