Tesla Model X Spotted by California Photographer

[FAPTurbo]

Tesla's hotly-anticipated Model X continues testing in California and Los Altos shutterbug hushypuppy has snapped half a dozen photos of the electric carmaker's crossover rolling down city streets. The company has yet to reveal photos of the production vehicle.

 

The vehicle is vital to the Palo Alto-based carmaker's future. The twice delayed Tesla Model X has attracted over 21,000 pre-orders and is predicted to push Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) shares up 70%. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q3 2015.

 

High definition photos can be viewed at VWVortex.
Source: VWVortex; HybridCars.com

 

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[Drew Dowdell]

They did't even camo it?

[SalesmanSean]

Tesla definitely needs these sooner rather than later.  They have to expand their portfolio if they want to get into that wonderful realm known as profitability.  I really like what they're doing, and want to see them succeed, but the slow speed at which new models are rolling out is concerning.  They also need to get that upcoming lower-priced more mass market vehicle into production.  If they want to survive as a separate entity that will be a must.  If they hope to continue operating as an independent company they will need these models to hit the roads and really take off.  If they keep going as they have, mostly catering to a smaller niche due to their pricing and exclusivity they will eventually need to become part of something bigger as have companies like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and oh so many others.  I don't want to see that happen, I want to see Tesla get some new things out there and really take off, for there to be a big 4 American car companies, but they have a lot of work to do.

[Drew Dowdell]

No gull-wing doors I'm guessing?

[FAPTurbo]

No gull-wing doors I'm guessing?

 

Falcon-wing doors are still slated to be on the production vehicle. One of the engineering hangups was properly sealing the doors and the body, which has since been overcome. 

[SalesmanSean]

 

No gull-wing doors I'm guessing?

 

Falcon-wing doors are still slated to be on the production vehicle. One of the engineering hangups was properly sealing the doors and the body, which has since been overcome. 

 

I do love some crazy doors on a car.  Maybe they're just for show and less about functionality, but I don't care, non-traditional doors are just awesome.

[smk4565]

It looks like a taller Model S.  They didn't change much of anything.

[Suaviloquent]

It's like a BMW X6 or Mercedes GLE Coupe sort of style, or a crossover coupe; but I'll admit it. I think even with the little camo, it looks halfways decent.

[daves87rs]

It looks like a taller Model S.  They didn't change much of anything.

 

 

+1

[Intrepidation]

It [bMW model] looks like a [any other BMW model].  They didn't change much of anything.

 

It [Audi model] looks like a [any other Audi model].  They didn't change much of anything.

 

It [Porsche model] looks like a [any other Porsche model].  They didn't change much of anything.

 

It [VW model] looks like a [any other VW model].  They didn't change much of anything.

[regfootball]

not attractive, based upon this pic.

 

Maybe GM will buy Tesla, then we won't have Musk to deal with.

[G. David Felt]

I am allfor GM buying Tesla, but while I loved the Mocha colored Version, this white one is rather plain ugly.

[Guest Geo]

symbolically there is a Chevron behind it

[ocnblu]

"Hotly anticipated"  LOL! 

[Drew Dowdell]

"Hotly anticipated"  LOL! 

 

What other vehicles currently have 21,000 or more pre-orders which require a substantial down payment?

[SalesmanSean]

 

"Hotly anticipated"  LOL! 

 

What other vehicles currently have 21,000 or more pre-orders which require a substantial down payment?

 

I'm more interested in this thing's release to the public than the Ford GT at this point, and that is one beautiful car that is going to be very rare.  That GT will be an amazing car, I'm certain, but Tesla models will have more impact on the future of the automotive industry.  Even if you don't care for them, they are pushing the boundaries of what you can do with an electric vehicle, helping to validate EVs as an option for the average consumer, and are allowing others to copy their patents which could result in better EVs from any number of manufacturers.  Whether you are in the market for their vehicles or not you should be anticipating whatever Tesla does next because it is a sign of what may very well be the future for whichever brands you do like.

[ocnblu]

 

"Hotly anticipated"  LOL! 

 

What other vehicles currently have 21,000 or more pre-orders which require a substantial down payment?

 

It is hotly anticipated... by his parents.

[FAPTurbo]

 

 

"Hotly anticipated"  LOL! 

 

What other vehicles currently have 21,000 or more pre-orders which require a substantial down payment?

 

It is hotly anticipated... by his parents.

 

 

It's not a terribly expensive vehicle compared to the competition. It helps that I made a mint investing in recession-era Ford stock and don't purchase a new vehicle every year. 

 

Of course, I think I should've put the money into selling sour grape juice. Business would be good!

[Susimi]

It looks like a re-branded MK 2 Ford Focus...

 

Can't say that I'm all that impressed.

[ocnblu]

Well if they cannot make a door handle work on a consistent basis, how are they going to make a reliable gullwing door assembly?  I am sure they will send out a diesel powered service truck quickly to haul it in though.

 

Booyah, I will leave you alone on this and let you have your fun.  You are the perfect admin for the Tesla forum here.  I will never believe that an electric vehicle is practical at all, especially at Tesla prices, S or X.  I will not back down from that, but I also don't want to bite your ankles all the time.  Maybe just once in a while I will come into the Tesla section and post a devilishly clever remark, how's that sound? 

[smk4565]

Looks like the same shape as a Merc GLE coupe, but with Subaru Tribeca styling cues.

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

I am a bit underwhelmed, but then again, I kind of expected to be.

It's pretty easy to impress with a $100K sleek sporty car....but not so easy with something like this.

[ZXD22]

Just by the looks of it, it just looks like a lowly common family car. Big whoop! That is a great way to boost public appeal...

[balthazar]

Read some 2013, company-hinted info that stated the Model X was going to be priced slightly higher than the base Model S. 

If that's the case, the Model X is a HUGE gamble… not due to the pricing, but WRT the company's bottom (red) line.

Model 3 is the future/ hope/ savior for the company, it should have arrived before the X and been here already.

The clock is ticking loudly on Tesla...

[Drew Dowdell]

Read some 2013, company-hinted info that stated the Model X was going to be priced slightly higher than the base Model S. 

If that's the case, the Model X is a HUGE gamble… not due to the pricing, but WRT the company's bottom (red) line.

Model 3 is the future/ hope/ savior for the company, it should have arrived before the X and been here already.

The clock is ticking loudly on Tesla...

 Elon has billions in his bank account and his ego is on the line with Tesla.  I think Telsa will be okay for a while. 

 

That said, one of the early pieces is apparently in place for the Model-3. From what I understand is the front motor setup in the P85D is likely to be the base rear motor in the Model 3. 

[FAPTurbo]

If that's the case, the Model X is a HUGE gamble… not due to the pricing, but WRT the company's bottom (red) line.

Model 3 is the future/ hope/ savior for the company, it should have arrived before the X and been here already.

The clock is ticking loudly on Tesla...

Why should Tesla ignore the one of the most important segments for luxury automakers? Just off the top of my head:

• Lexus RX350: ~40% sales
• Porsche Cayenne: ~45% sales
• Cadillac SRX: ~ 34% sales

Lexus' other 11 models are fighting for 60%. The Cayenne saved Porsche. The SRX is in the top three sellers of its category. Two of these brands have wide lineups, yet their crossovers constitute over one-third of sales.

Crossovers appeal to arguably the widest demographics. Go to any auto show and you'll find new couples to retirees checking out RR Evoque's and M-Class'. At college, plenty of young men and women would be driving Cayenne Turbo's and RR Sports, instead of sport-sedans. 

via TheAtlantic

The Model X is based on the Model S. It's only financially prudent to make the vehicle before the Model 3. If Tesla immediately got to work with a new platform, they wouldn't have the capital and confidence to build a necessary charging network and battery factory. I think those last two things are readily and purposefully ignored by people here.

FWIW: Each Model X preorder requires a $5,000-upfront pledge. At last tally, that equals ~$105 million in preorders and it's still growing.

[balthazar]

I never advocated against the Model X. I'm not questioning the validity of the model, just the order of products. Since the beginning, multiple company persons (including Musk) have stated the goal was to build "affordable" compact electrics… but the one in the pipeline has been delayed repeatedly (so has the X).
From a business case scenario, the company needs to make a profit. Wikipedia breezily states TSLA made it's first profit Q1 2013. That was also it's only profitable quarter, IIRC. 

 

$5000 reservation fee is a decent indicator, but it IS fully refundable for whatever reason (company or client desired). The wait time is unprecedented; it remains to be seen how many of those depositors are willing to wait to see their order filled AND what level of rejection happens once the price is announced. If the M X comes out the door priced like an S-class (according to interviews), where will a quantity of 12K buyers come from in that price class?

 

- - - - -

I'm not in the 'down with electrics' camp, and as a fledgling domestic automaker, I would like to see Tesla succeed. So far, they are defying tall odds. The Model S has impressed, and I personally see them daily. But there's a void between 'feel good' / image and the tally sheet. My concern is that it's taking billions to prop up the company and I've read numerous op-eds starting to 'turn the tide' against the stock as a questionable investment. If that gains traction, the capital pullout could be tidal (market cap: $32B).

 

Model 3 isn't (currently) slated to hit the market until 2017… but we know how intro dates from TSLA work out. As it is, that may mean fall 2017 as a 2018.

 

My point: I don't see NEARLY the profit potential from the Model X as the potential is for the Model 3, and TSLA desperately needs profit to keep the stock price up. Right now, it's mostly romance doing that. 

[regfootball]

 

"Hotly anticipated"  LOL! 

 

What other vehicles currently have 21,000 or more pre-orders which require a substantial down payment?

 

hellcats?lol

[regfootball]

If GM wanted to, at any time, they could build a model S competitor, undercut Tesla, and offer real distribution.  GM doesn't want to jump in with both feet just yet.  I have a feeling there is a point they will.  Some think GM is in lock step with oil, though.  Volts only exist for some PR.

 

GM should invest in developing supercharging solutions at gas station / convenience stores.

 

Tesla only gets the buzz it does because its from California, and they like to think its all that out there.....'we invented silicon valley so now we can reinvent the car'. Tesla would be Fisker if not for Musk, when will they make $$$$$

[Drew Dowdell]

I never advocated against the Model X. I'm not questioning the validity of the model, just the order of products. Since the beginning, multiple company persons (including Musk) have stated the goal was to build "affordable" compact electrics… but the one in the pipeline has been delayed repeatedly (so has the X).

From a business case scenario, the company needs to make a profit. Wikipedia breezily states TSLA made it's first profit Q1 2013. That was also it's only profitable quarter, IIRC. 

 

$5000 reservation fee is a decent indicator, but it IS fully refundable for whatever reason (company or client desired). The wait time is unprecedented; it remains to be seen how many of those depositors are willing to wait to see their order filled AND what level of rejection happens once the price is announced. If the M X comes out the door priced like an S-class (according to interviews), where will a quantity of 12K buyers come from in that price class?

 

- - - - -

I'm not in the 'down with electrics' camp, and as a fledgling domestic automaker, I would like to see Tesla succeed. So far, they are defying tall odds. The Model S has impressed, and I personally see them daily. But there's a void between 'feel good' / image and the tally sheet. My concern is that it's taking billions to prop up the company and I've read numerous op-eds starting to 'turn the tide' against the stock as a questionable investment. If that gains traction, the capital pullout could be tidal (market cap: $32B).

 

Model 3 isn't (currently) slated to hit the market until 2017… but we know how intro dates from TSLA work out. As it is, that may mean fall 2017 as a 2018.

 

My point: I don't see NEARLY the profit potential from the Model X as the potential is for the Model 3, and TSLA desperately needs profit to keep the stock price up. Right now, it's mostly romance doing that. 

 

The stock is a questionable investment at this time... but that doesn't mean Tesla can't succeed. 

 

I was reading an article today about someone wishing Apple would get into the car business but not wanting to do it because the profit margin is only 10%.  Apple has enough free cash between the couch cushions right now to buy out the entire market cap of GM, Ford, and Telsa combined.   If they bought just the minimum to take control of the companies, they could own all of the domestics, at least one or two of the Germans, and American Airlines. 

[balthazar]

The stock is a questionable investment at this time... but that doesn't mean Tesla can't succeed. 

Agreed.

 

On the flip; if it doesn't turn a profit at SOME point- that DOES mean it won't. A much money as Musk may have, there is still an (unspecified) level where he would walk away. The company still NEEDS the stock revenue to run the machinery, also. It's tenuous at best and like I said; if the 'romance' was blooming as hard as it is, Tesla would already bee gone. 12 years losing money is a near eternity in business.