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February 10th, 2012 
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Tesla unveils electric Model X SUV
Not Falcodore: Tesla’s innovative ‘falcon’ doors might cause trouble in areas with restricted headroom but the EV specialist claims they offer unprecedented access to the interior and make fitting child seats easier.
Seven seats, electric AWD and ‘falcon’ doors make Tesla Model X SUV unique
10 February 2012
ELECTRIC car specialist Tesla Motors publicly unveiled its seven-seat, all-wheel drive Model X SUV at an event at its design studio in Los Angeles, California this afternoon and announced it will enter production late next year.
Tesla sales and marketing manager for the Asia-Pacific region Jay McCormack told GoAuto the first Australian Model X deliveries will take place in late 2014, with reservations opening from 7:00 am on Saturday February 11.
He said “queues are already forming” for the all-electric SUV, which will be “competitively priced” with other premium SUVs here.
The Model X has unusual ‘falcon’ rear doors that open upwards like the gull-wing items of the Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster but with a unique folding mechanism that enables them to open in a narrower arc.
Tesla claims the door design offers “unrivalled access” and enables an adult to stand in the middle row, making it easier to install a child seat.
Sharing the smooth coupe-like styling of Tesla’s Model S luxury sports sedan, the Model X has a similar silhouette to the polarising BMW X6.
Despite not having the aggressive gas-guzzling image of the X6, the Model X could prove even more controversial given its elephantine rear proportions and doors that could prove impractical in enclosed spaces like household garages or underground car parks.
Described as combining the best attributes of an SUV with the utility of a minivan, the Model X will be available with 60kWh or 85kWh battery packs located beneath the flat floor.
An electric motor on each axle delivers the traction benefits of all-wheel drive, with a system that automatically redirects drive to where it is needed most.
Tesla says that unlike a conventional AWD setup, it can provide these benefits without sacrificing efficiency or acceleration.
Advantages gleaned from not having to package an internal combustion drivetrain have enabled the Silicon Valley-based manufacturer to provide “unprecedented cargo space” plus an extra storage compartment under the bonnet.
Mr McCormack said the Tesla vehicle platform that underpins both Model S and Model X “will blend performance and utility in a way that is impossible with a combustion engine architecture and features not seen before in a luxury SUV”.
Media and potential customers were invited to view a webcast of the unveiling, but Tesla’s server was clearly unable to cope with demand and crashed.
A similar problem apparently affected the image gallery, meaning only external shots were available at the time of writing.
Images published by the New York Times show the dashboard to have a similar layout as the Model S, with a huge 17-inch multi-function touch-screen display providing access to all controls and almost no conventional switchgear.
Tesla says the touch-screen will provide driver controls, vehicle apps and internet connectivity, while an optional panoramic roof will be available to cast extra light on what it describes as a premium interior.
The New York Times also reports the Model X will be priced similarly to the Model S sedan, which sells in the United States for between $US49,900 and $US90,000 ($A46,540 – $A83,940) depending on specification, after a $US7500 government incentive.
Tesla’s philosophy is to develop and sell ever more affordable electric vehicles and Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has been quoted saying a fourth model aimed at a wider audience will be announced in the next 18 to 24 months.
Mr McCormack told GoAuto Tesla’s first product and Australia’s first factory EV, the Roadster, enjoyed better than expected sales last year, with only six cars from Australia’s allocation remaining.
As GoAuto reported last month, an upgraded Roadster exclusively available in Australia, Asia and Europe was launched with reduced pricing from $191,888 plus on-road costs thanks to the strong Australian dollar.
He said Australian reservations for the Model S – which is expected to sell here for around $120,000 when first deliveries arrive next year – continue to climb each week, with Tesla now holding more than 8000 reservations worldwide.
GoAuto will provide updates on the Model X as more information becomes available
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