Model X Mule Sightings

[fengshui]

A redditor reported Model Xs on the Test Track at the factory today:
Model X Coming out of the Factory : teslamotors

 

[ecarfan]

That person posted, quote: "Just drove to the Fremont Factory to Supercharge and every day I drive by there are always a couple Model S cars going around their test track for testing. But today was different, I saw two Model X's going through the Test Track."
Wait a minute...I've been to the Fremont factory delivery area and Supercharger location several times. You can't see the test track from there! The gigantic factory building is in the way, and my X-ray vision never seems to work when I'm in Fremont, damn it.

 

[bonnie]

That person posted, quote: "Just drove to the Fremont Factory to Supercharge and every day I drive by there are always a couple Model S cars going around their test track for testing. But today was different, I saw two Model X's going through the Test Track."
Wait a minute...I've been to the Fremont factory delivery area and Supercharger location several times. You can't see the test track from there! The gigantic factory building is in the way, and my X-ray vision never seems to work when I'm in Fremont, damn it.

For the record, I charged my Roadster there yesterday and today - yesterday over at the Service Center (thanks for moving a car, guys!) and today over by the factory, along the wall. No sign of an X anywhere, but (yeah, I know, hard to believe) I wasn't really looking that hard. And no, you can't see the test track from that side of the building. I suppose if I'd driven around on Kato Road, I could have observed the test track for awhile. Sorry! Didn't do it.

 

[brucet999]

That person posted, quote: "Just drove to the Fremont Factory to Supercharge and every day I drive by there are always a couple Model S cars going around their test track for testing. But today was different, I saw two Model X's going through the Test Track."
Wait a minute...I've been to the Fremont factory delivery area and Supercharger location several times. You can't see the test track from there! The gigantic factory building is in the way, and my X-ray vision never seems to work when I'm in Fremont, damn it.

He was on Kato road right next to a loop of the track.

8OTx6PS.jpg

 

[ken830]

This is the view from the Mission/Kato Rd Ramp

 

[pmadflyer]

I actually liked it more than all the previous shots I've seen of them. I was just driving by and noticed the vehicles on the test track looked different. Didn't take me long to figure out they weren't a Model S but a Model X. The biggest take aways were the Day Time Running LED's were on, haven't seen those in any of the shots and the Door Handles looked flushed. The Falcon Wing Doors didn't appear to be not aligned liked I saw several Beta Vehicles ago.
Both vehicles were black but they were not all blacked out. They looked like production vehicles. I only saw one vehicle take the bank turn (turn closes to me by the road) the other vehicle was driving over the rumble strips on the far end.

Didn't see this posted.

 

[ecarfan]

Okay, thanks for clarifying, now I understand. I'm surprised no one has walked to that location and hung out with a 300mm lens to get photos...

This is the view from the Mission/Kato Rd Ramp

 

[AnxietyRanger]

That person posted, quote: "Just drove to the Fremont Factory to Supercharge and every day I drive by there are always a couple Model S cars going around their test track for testing. But today was different, I saw two Model X's going through the Test Track."
Wait a minute...I've been to the Fremont factory delivery area and Supercharger location several times. You can't see the test track from there! The gigantic factory building is in the way, and my X-ray vision never seems to work when I'm in Fremont, damn it.

This is a perfect example of how people read sources too literally on TMC and then go on to question them without stopping to think could there be a reasonable explanation. People aren't perfect when they report stuff. It is not all a big deception, guys, when people come out with Tesla findings.

 

[JER]

I'm pretty sure at least some of the people using the Fremont Supercharger site are going to drive past the test track on their way.

Even if it wasn't on my way, I'd find an excuse to detour.

 

[jomo25]

with all these new pics coming out of the near production version, it makes me really glad I have the S instead of an X. IMO the model X is really really ugly looking. its just not right. very oddly shaped. nowhere near the sharpness of the Model S.

View attachment 89113

To me, it looks 'odd' just as the X6 or 5 series Gran Turismo BMWs look 'odd'. At the end of the day it's a coupe, parading as a sedan, parading as a CUV. It's gonna look different. That second 'extension' isn't 'natural' in today's car fleet.

Otherwise, it would just need to be more angular like a traditional SUV/CUV shape...

In my mind, the X won't be as sexy as the S. But it will still be good (I hope) and the benefits will make the looks difference not matter.

And if not, then I'll just re-up for another S, but with larger pack and dual motors...

 

[JST]

To me, it looks 'odd' just as the X6 or 5 series Gran Turismo BMWs look 'odd'. At the end of the day it's a coupe, parading as a sedan, parading as a CUV. It's gonna look different. That second 'extension' isn't 'natural' in today's car fleet.

Otherwise, it would just need to be more angular like a traditional SUV/CUV shape...

In my mind, the X won't be as sexy as the S. But it will still be good (I hope) and the benefits will make the looks difference not matter.

And if not, then I'll just re-up for another S, but with larger pack and dual motors...

Agreed. I think the Model S is dead sexy, but the fastback slope of the rear window just doesn't scale well to the proportions of the X. That's especially true now that it looks like they've had to embiggen the roof over the back seat, presumably for headroom.

Honestly, a much better solution is the one that Porsche uses on the Cayenne/Macan, as seen in the Sport Turismo concept:

Driving Debut: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo - YouTube

*That* roofline, or one like it, would have worked a lot better on the X, IMHO.

 

[ohmman]

...they've had to embiggen the roof...

Nice Simpsons reference.

 

[KenN]

It's totally cromulent.

 

[Zaxxon]

I find your ideas intriguing and wish to subscribe to your newsletters.

 

[Blurry_Eyed]

D'oh!

 

[nwarddrfc]

Followed my first merc GLE coupe over here in the uk the shape could be close to the model x.

 

[FlatSix911]

More than a Mule?

I have heard from an anonymous source that Tesla has reserved space for an "SUV display" at the Pebble Beach Concours_d'Elegance on Sunday, Aug 19.

I hope you are correct ... Sunday, Aug 16th!

 

[lucy]

Don't know if these photos have been posted yet... The article came up on Teslarati at ~0200 CDT 8-4, we're taken on 7-31.

http://www.teslarati.com/model-x-falcon-doors-begin-to-take-shape-as-delivery-nears/

 

[SW2Fiddler]

"The Model X is the worst looking SUV except all the others"
- Winston Churchill

 

[Matias]

^^Front door and Falcon door are still misaligned. But clearly this will be the final form.