2014 Tesla Model X 'Falcon Doors' May Limit Crossover Utility
Volvo S60 KERS Hybrid Prototype: Brief First Drive
Can you really improve fuel economy and performance just by taking a production car with a... Read More
- #13LEADERBOARD RANK
- 1409ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 22COMMENTS POSTED
Add to circle
Related Photo Galleries
-
![Six 2012 Tesla Model S cars at "Get Amped" introductory drive event [photo: George Parrott]](http://static.hgmsites.net/images/cache/six-model-s-sedans-ready-for-test-drives_100398617_130x80.jpg "Tesla Model S 'Get Amped' Tour: 5,000 Test Drives In Sight")
Tesla Model S 'Get Amped' Tour: 5,000 Test...
-
Tesla Model S Road Trip: Electric Cars Make It...
-
Buying A 2012 Tesla Model S: Pros & Cons Of...
See more photos »
Also See
-
2012 Tesla Model S: First Drive Video
-
2012 Fisker Karma Vs. 2012 Tesla Model S: Video...
-
Tesla Model S Electric Sport Sedan: Video From...
See more video »
Less than twenty-four hours ago, Tesla Motors unveiled its enigmatic 2014 Model X Crossover SUV to the world, becoming the first automaker to promise a crossover utility with doors you’d normally find on a sports car.
But while its ostentatious falcon doors might gain it some design kudos, it could also give Tesla some extra headaches when bringing it to market.
No Roof Rack
Look at almost any SUV on the market today, and the chance are you can buy an array of roof-mounted luggage racks, from the humble roof box through to fully automated bicycle carriers.
But with doors that hinge upwards, roof racks become an impossibility.
And while we admit that as with any car, a roof rack would severely affect the Model X’s aerodynamic drag and thus the range it could give on a full charge, we feel most SUV buyers expect to be able to carry luggage on the roof if they need to.
Of course, we have to acknowledge that the lack of roof rack capability isn’t necessarily a bad thing altogether.
Without the ability to carry luggage on a roof rack, Tesla engineers know that the Model X will be able to retain its low center of gravity, regardless of how it is used. And that means predictable, exceptional handling.
Rollovers
Like any car sold in the U.S. will have to prove itself in tough crash tests, which will include rollover safety tests.
But with falcon doors and an almost all-glass roof, the 2014 Model X may encounter some additional engineering challenges.
Firstly comes roof strength. Rather than transmit loads through a series of steel or aluminum reinforcements as most solid car roofs do, the Model X will have to transmit impact and load forces through the glass itself, as well as through the heavy falcon doors.
Secondly, while traditional car doors will open even if the car is on its roof, falcon-winged doors will not be able to open fully if the car is resting on its roof, hindering recuse attempts in the event of a crash.
In order to overcome this, we’d expect Tesla engineers to have built some form of safety detachment system into the Model X’s falcon door hinges.
In the same way that an airbag is activated in the event of a crash, we’d expect a sensor to trigger a detonation system that could detach the doors from the car in the case of a rollover.
Extra Complexity = Extra Cost
In adding falcon wing doors, Tesla has solved a problem that many car buyers didn’t even think they had, namely poor second- and third-row seat access.
At the same time however, Tesla has turned the door from a simple hinge into an extremely complicated, fully-automated, articulated machine.
That, as well as the all-glass roof, will no-doubt increase production costs dramatically, resulting in a hefty sticker price.
What Do You Think?
We love the Tesla Model X’s sweeping lines, spacious interior and impressive performance specs, but we can’t help but wonder if its mix of regular front and falcon rear doors make for a car that’s just too quirky for the regular SUV buyer.
But what do you think? Has Tesla made things hard for itself in the pursuit of design excellence, or are the falcon wings the pinnacle of practicality?
Let us know in the Comments below.
+++++++++++
Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook and Twitter.
Related Articles
-
![Elon Musk signs new 2013 Tesla Model S at Tesla Store opening, Austin, Texas [photo: John Griswell]](http://static.hgmsites.net/images/cache/elon-musk-signs-new-2013-tesla-model-s-at-tesla-store-opening-austin-texas-photo-john-griswell_100421929_130x80.jpg "Can Tesla Raise More Than $1 Billion On Soaring Stock Price?")
Can Tesla Raise More Than $1 Billion On Soaring Stock Price?
-
Wyoming Lithium To Make U.S. Self-Sufficient In Electric-Car Batteries?
-
Ranking SW States On Electric-Car Support: CO Best, WY Worst
-
![2011 Chevrolet Volt and 2013 Tesla Model S [photo: David Noland]](http://static.hgmsites.net/images/cache/2011-chevrolet-volt-and-2013-tesla-model-s-photo-david-noland_100427529_130x80.jpg "Tesla Model S Vs Chevy Volt: Owner Compares Electric Cars")
Tesla Model S Vs Chevy Volt: Owner Compares Electric Cars
-
Tesla To Issue More Stock, Pay Off Energy Dept With Proceeds
-
Follow Us
On Facebook
Most Popular This Week
More »
Tesla Model S Vs Chevy Volt: Owner Compares Electric Cars 
Electric Cars: Eight Important Things Everyone Should Know (But... 
BMW CEO To Germans: Get Over Your Angst, Buy Electric Cars... 
Diesel Cars: Six Important Things Everyone Should Know (But May... Find Green Cars
Photo Galleries
More from High Gear Media
- Follow Us
Have an opinion?
I applaud Tesla for taking creative approaches, not just rolling another clone off the line.
Unlike the Bricklin and the Mercedes300SL which didn't worry too much about rollovers, the DeLorean was tested for egress in the case of a rollover. It was found that a 160lb man could still open the door and wriggle out. Failing that, one could kick out the double laminated safety glass of the windshield and get out.
Several other cars such as scissor doors (Lamborghini), butterfly doors (Maclaren F1) etc. and because those sports exotics are capable of high speeds there have been several involved in accidents in which the car ended up on the roof - yet the doors don't seem to be a problem.
But you haven't read the details of the Tesla Model X falcon doors. They are double-hinged, actually designed to open in less space than a standard door (let alone a gullwing door). They only move out from the vehicle about one foot because they bend like an arm at the corner, with the "elbow" moving upwards to lift the door.
View the demo at http://www.teslamotors.com/modelx under the heading "Whoa" where it says click and drag, to see the doors in action
And to refer to the doors as "stylish points" is totally off the mark - they provide enormous functionality in terms of ingress/egress (and they also keep the rain off of you more effectively). All that counts for much than any loss in the ability to bolt a rack on the roof, which, as I said, the Model X hardly has any need for in the first place. Those doors have solved a lot of issues with SUVs and their lack of practicality.
I agree though that it might add needless complexity and substantial cost to a vehicle that really doesn't need that on top of it's already expensive electric powertrain.
More quirky? The whole thing already looks like a hatchback on steroids to me, removing the weird doors isn't going to change that.
Look at the size of the "B"and C pillars and the central spine that attaches between them. My guess is that the "X" uses these components as a integrated roll cage structure.
As far as emergency egress, I'll take the doors remaining closed and the cabin intact in a roll over situation any day.
Most roof racks and four wheel drive systems are rarely utilized on the majority of SUV's out there.
Let's road test it before we bag it, please!
It's her job to report the facts accurately, add context where appropriate to help explain the news, and offer informed opinions where they move the discussion forward. In this case, much of the media was covering the "falcon doors" without looking at how they impact some of the things crossovers and SUVs are used for, so this article points out a few things that other outlets (AFAIK) didn't address.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066795_breaking-tesla-making-faster-2012-model-s-0-60-in-under-4-5-seconds
and
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066821_2012-tesla-model-s-first-ride-report/
As a journalist, we often ha ve to look beyond the hype and examine what the practicalities of daily driving in a vehicle -- plug-in or otherwise -- would really mean.
Sometimes, that means we find things which aren't always glowingly positive.
Regards
Nikki.
The there's you... A journalist writes a mostly positive article about Tesla, but it's not good enough for you. Even questioning one minor decision is not allowed in your world, apparently.
I don't think the doors are a major issue anyway, but yes, I'll agree with some that they carry risks as well, and unnecessary ones at that. Simply attacking everyone who questions minor decisions is childish.
I have a van with a sliding door only on one side! The other side just has no door!
To a "half" roofrack must be possible, and no big problem!
If you have some actual data about the safety results, let's hear it. Otherwise this is wild speculation better suited to a blog.
It is easy to throw rocks at innovations. Tesla could just do things like everybody else, but then they would not be the first auto company to go public in 50 years.
If your #1 criteria is something that fits your Yakima, then keep looking. As Rick said "Frunk!" There is plenty of storage.
As for the safety issues, S is the safest in class. My guess is X will be too.
I also share strong long-term concerns about the Tesla business model, such as it is, but the difference is, I don't attack without facts. If Tesla is sinking, where's your evidence? Are the vehicle reviews not fairly good, to say the least?
Yes, Tesla is losing money and will continue to do so, despite Musk's prediction of profitability by 2013. If the stock price stays even reasonable and funding is available, they make be able to barely live through the early unprofitable years.
I wouldn't bet on Tesla, but nobody roots for them more than I do, either.
The ownership by Toyota/Daimler is also badly overstated by some, although not you; 2% ownership means almost nothing in the long run.
But again, I hope you are right and I am wrong. I hope they survive and get me a Model S or something similar when we're both in good shape financially. I hope...My hear loves Tesla, despite the hideous grill, it's my stubborn head that insists on doubting the financials long term.
I haven't yet seen a car with 3 rows with front-hinged doors that would be fully usable when you have an infant or a toddler in a car seat. The Flex (or some of the other 3 row four-door SUVs) would be fine if your kids were all old enough to fold and unfold the front seat climb in to the seats themselves -- but that's won't be the case for my family for several years.
Then again, people with infants or toddlers don't have the kind of cash required to buy a Tesla, so my concerns may not be relevant.
But, yeah, these doors would work for the Flex.
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!