Friday, February 10, 2012

Tesla unveils its Model X plug-in SUV with 'falcon wings'

LOS ANGELES (CNNMoney) -- Tesla Motors on Thursday unveiled a new SUV that the automaker plans to put into production by 2014.

The plug-in electric crossover is based on the same engineering as the Model S sedan, a car that's expected to go into full production this summer, but the Model X rides higher and has front-facing third row seats.

The most eye-catching feature, however is the "falcon wing" back door design. The doors open upwards and bend in the middle so they'll be able to function when parked in a tight space.

The doors also allow an adult to easily access the rear seats while standing up, making it easier to strap small children into booster seats, the company said. Tesla claims it is the largest door opening of any passenger vehicle.

The Model X is expected to be priced at around $60,000 to $100,000, about the same as the Model S.


Tesla unveils its Model X plug-in SUV with 'falcon wings' - Feb. 9, 2012