Tesla will unveil its new Model X crossover before the end of the year, ahead of the car’s world debut at the Detroit motor show in January 2012.
The new model is based on the same architecture as the firm’s new Model S. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the Model X would blend the qualities of an MPV and a SUV.
“The time is right to unveil the car,” said Musk. “I’ve seen the latest design for it and I’m very happy with it.”
Musk said that the Model X would have class-leading interior space, pointing out that the Model S saloon was already attracting MPV buyers as it had the ability to seat seven thanks to its two rear-facing seats mounted in the boot.
Tesla’s manufacturing chief Gilbert Passin said that the firm’s Fremont factory, the former GM/Toyota NUMMI plant in Fremont, California that Tesla moved into exactly one year ago today, had been fitted and equipped with the ability to manufacture multiple body styles off the same platform from its conception.
“We can build many models on the same line,” he said. “The Model S is just one ‘top hat’ on a platform that is very modular. All our pressing modules are very adjustable and we’re working on improving that flexibility even further and making it faster at the moment.
“This plant is all about high flexibility at a low cost. We can handle different designs effectively and quickly.”
Mark Tisshaw
