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

[InTheShadows]

IMO this version looks way different than the original design.

Only thing I'm not sure I like is the straight on view from the back. The hop half of the car looks weird to me.

 

[robby]

People, Tesla has better things to do than build and drive around in decoy cars just to throw us off. I love this place but... we are not that important.

 

[ecarfan]

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

Of course they are. Tesla doesn't want people snapping photos of the interior and the seats.

 

[bonnie]

People, Tesla has better things to do than build and drive around in decoy cars just to throw us off. I love this place but... we are not that important.

Hahaha, you nailed it. I was thinking earlier, 'Really? Tesla engineering is working crazy overtime hours right now & people think they have time to build a decoy to throw people off and then go drive it around?'

In a parallel universe, maybe.

 

[robby]

Not 100% clear after adjustments but from what's visible, I don't see a nosecone:

 

[amzng_ev]

It seems that the DRL are on the top of the light, just like the Model S, and not like the Model X concept.

 

[TEG]

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

I think he did prototypes that evolved into it perhaps.

He did the Kabura... The giant windshield seems like something that could be considered for Model X...

 

[ajax]

That's as hitchy-looking a trailer hitch as a hitch can be. BUT - what is that 12" gap in the bumper above the gap? I can't grasp that at all.

I assume it's the under the seat ski holder that's been mentioned.

 

[Matias]

Model S on steroids and growth hormone

 

[JRP3]

Not 100% clear after adjustments but from what's visible, I don't see a nosecone:

I see an outline of what could be a nosecone. Looks to me like a camo wrap over the front grill and light area.

 

[1208]

Anyone else notice the trunk/boot has split opening. Could be wrong, wild speculation.

 

[mzpolo]

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?

Why would Tesla produce a decoy X at a huge cost? Camo the thing sure but make a total decoy? No value added in any way shape or form.

- - - Updated - - -

Anyone else notice the trunk/boot has split opening. Could be wrong, wild speculation.

Now that you point it out... yes. That does present a very sharp edge/point though right where your arrow point is. The only way that would be possible is in a split opening.

 

[timf]

It seems that the DRL are on the top of the light, just like the Model S, and not like the Model X concept.

I can't tell where you see the DRL. They have the entire surround of the headlight blacked out so only the beams get through, and it does appear there's more blacked out under the beams than over, which would be consistent with the original design. What I can tell is it appears the fog lights have taken on an appearance more like the Model S than the concept, which would be similar to the change the Model S went through from concept to production.

Anyone else notice the trunk/boot has split opening. Could be wrong, wild speculation.

That looks like they blacked out the chrome strip and nothing more. With the way the bottom corners of the tailgate are rounded, it wouldn't make sense for it to fold down. I'm sure it's still one piece like the concept and Model S.

Overall I'm happy with the way the design is shaping up. It seems more along the lines of the changes Model S went through from initial design to production, and nothing too radical. Most of the changes appear to have taken place up front but are well hidden, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it looks. Plus, the interior has likely seen major improvements and that's still a huge mystery.

 

[JRP3]

Anyone else notice the trunk/boot has split opening. Could be wrong, wild speculation.

Can't imagine the benefit of that, plus the added complexity.

 

[1208]

Loads of SUVs and CUVs have split tailgates...
Rangerover

Of course it could be a drawer, which by the shape of it is a possibility...

But most likely just drops down.. Peugeot...

 

[Trev Page]

I'm guessing this is due to beta, but something going on in this photo with the window. Looking at the other side (in other photos) it appears taped. Surely just a beta thing.View attachment 71998

Probably testing for wind noise around those areas by introducing turbulence. You can't test everything in a wind tunnel...

 

[yobigd20]

Probably testing for wind noise around those areas by introducing turbulence. You can't test everything in a wind tunnel...

Maybe that's one of the "new unique features". Side windows can vent like the sunroofs can minimizing drag....

 

[Trev Page]

Loads of SUVs and CUVs have split tailgates...
Rangerover View attachment 72044

Peugeot
View attachment 72042

Of course it could be a drawer, which by the shape of it is a possibility...

View attachment 72043

The problem with split gates is that the lower gate interferes too much with loading and unloading cargo. Why certain manufacturers have gone this way is beyond me. I much prefer the one piece lift gate.

 

[JRP3]

Exactly, poor design, hope the X does not have it.

 

[Herr X]

I have done some image analysis on the leaked pictures, and it is clear to me that this is a controlled leak from Tesla Motors.

The pictures are taken in full daylight from just a couple of meters of distance, a clear and perfect day for photography, but yet the photographer was “unlucky” enough to get the entire picture heavily underexposed.

The backside and the sides of the car seem to be quite similar to the earlier prototype, but clearly the front has changed a lot. Therefore it is really “sad” for the poor photographer that just the front section of the car got so underexposed that all image information is gone and cannot be retrieved again.
In addition, the images are heavily compressed and the compression artifacts in the front section of the car happen to be not only in another color tone, but also another size than the compression artifacts in rest of the picture.

View attachment 72045

View attachment 72047

View attachment 72046