Looks like Tesla->ke1842 is gearing up for production of its highly anticipated Model X crossover->ke4202 in the early parts of 2015, according to a forum post on Tesla’s own website. Though the new crossovers->ke288 were promised by 2014, the company has experienced delays and setbacks with moving its second large-scale vehicle into production.
The information doesn’t come from a fancy press release or a news conference from Elon Musk, but rather an email directed to reservation holders of the Model X. At 7:30 a.m. on June 16, a reservation holder received an email from Tesla revealing plenty of details about the Model X’s confirmed features and its eventual production dates. You can read the email after the jump.
As far as the SUV->ke145 itself, the email confirms the inclusion of the Falcon wing doors, standard all-wheel-drive, an optional third row, and a folding second and third row for increased storage. The Model X will also be able to take full advantage of Tesla’s growing Supercharger network for recharging on the go -- an obvious good idea on Tesla’s part.
The email continues in saying the Model X will be built Fremont, California, within Tesla’s expanded facilities and production lines. Initial builds will start in the early months of 2015 with full production ramping up by the fall.
Click past the jump for more info and to read the email from Tesla
Why It Matters
Tesla isn’t a company too fond of talking directly to the media, whether it be in press releases or in interviews regarding upcoming projects. This “leak” of company-to-customer information lets us big-bad media types in all the juicy details and future plans. And that’s important because the Model X is an important vehicle.
Tesla Model X
Like the current Model S, the larger, more upright Model X is fully electric vehicle with two electric motors mounted front and rear. The large battery pack is stored under the vehicle’s floor and will help keep the SUV’s center of gravity lower. With the experience Tesla has earned with the Model S, its upcoming SUV will be able to hit 60 mph in under five seconds. Two battery output models will be available, the standard 60 kWh and a performance-oriented 85 kWh model.
Pricing at this point is still unknown, though the Model X will likely cost more than the current Model S. Starting prices for that car begin at $69,000 for the base model and $93,400 for the performance series.