Tesla says its new Model X crossover SUV is faster than a Porsche Carrera. The seven-seater is said to clock a 0-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds. That’s a pretty quick mover and according to a recent release from the company, it’s not the only thing that’s moving fast.
According to the statement, one day after the company unveiled the Model X in a splashy webcast, advance sales of the all-electric crossover SUV exceeded $40 million. Not bad for a ride that won’t even go into production until the end of 2013 and won’t show up in showrooms until early 2014.
image via Tesla
The debut created a load of media attention for Tesla and resulted in the Model X being the third most searched term on Google. On the night of the debut, traffic to teslamotors.com increased 2800 percent. Two-thirds of all visitors were new to the website.
But not all that attention went to the Model X. Tesla says that reservations for the company’s new Model S sedan were also up 30 percent.
Tesla envisions the Model X as direct competition for other luxury SUVs — and not just electric or hybrids. The Tesla, expected to retail for between $60,000 and $85,000, could go head to head with models such as the BMW Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX 450.
image via Tesla
The most impressive feature of the Model X is what Tesla is calling its falcon-wing rear doors. These doors, which allow access to the car’s second and third row of seating, rise up and over the car like a gull wing. Since the doors are articulated and hinged in the middle, they lift perpendicular to the ground making access in tight parking spots easy.
Tesla will offer the Model X with three drivetrain options—rear-wheel drive only; dual motor, all-wheel drive; and a dual motor, all-wheel drive performance option. Tesla will also offer the option of two battery packs—the standard 60-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery or a larger 85-kWh version. Because the Model X is heavier than the Model S, expect its range to be a bit lower, topping out somewhere in the area of 270 miles.
[source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Earthtechling/~3/2SeWH5rd4Rk/]
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