Model X Mule Sightings

[1208]

Just have to buy some gloss paint to cover up all the plastic. Can get it from DIY store on way from picking up the X so that the colour matches. No big deal.

 

[brucet999]

OK, after looking closer, they are definitely not the Lugano's. Maybe someone can pick the tire size out of this picture. That will tell us the wheel size too.

As BerTX says, this pic is not good enough to see such detail. They are definitely Continential Cross LX, maybe Sport . I can make out M&S but not size numbers that follow.

 

[BerTX]

I hope that on the Production that the bumper in the rear is the same color as the rest of the body. Looks weird with the bumper a flat black plastic and not a polished black like the car.

That's probably a design function to try to reduce the appearance of the heft of the back end, I wouldn't be surprised if it stays. Similarly, the black rocker panels make it look shorter.

 

[Lyon]

As BerTX says, this pic is not good enough to see such detail. They are definitely Continential Cross LX, maybe Sport . I can make out M&S but not size numbers that follow.

I'm almost positive they're the sports. The non-sport doesn't seem to come any larger than an 18" wheel.

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/51142-OE-Tires

 

[CarlK]

That's probably a design function to try to reduce the appearance of the heft of the back end, I wouldn't be surprised if it stays. Similarly, the black rocker panels make it look shorter.

That's what I said earlier that it makes the shape more streamlined and rid of that Prius look. I thought this is great.

 

[BerTX]

That's what I said earlier that it makes the shape more streamlined and rid of that Prius look. I thought this is great.

Hey, it's been used on other vehicles, like maybe this one?

 

[dalalsid]

I remember the first time I saw a Nissan Murano (one of the first CUVs that didn't try and look like a traditional SUV) I thought it looked like somebody took a hatchback and overinflated it with air. Now it looks pretty normal and there are a ton of similar CUVs. I think the Model X is a much smaller evolution of the form.

First time I saw a Nissan Murano, I got one I really like the look of the Merc GLE too. The X6 not so much. Model X initial prototype looked very good to me. All black doesnt look as nice as in other colors.

 

[MorrisonHiker]

BerTX,

In some years, the cladding was body-colored:

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First time I saw a Nissan Murano, I got one I really like the look of the Merc GLE too. The X6 not so much. Model X initial prototype looked very good to me. All black doesnt look as nice as in other colors.

The first time I saw a Nissan Murano convertible, I wondered aloud how such a car ever made it into production.

 

[gizmoboy]

Yeah but the trim isn't. ;-)

You're right, and if the trim was, the door handles would be out of whack just about as much as on the driver's side... :crying:

 

[lucy]

Is it my anxiety or have the frequency of MX mule spottings suddenly fallen off a cliff?

Did this happen just before the reveal of the roadster or MS?

 

[CarlK]

Perhaps Tesla has completed all mule activities and is ready to go on to the next stage of production ramp up.

 

[AudubonB]

CONING OUT OF ALASKAN SUMMER HIBERNATION FOR AN IMPORTANT REVELATION.....

View attachment 89501

From Paul Carter's (#2031) snip of "Lee's" photos & post. I'm wondering if I'm the only one who sees either one of the Simpsons or perhaps one of the Flintstones driving this puppy????

 

[anticitizen13.7]

Is it my anxiety or have the frequency of MX mule spottings suddenly fallen off a cliff?

Did this happen just before the reveal of the roadster or MS?

Unless someone spots a vehicle other than the same black Model X… there's probably not much more to see.

We've seen the Model X do burnouts, drive past gas stations, and tow trailers. My hunch is that some of these "leaks" were intentionally staged.

 

[bonnie]

CONING OUT OF ALASKAN SUMMER HIBERNATION FOR AN IMPORTANT REVELATION.....
From Paul Carter's (#2031) snip of "Lee's" photos & post. I'm wondering if I'm the only one who sees either one of the Simpsons or perhaps one of the Flintstones driving this puppy????

Go home and sleep it off.

 

[Seesaw]

You're right, and if the trim was, the door handles would be out of whack just about as much as on the driver's side... :crying:

The misaligned chrome trim looks deliberate, to throw off the competition or too make it look less ready for production. They probably want to give the impression it's not ready and you don't want the gull wing doors to look too easy to implement otherwise every car maker would be jumping on board.

 

[AnxietyRanger]

The misaligned chrome trim looks deliberate, to throw off the competition or too make it look less ready for production. They probably want to give the impression it's not ready and you don't want the gull wing doors to look too easy to implement otherwise every car maker would be jumping on board.

I would offer three potential reasons for mule falcon wing misalignment:

- Simplest would be the explanation of the Mercedes factory guy how pre-production always starts with misaligned parts and how things get progressively better throughout the process

- Second would be Elon's mention of "buckling doors" in the Q1 conference call, suggesting that has been an area they have been fixing

- Third, most controversial, is Delay in Model X leakster Eds mention in the now-pulled post that Tesla is changing falcon wings from hydraulic to electric (could add to alignment precision?)

Some or all of these reasons could apply, but probably the first since the bottom of the doors does seem to match.

 

[sigurdi]

Or cables for sensors sticking out on the roof, and doors cant be fully closed.

 

[Brick_top]

Maybe its not relevant to have the doors aligned when test driving the mule. It would be absolutely ridiculous to have the car released with the doors like that

 

[3s-a-charm]

The misaligned chrome trim looks deliberate, to throw off the competition or too make it look less ready for production. They probably want to give the impression it's not ready and you don't want the gull wing doors to look too easy to implement otherwise every car maker would be jumping on board.

FWIW, my Model S chrome trim was misaligned when I received delivery and the Ranger said this is a simple fix, pulled it up and reattached with perfect alignment. Chrome trim misaligned should be no indication of door fitment.

 

[AnxietyRanger]

FWIW, my Model S chrome trim was misaligned when I received delivery and the Ranger said this is a simple fix, pulled it up and reattached with perfect alignment. Chrome trim misaligned should be no indication of door fitment.

In this case it is not just the chrome trim but also entire falcon wing door handles that are misaligned. Perfectly normal for a mule of course.

That said, come to think of it, my P85 window trim is misaligned too.

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Or cables for sensors sticking out on the roof, and doors cant be fully closed.

True, we have seen cables affect especially windows. Not sure how it would affect door handle alignment though, probably just normal pre-production imprecision there.