Tesla Model X Exterior News - TESLARATI

Watch this Tesla Model X tow a 95,000 lb semi truck across an icy road

Simon Alvarez — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 22:00:55 +0000

Tesla YouTuber and Model X owner Bjørn Nyland recently uploaded a video featuring his electric SUV pulling a 95,000-pound semi-trailer through an icy road.

Bjørn’s Tesla, a dual motor Model X P90D with supercar-destroying acceleration that the YouTuber fondly calls Optimus Prime, was equipped with Nereus NS806 studless tires, allowing the car to grip slippery, icy roads. As noted by the Tesla enthusiast in his latest video, the semi-trailer in the video weighed 95,000 pounds and was placed in Neutral gear at the time he performed the seemingly David and Goliath feat.

As could be seen in Bjørn’s latest upload, his 5,700 lb Model X P90D with Ludicrous mode successfully towed the massive semi-trailer using its unparalleled, all-wheel drive traction control system across the snowy landscape.

While Bjørn’s latest video with his trusty Optimus Prime is incredibly impressive to watch, several factors aided in the Tesla enthusiast’s feat, including physics. The Model X’s all-electric drivetrain produces full torque at 0 RPMs, allowing it to slowly but surely budge the semi truck from a resting position. Combined with tires that are specifically designed to provide traction in snowy conditions, the Model X was able to continue towing the truck once it gained enough rolling momentum.

As noted by the Tesla YouTuber in his video, however, his Model X’s feat is not the first time the electric SUV managed to pull a semi-trailer on a snowy road. Last month, Kyle Conner, a Tesla enthusiast, managed to capture a Model X pulling a semi-trailer up a snowy slope in Raleigh, NC. In that particular feat, the Model X did not appear to be equipped with winter tires, and the truck was moving forward, as note in Bjørn’s video description.

“In that other video, it was done with the help of the semi, and the Model X had poor all-season tires not fit for snow and ice. I wanted to see if it was possible to pull a semi-trailer despite having slippery surface like ice and snow,” the Tesla YouTuber wrote.

Bjørn Nyland’s unique demonstrations of Tesla’s all-electric prowess has made him particularly popular and respected in the online community. As we covered in a previous report, the Norway-based YouTuber has taken his electric SUV on a winter off-roading adventure and even engaged in a classic tug-of-war battle with a Hummer H2.

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How to escape from a Tesla Model X Falcon Wing door that lost power

Kyle — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 22:25:14 +0000

A recently publicized event involving a Tesla Model X and a passenger that was allegedly trapped behind the vehicle’s electronically actuated Falcon Wing door, after it was involved in an accident and lost power, had us wondering: how does one escape from a Falcon Wing door if there’s no power?

Luckily, Tesla had already provided an answer to the question through the company’s Emergency Response Guide (ERG) for Model X. The guide is akin to the emergency evacuation sheet that no one reads and found on the backseats of aircrafts.

According to page 24 of the ERG, every Model X has a mechanical latch override cable that’s purpose-built for manual release of the Falcon Wing door from its latches. A pull cable is located just behind the speaker cover in the front lower corner of each Falcon Wing Door. When looking directly at the speaker cover, Tesla’s guide indicates that there’s a lip in the upper rear corner of the cover. Removing the cover will expose the speaker itself and an adjacent thin metal wire. A firm tug on the metal wire towards the front of the vehicle will unlatch the door.

YouTuber Xiaomage documented the process of popping off the rear speaker cover and showing how one can manually open the Model X Falcon Wing door. However, the YouTuber notes that the door can be difficult to manually open because of its weight. Translated from Mandarin using YouTube subtitles, Xioamage notes “as a man, it is even difficult for me to push it away, let alone women.” Gender bias aside, it is clear from the video that the dual-hinged door is dead weight and requires some strength to open manually. Xioamage makes the recommendation that owners should attempt the process as a way to prepare for an actual emergency.

ALSO SEE: [Video] Tesla Model X Falcon Wing door teardown

Walking through a process just one time in advance can be enough to save a life when a real emergency strikes. For families with small children, it would also be a worthwhile exercise to determine a vehicle escape outside of a manually opened Falcon Wing door.

The video below documents the entire process for escaping from the Model X second row seating area.

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Tesla Model X windshield connects driver with nature & tech like never before

Carolyn F — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 19:11:37 +0000

Tesla’s Model X “Big Sky” windshield continues to grab media and consumer attention due to its unique design and gorgeous aesthetics. But beyond having world-class engineering, Model X’s panoramic windshield provides an intimate experience allowing driver and passengers to intersect with nature like never-before-seen.

A new video, filmed largely in Yosemite National Park, provides the viewer with a first person perspective on what it’s like to ride inside a Tesla Model X. The huge windshield, boasting 31-square-feet (2.9-square-meters) of glass, provides an unparalleled view of the surroundings. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called this a “helicopter cockpit-like riding experience.” As the Model X reaches Yosemite park’s outer gates, images of puffy clouds against a deep blue sky balance wide angle shots of the Model X maneuvering carefully through traffic.

We’re left with an impression of being one with our surroundings while the vehicle continues to provide passenger comfort in the form of individually heated seats and navigation data displayed on an enormous 17″ center touchscreen.

Visibility benefits of Model X’s enormous windshield

The Model X panoramic windshield brings the world inside. Each person riding within the all-electric crossover SUV is given an enhanced ability to see around the car, accentuating the safety of all. The video reveals shots from both the driver’s and passengers’ points of view. Extending all the way above the driver and front passenger seats back to the rear seat, the windshield reinforces improved visibility for all the Model X’ occupants, regardless of their seating arrangement within the vehicle.

The larger windshield also seems to give the driver a better sense of surrounding and oncoming traffic, as several video scenes display fast-moving vehicles zooming down and around mountainsides, or over-sized campers crawling up elevation changes. In each, the Model X, due to its windshield with one massive piece of glass, empowers the driver to fuller perspectives of the road, other vehicles, and obstacles.

Plane-spotting for the kids has never been more fun in the Model X.

The Tesla Model X windshield is ultraviolet and infrared-blocking; it also includes rain-sensing, adjustable-speed windshield wipers. “The Model X has the largest all-glass panoramic windshield in production, providing an unparalleled view of the stars and the sky above,” according to a statement from the company. “Optimized solar tinting and obstruction-free view creates unlimited visibility for the driver and all passengers.”

Great for road trips

The video setting of Yosemite symbolizes the essential American yearning to be a rugged individualist. The Model X windshield reveals tall firs that foreground sheer mountain cliffs and rugged terrain. It’s a truly separate experience from driving in any other vehicle. We peer deeply ahead into a red-lit tunnel carved into a mountain, move to overhead shots of overhanging branches, and ease back down to road level two-lane traffic.

The video makes us ask, What better way is there to strive toward a better lifestyle than through the experience of owning a Model X? As the landscape moves by the windshield, the fluidity of the visual experience which is gained from the extensive windshield area invites ease of long distance travel. That, of course, is in addition to the car’s quiet, luxury features, and comfort.

Reaffirms our green philosophy

We as viewers feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re part of a more sustainable and secure world, which makes us all safer and healthier. If we hadn’t before, we come to understand how Tesla has designed the Model X with its panoramic windshield in a way that combines style, acceleration, and handling with advanced technologies. We’re part of a viable alternative to fossil-fuel cars. It really is emblematic of Elon Musk’s master plan realized.

We feel part of the Tesla’s global efforts to expedite the move from a mine-and-burn hydrocarbon economy towards a solar electric economy as a primary sustainable solution.

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Tesla brake mfg. Brembo opens up new factory in Mexico to localize supply

Gene — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:50:03 +0000

Brembo, famed Italian manufacturer of performance braking systems and supplier to Tesla, has announced that it will open up a new plant in northern Mexico. The company has invested $59 million into the construction of a 377,000-square-foot factory in Escobedo, which will employ more than 500 workers and expected to generate $100 million in annual sales.

Perhaps best known for its iconic red calipers often found on exotic sports cars and luxury vehicles including the Model S and Model X, Brembo’s new factory in Mexico will focus efforts on producing high performance aluminum calipers for Tesla and other U.S. and European automakers that manufacture vehicles in the states. “Our desire is to localize as much as possible,” says Daniel Sandberg, president and CEO of Brembo North America.

Brembo’s Escobedo plant will be capable of making 2 million calipers annually while a second 269,000-square-foot factory, to be constructed next to the caliper plant, will manufacture 100,000 tons of cast iron brake discs. The second plant is expected to go into operation by the end of 2017.

Tesla Red Brake Calipers made by Brembo available only on the P100D. As seen in the Tesla Design Studio.

Having a plant closer to Tesla’s Fremont, Calif. factory is part of the Italian company’s strategic initiative to localize products and service to its customers. Aside from Tesla, Brembo also supplies brake systems to General Motors, Ford, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz.

According to Mexico Now, Brembo’s Escobedo plant will also be producing the electronically actuated parking brake and handbrakes currently used in the Tesla Model S, Model X, and presumably over 373,000 Model 3 to come.

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DIY: Create your own custom Tesla turn signal indicator decal

Gene — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 17:33:33 +0000

One sure way to make your Tesla stand apart from the crowd is to apply a custom vinyl wrap that updates the color of the vehicle without altering the paint itself. While wrapping a vehicle can lead to quite a dramatic change in vehicle appearance, the process to apply the vinyl wrap can only be done by a professional and generally costs several thousand dollars. We wouldn’t necessarily call this a do-it-yourself type project.

However, a popular DIY project among Tesla owners that adds a stylish accent to the exterior of the vehicle involves the application of colored vinyl to the vehicle’s Tesla badge, wheel cap and turn signal indicators. Consider it a wrap job for select components of the vehicle as opposed to the entire car itself. It’s cost effective, easy to apply and just as easily removable.

Here’s a great video tutorial on how to create your very own custom decal for the Tesla turn signal indicator. The same process can be used for creating custom decals for the Tesla badge, vehicle model badge, wheel center cap and beyond.

Step 1 – Take photo of Tesla component
Step 2 – Import photo of Tesla component
Step 3 – Choose color and style of decal
Step 4 – Print decal using vinyl cutter
Step 5 – Apply homemade custom vinyl wrap to Tesla component

Because vinyl cutting equipment can be costly to purchase, local print shops often times allow customers to email in their design templates – in the case the file produced from Step 3 – and will print the decal from their equipment.

Popular Tesla DIY Projects

See all Tesla DIY projects.

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SEMA-bound Tesla Model X goes from family SUV to carbon fiber showpiece

Gene — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 19:32:54 +0000

Leave it to the annual SEMA convention in Las Vegas when it comes to bringing out the craziest and most unique tricked out vehicles this side of the planet. No stranger to pushing the boundaries on converting all-electric Tesla vehicles into something a little more unique, and with a little more performance, is Hawthorne, California-based Tesla tuner – Unplugged Performance.

Unplugged Performance who recently announced a new ‘Refresh’ upgrade that converts ‘Classic’ Tesla Model S to the newer body style, is SEMA-bound with their radical looking Model X decorated in a blood orange wrap and full custom carbon fiber interior. The vehicle is meant to showcase Unplugged’s latest ‘Complete Vehicle Program’ which enables customers to customize every element of the vehicle to their personal tastes.

According to the company, their design philosophy is to accentuate the existing components and body lines that Tesla designers worked tirelessly on. “We try to work with Tesla’s unique design and engineering DNA not against it. Since the Model X borrows heavily from the Model S’s design DNA we felt that we needed to bring the soul of the X to the surface and enhance the modem, high tech and high performance spirit of the vehicle and give it a unique feel in keeping with the unique and revolutionary technology that the X platform boasts.”, says Unplugged.

Beyond the obvious aesthetic updates, Unplugged Performance says they’ve also taken into account performance, both from a range and acceleration perspective. The Model X is fitted with ultra light forged aluminum wheels and Brembo lightweight carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston calipers that the company claims will shed more than 50 pounds of unsprung weight, leading to greater range, acceleration, braking and handling.

“Our aerodynamics are thoughtfully engineered by professional automotive designers and former Boeing and F1 engineers to balance aggression and efficiency. For example the Rear Bumper and Diffuser features ducts to help expel air trapped behind the rear wheels which can help elevate a pesky point of aerodynamic turbulence and the Rear Decklid Spoiler elongates the roofline and leverages a Kamm Effect which are well proven methods of improving aerodynamic efficiency.”, Unplugged tells Teslarati.

The orange Model X outfitted with Unplugged Performance’s newest Model X aero kit, rear decklid spoiler, and a suite of lightweight components, will be showcased alongside Toyo Tires at the Las Vegas convention center between November 1 – 4, 2016.

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Tesla removes Model X factory installed accessory hitch, retains tow package

Gene — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 16:55:10 +0000

Having recently reported that Tesla discontinued two colors from the Model S and Model X color palette, keen-eyed observers note that the company also discontinued the Model X optional factory installed accessory hitch. Not to be confused with the popular Model X tow package that provisions the electric crossover SUV with a 2″ hitch receiver that’s capable of towing items as large as a boat, the new update made to the company’s design configurator removes the ability to select a factory installed 1.25″ hitch accessory.

The accessory hitch was previously recommended on the Model X configurator as an option for carrying lighter weight items such as bikes and sporting equipment. A snapshot of the design configurator from earlier in the year shows the 1.25″ hitch accessory described as a means to carry “bikes, skis, snowboards, and more”.

Though the use of a 1.25″ accessory hitch can be used for carrying smaller items, our previous review of a swing-out bike rack installed onto a Model X with the optional tow package had us doubting the usefulness of a smaller hitch accessory. The sheer weight of a bike rack made from sturdy steel construction combined with the weight of up to four bikes would seem better fit for 2″ hitch receivers. From a practicality standpoint, we’re not surprised Tesla decided to remove the 1.25″ hitch accessory.

Review of Yakima’s FullSwing bike rack

The latest round of removals from Tesla’s online Design Studio is a signal that the company looks to streamline production of vehicles at its Fremont, California factory. By minimizing the number of options available for a vehicle, the company has fewer external vendors to source products from and thus reduce its risk of having production bottlenecks. The factory will also be able to maintain a more efficient production line if Model S, Model X and future vehicles are able to share components across fleets. Case in point is the latest Model S which is outfitted with a center console and newer generation seats carried over from the Model X.

Hat tip to Teslarati reader Ari Jay Comet

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Installing a Tesla Model X bike rack: once you go FullSwing, you can’t go back

Gene — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 18:14:53 +0000

As we prepared for two upcoming Tesla road trips through the windy roads of Big Bear Lake and Mammoth Lakes, both in California, we began our hunt for a Model X bike rack that would help us transport our electric bikes. A quick Google search led us to Tesla’s branded Model X Hitch Rack, sold through their online store, along with a few other popular racks by Yakima and Thule. Both of which were highly rated by consumers on Amazon and outdoor retail chain, REI.

Our search revealed that Tesla’s Model X Hitch Rack was in fact just a Yakima FullTilt Bike Rack except with a $130 mark up due to the Tesla logo. We love Tesla but not enough to justify paying 33% more to have their branding. But one thing we did decide on is to stick with the same manufacturer and select Yakima over Thule. Okay, cool. Let’s get the bike rack. But wait a minute. How does one actually Supercharge with bikes in tow especially if the stall requires one to reverse into?

Flashbacks of the infamous red Model X taking up three Supercharger stalls immediately ran through our minds. Don’t be that guy. Also, with cooler, camping gear and equipment packed into the trunk, and bikes mounted, how does one actually open the rear hatch without having to off load all of the bikes? In short, you can’t. Unless the Model X bike rack was a swing away type.

Tesla Model X Supercharging at trailer-friendly Mammoth Lakes, CA

Tesla Model X Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack

Figuring out that we needed a bike rack that would allow us to easily Supercharge but also open the rear hatch, we decided on getting the Yakima FullSwing Bike Hitch Rack which was not only cheaper by nearly $100 under Tesla’s branded Yakima Model X bike rack, had all of the same features – scuff free zip straps, anti-sway cradle, and their SpeedKnob, which we’ll describe later – but also had the added convenience of being a swing away type rack.

Installation

Installing the bike rack was no more difficult than installing anything into a hitch receiver. If your Model X has the tow package and you haven’t installed the hitch receiver yet, you may want to follow our guide on how to install the Tesla Model X hitch receiver first to understand how the assembly works.

Tesla Model X bike rack using Yakima’s FullSwing assembly.

The FullSwing bike rack slides right into Tesla’s 2″ hitch receiver and then clicks into place. Once in place, use what Yakima refers to as their Tool-Free SpeedKnob to fully secure the rack to the receiver by turning the big red knob clockwise until it’s fairly tight. What this feature does is eliminates any jiggle between the bike rack assembly and the receiver. In essence, it’s a feature that will allow you to enjoy the silence of your Tesla and spare you from losing your mind if you were to hear a persistent rattle, clank and squeak over hundreds, if not thousands, of miles while traveling with bike in tow.

How does it work?

Swinging the bike away from the vehicle can be achieved without using any tools whatsoever and can be done in approximately 30 seconds. The first step is to loosen a large lever behind the main assembly that secures the swing out arm to the rack itself. Loosen it counter clockwise until it is no longer threaded into the assembly. There’s no concern of over-loosening as the lever will dangle without falling off of the assembly.

Once the lever is unsecured, pull the red pin on top to dislodge the swing out arm from the main assembly. At this point, the entire bike rack will swing away from the vehicle. It’s worth noting that there’s two hinges and a red pin that’s used to secure the second outward hinge so that the bikes are perpendicular to the swing out arm. This pin ensures that the rack with bikes will not over-swing and slam into the side of the vehicle. This is especially useful when parking against a slope and the bikes have a natural tendency due to gravity to swing open.

Parking against a slope with the Yakima FullSwing rack.

Here are a few additional photos we captured showing the convenience of having a swing away type bike rack: one while on our camping excursion, and the other captured while installing the rear camera from our Model X BlackVue dash cam set.

Supercharging

Ironically, we purchased the bike rack not only for the added convenience of being able to open the rear hatch with bikes in tow, but because of concern over Supercharging. Rather, not being able to back into a Supercharger without coming into contact with the chargers themselves.

It turns out that Supercharger cables are just long enough to allow one to plug-in with bikes in tow and charge without putting too much tension on the cord itself. Though the extended bike rack protrudes from the vehicle, there’s still enough room between the end of the bike rack and the Supercharger to allow for backing in.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a bike rack for the Tesla Model X or Model S and want the added convenience of being able to retrieve items from the trunk with bikes mounted, then we’d recommend using any swing away type bike rack. We happened to pick the Yakima FullSwing 4 bike carrier simply because Tesla decided to use Yakima for their own branded rack, and we’re glad we did.

The FullSwing rack is not only $100 cheaper than Tesla’s rack but provides more usability. That’s a win-win if you ask us.

(Model S owners that might be interested in installing this same rack, be sure to check out our review of the Model S hitch rack assembly first)

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Tesla Model X 20″ vs 22″ wheel range impact: bigger isn’t better

Rob M. — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 17:11:32 +0000

Choosing between 20 inch versus 22 inch wheels when building your Tesla Model X is often one of the biggest internal debates one can have. After all, there aren’t many choices to be made when it comes to altering the aesthetics on a Model X beyond wheels and the selection of your badge of honor. But depending on your wheel selection, in specific the diameter of the wheel, it could have a significant impact on range to the tune of a 10-15% difference.

One may recall that I went through the process of selecting the best winter tires for my Model S last year. With over 45,000 miles on my original factory all-season tires and winter just around the corner, I’ll be needing to go through the process once again. The process has made me think a lot about tread wear, traction, and costs associated with each brand and type of tire, but admittedly I’ve never paid too much attention to size and efficiency. But recent information being revealed through Tesla on Model X and Model S range impact as a result of wheel selection, this has stimulated me to rethink my points of view.

Model S 19″ vs 21″ wheel range impact

Tesla provides a range calculator on their Model S page that provides one with the ability to see the impact on mileage depending on a variety of environmental, speed and wheel factors.

Clicking between the 19″ wheels and the 21″ wheels gives you the following results:

Tesla Model S range based on 19″ and 21″ wheels

I don’t know why the impact of the tire size isn’t the same for each car or why the P90D is so much higher but this is what they provided.

The impact on range as a result of wheel diameter on the Model S is between 2%-4%. To put that in perspective, Tesla was charging $3,000 for the upgrade from a 70kWh battery pack to a 75kWh pack at the time of purchase. That’s 7% more battery/range.

Larger wheels and tires are more expensive and they reduce your range, but on the Model S, the difference is small enough that it doesn’t create much concern.

Range impact on Tesla Model X: 20″ vs 22″ wheels

Tesla doesn’t have the same range calculator for its Model X, but their Design Studio reveals a rather significant loss of range if one were to select the 22″ wheels.

WOW! According to Tesla, choosing the Model X 22″ Onyx Black Wheels or 22″ Silver Turbine Wheels will result in a massive 10-15% loss of range, or approximately 40 miles (64 km).

Model X 22″ wheels will cost you 10-15% in range loss vs 20″ wheels

You would effectively be paying an extra $5,500 for the 22″ wheels and tires to lose approximately $10,000 worth of range (assuming a battery pack upgrade). At first, I thought this was some kind of website error, but Model X owners across forums and Facebook are confirming gains of 10%-12% by simply swapping out their 22″ wheels for 20″ wheels. If you’re looking for range, those 22″ wheels are not the way to go. I guess, as the old saying goes, there’s a price to pay for beauty.

Summary

Tire size on the Model S has little impact on range, but on the Model X, the impact is relatively large. As you’re configuring your next Tesla you should carefully consider the tire size and the relative importance of range versus handling.

Larger tires cost more, wear out faster, and use more energy. Those larger wheels sure look and feel great, but for many of us, range and efficiency are our king and queen.

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How Tesla’s falcon wing doors work, explained through LEGO

Gene — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 07:24:01 +0000

Arguably the most striking feature of the Tesla Model X is its unique falcon wing doors and the ability for them to open with flair even in the tightest of parking spaces. Because, unlike traditional gullwing doors that swing open on a single hinge, requiring nearly double the vehicle’s height when fully open, the sensor-laden Model X falcon wing doors can articulate on two hinges while dynamically adjusting its opening and closing angles based on obstacles within its proximity.

Referencing a diagram of the falcon wing door from page 27 of the Model X Emergency Respondent’s Guide, we can see that the backbone supporting the door assembly is lined with high tension springs (shown in red) that are designed to assist with raising the doors.

High tension springs are used for raising the Model X falcon wing doors