Where is the Model X Test Mule? Is there one?

[Twiddler]

I disagree with this being a decoy. The entire rake of the front end alone is much different than the much more bulbous prototype, consistent with the rumor that the final version would have more aggressive front styling. Plus, I think that the visual trailer hitch is another intentional clue that this is a beta. It probably looks cut out because it is likely has a cover that hides it when not in use (more streamlined, possibly more aerodynamic that way?), but Tesla wanted us to know it was there, since that is a much-advertised feature of the car. Lastly, the lip that wraps from the rear taillights to form the ducktail is much more pronounced. I agree that this is a very intentional reveal. Much too much coincidence that it is "spied" on the night of the earnings call as well.

Could this be a different prototype and not a beta, sure, but I don't get the point in testing one (other than to throw us off of the scent after the other spotting a few weeks ago) when Elon said tonight that the design of the beta is finished. I heard that as there are betas. While not as radical as I have imagined (although there is still much to be seen), it would make sense to use a lot of Model S design language in this vehicle, which is what I see here.

(EDIT: and I tweeted Elon the pics, as if he doesn't already know about them)

 

[AnOutsider]

The photos are "new" but what makes you think the car is? It could quite simply be an older prototype that we haven't seen before.

i'd actually hope so. a tad underwhelmed.

 

[viperboy]

I disagree with this being a decoy. The entire rake of the front end alone is much different than the much more bulbous prototype, consistent with the rumor that the final version would have more aggressive front styling. Plus, I think that the visual trailer hitch is another intentional clue that this is a beta. It probably looks cut out because it is likely has a cover that hides it when not in use, but Tesla wanted us to know it was there, since that is a much-advertised feature of the car. Lastly, the lip that wraps from the rear taillights to form the ducktail is much more pronounced. I agree that this is a very intentional reveal. Much too much coincidence that it is "spied" on the night of the earnings call as well.

Not disagreeing, but if this is not intentional, it will be taken down pretty quickly imo.

 

[austinEV]

I don't understand the disappointment with the Model X' styling. It has looked like a Model S stretched vertically from day 1. I never loved it from the start, but it's odd to start noticing now.

 

[Citizen-T]

i'd actually hope so. a tad underwhelmed.

Remember, everyone felt that way about Model S Alpha as well. The differences between these early looks and the production are all the little fine details that make a great car look great.

 

[FluxCap]

I LOVE IT. If only I could move up in the reservation queue...

 

[philiparnason]

I LOVE IT. If only I could move up in the reservation queue...

What's your number?

 

[bonnie]

Not disagreeing, but if this is not intentional, it will be taken down pretty quickly imo.

Nah. The photos have been tweeted, are on fb, etc. Taking them down from one forum won't accomplish anything. Tesla wouldn't make a request like that.

 

[loganthefirst]

I'm 11,501...here's hoping to delivery by December!

I'm betting the gap in the bumper has something to do with the "manufacturers" who Tesla is working with to deliver bike racks etc...

 

[jerjozwik]

over all not bad looking.

this view however...

interested to see how the interior shapes up.

 

[Local host]

I'm P15 in Canada. Wonder what the chances are of me seeing mine by Christmas.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

View attachment 71997

Right by my old digs; would have been able to spot it from my house

i'd actually hope so. a tad underwhelmed.

We haven't seen it all nice and bright but, the front does look too car-like to convey the sense of power and the muscular stance that the prototype had. Too much of a dolphin-like nose, it appears.

 

[Bradleybang]

Nah. The photos have been tweeted, are on fb, etc. Taking them down from one forum won't accomplish anything. Tesla wouldn't make a request like that.

Yep, these pictures are on a public road. (Thornton Ave in Newark). Obviously out for a joy/test ride as that right turn on Marshlands onto Thornton is coming out of the bird park. Not a thoroughfare.

 

[eepic]

Wish we could see the second row seats, windows tinted for a reason?

 

[Majerus]

Is it just me, or does this look a lot like the Mazda MX Crossport Concept (which later became the Mazda CX-7)?

It looks just like a cx7 , did franz design the cx7?

 

[SpiedBilde]

Are you in touch with Josh K? I wanted to get in touch with him regarding the rights to the images.

Thanks,
Brian

- - - Updated - - -

Are you in touch with Kosh K? Wanted to talk to him about the rights to the images.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[gjunky]

I hope it will look better in real life. It looks like they kept the nose cone.
That said, the Model S looks much better in real life than in pictures.

 

[supratachophobia]

Anyone else notice that gap in the driver side falcon-wing door when viewed from the rear???

 

[ohmman]

Anyone else notice that gap in the driver side falcon-wing door when viewed from the rear???

That, along with the window mismatch and some other things, have me believing that the doors are not the final doors. They fit them into a place that doesn't fit, possibly to conceal the final product.

 

[bluenation]

I'm going to be a naysayer... because I don't think anyone has said it yet?

The white prototype was pulled from public display after CES because Elon felt it didn't represent the major changes made to the X.

I'm looking at these new pictures and... I think in a game of "spot the differences" between the white prototype and this camo black one, I'd come up with a woefully short list.

What changes?? I think perhaps a decoy... or at least a Beta purposely disguised to LOOK like the earlier prototypes?

assuming this is near final design....yea i agree.

kinda disappointing. so much for the final version being 'significantly different' from those old prototypes....it looks like a plumpier version of the x6. or, a prius v and S model had sex and popped a rotund baby.

nevertheless, i do expect perf to be superior to almost all ICE SUV's. German PHEV's....not so sure.