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Marton Pettendy17 Jan 2015
NEWS

Model X to be first electric tow car

Tesla's first SUV to feature seven seats, three battery options, twin motors, two gullwing doors, AWD and towing capacity
Tesla Motors has announced its first SUV, the Model X, will come standard with seven seats, Dual Motor all-wheel drive, 'Falcon Wing' doors, Autopilot semi-autonomous technology and three battery power options, making it as quick as a sports car and the first electric car able to tow.
The bad news is that, after a two-year production delay as Tesla struggled to meet demand for the Model S, the Model X is sold out for 2015 in the US, and Australian deliveries are unlikely to take place until later next year.
"We've already sold all the Model X we can make this year," said Tesla chief Elon Musk in Detroit this week. "If you want to order a Model X, you'll unfortunately have to wait until 2016."
Due in production by mid-year, the Model X will be available with 60kWh, 85kWh and 85kWh Performance battery options – the same as the car on which it's based, the Model S sedan.
In the large sedan, the P85D twin-motor all-wheel-drive system is capable of producing 515kW of power and 930Nm of torque, while the base 60kWh drivetrain offers 285kW and the non-performance 85kWh powertrain delivers the same 285kW but offers a longer driving range.
In the Model S, the 60kWh system offers a 390km range, while the 85kWh offers 502km.
The latter also makes the full-size SUV quick, with Tesla claiming a 0-60mph acceleration time of less than five seconds, allowing it to "outperform the fastest SUVs and many sports cars".
"It has the centre of gravity of a sports car," says Musk. "Its low centre of mass is because the battery pack is so low."
Perhaps most interestingly, Tesla says the Model X will offer genuine towing capacity, making it the first EV to do so, thanks to a range of load-carrying options. Full specifications – and the production version of the vehicle itself – are yet to be revealed.
"The Model X will be the first electric vehicle with towing capability," said the California EV maker.
"The optional tow hitch will support accessories and racks to transport skis and bikes with the minimum effect on aerodynamics. We're also working with the best rack and accessory companies in the world to have elegant carrying solutions."
Musk has previously indicated the Model X will be priced close to the closely related Model S, which went on sale in Australia late last year from $96,208 plus on-road costs.
"Model X is designed from the ground up to combine the space and functionality of a sport utility vehicle with seating for seven adults and the uncompromised performance of an electric car. It is an automobile above category.
"The Model X will include Autopilot and the Dual Motor, announced late last year for the Model S, and will be central to the Model X. Every Model X comes with brilliantly functional Falcon Wing doors. These doors fold up and out of the way, allowing easy access to the third-row seat, even from the narrowest of parking spaces."
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