Tesla Providing Free Sunshade To Model X Owners

Tesla Model X owners got a gift from the company this week. In an e-mail, it said it would soon be mailing them a free upper windshield sun shade. The Model X features what may be the largest front windshield in any production car. It all goes back to those iconic falcon wing doors that are its hallmark.

Elon Musk hates the sliding doors that come on most minivans. When Tesla began designing the Model X, he insisted it not have them.  No ordinary rear doors, either. Those are just so ordinary, you know? And voila! The falcon wing doors were born. What Elon wants, Elon gets.

There was just one problem with the falcon wing doors. They didn’t leave any room for a sunroof. Well, that wouldn’t do, would it? So Tesla invented a gigantic windshield that sweeps back from the cowl all the way to where those doors begin. It is an amazing piece of engineering. It took a specialty glass maker in Brazil to figure out how to actually make it in quantity.

The panoramic windshield gives those inside the Model X a spectacular view of the world outside. On a clear day, you can almost see forever. It also lets in a lot of sunlight. A UV coating reduces the amount of heat transfer, but Model X owners have been begging for more protection from the sun’s harsh burning rays since the moment the first cars were delivered. Some have posted videos online to document the amount of sun that pours into the vehicle.

According to the email sent by Tesla to Model X owners, the new Front Upper Windshield Sunshade will block 66% of light and heat coming through the front upper windshield. It describes the sunshade as follows:

“To further enhance your Model X, we plan to send a Front Upper Windshield Sunshade to you directly, free of charge. The Model X sunshade can block two thirds of light and heat coming through the front upper windshield and its lightweight and flexible construction allows for easy storage and installation within seconds. To ensure we have the most up to date information, please log in to your MyTesla account and confirm your mailing address. For instructions on how to install your sunshade, click here.”

The flexible mesh sunshade attaches to the gap between the windshield and headliner, and rests on the rear view mirror assembly as seen in the photo below. Tesla has provided the full instructions for installing the sunshade in PDF form on its website.

Of course, installing the sunshade takes away a bit from the panoramic windshield experience. But if you are one of those people who truly enjoys that “sunshine on my shoulder feeling,” no one is forcing you to install it. And at least it’s free.

Source: Teslarati  Photo credits: Tesla Motors

Tesla Model X Lemon Law Suit Filed In California

Barrett Lyon lives north of Sacramento, California. He is the once proud owner of a Tesla Model X, a car he paid $162,000 for. Lyon is a firm supporter of Tesla. He owns a Roadster —  Tesla’s first production car — and a Model S sedan. Neither of them has given him any trouble. The Model X is a different story, though. “It’s parked,” he says. “We don’t drive it. It’s basically a really fancy car decoration.”

Lyon filed suit this week in Placer County court, claiming his Model X falls under California’s Lemon Law. His suit seeks a refund of the purchase price plus damages for breach of warranty and attorneys fees. According to Courthouse News Service, Lyon says “The doors do some weird, wicked things. If you get in and slide sideways and accidentally tap the brake, the driver’s side door slams shut on your leg. That’s not a very nice thing to have happen to you.” He is not referring to the fancy falcon wing doors which are the hallmark of the Model X. His comment pertains to the self-presenting front doors, which are designed to open and close automatically.

Some of Lyon’s other complaints are:

• Auto Pilot in the rain is extremely dangerous, it causes the car to swerve into different lanes.
• Powered front doors are opening into cars and other obstacles.
• The power door slams are a feature of the Model X, and cannot be disabled.
• The touch screen freezes repeatedly, the second row seat causes driver’s seat to fold forward, and the auto park feature does not work 90 percent of the time.

Lyon does not appear to be an agitator or a grandstander. He seems to be a fellow who thinks he bought a very pricey car that does not work as advertised. He wants his money back. Many other Model  X owners have spoken up about quality issues with their cars. Consumer Reports has been getting an earful from people about problems with the Model X as well.

The chorus of complaints has gotten so strong that Tesla made a public statement about issues with the car a month ago. “We are committed to making the world’s most reliable cars. While we have seen some issues with early Model X builds, the issues are not widespread, and we are working closely with each owner to respond quickly and proactively to address any problems. We will continue to do so until each customer is fully satisfied. This commitment is one of the reasons why 98 percent of our customers say they will buy another Tesla as their next car.”

Elon Musk told people during Tesla’s latest earnings call earlier this month that he has a desk set up at the end of the Model X production line so he can personally supervise the quality control operation. He even says he has a sleeping bag nearby so he can sleep at the factory if necessary. The flurry of complaints from unhappy customers seems to have subsided, but Barrett Lyon’s Lemon Law suit indicates all the issues are not yet resolved.

Sometimes getting one of the first cars to come of the line at the beginning of a new production run is not an advantage. Musk says the first deliveries of the upcoming Model 3 will be to people who live near the factory so Tesla can return them to the factory and fix any issues that may arise quickly. The real question now is whether the Model 3 will be beset with teething issues the way the Model X has been or whether Tesla has finally figured out how to build high quality cars from the get go.

Source and photo credit: Teslarati

Should The Tesla Model X Be Called An SUV? Crossover? Wagon? Hatchback?

2016 Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X electric luxury vehicle has widely been referred to as an SUV or a crossover utility vehicle by the media, the company, and buyers.

And indeed, it's taller and somewhat boxier than the sleek Model S "sedan," which is actually ahatchback.

But we've had some energetic discussions internally about what segment the Model X falls into: Is it indeed an SUV or crossover? Or is it a wagon? Or a hatchback?

Knowing the passion of Tesla owners and advocates, we suspect there will be plenty of opinions on this topic.

What follows is our take on each of the candidate terms, and how well they may be suited to describing the new Model X--taking into account both physical characteristics and general usage in the U.S. market.

2016 Tesla Model X

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

While the terms SUV and crossover are often used interchangeably by car buyers, the industry considers them two distinct categories.

A sport-utility vehicle is a truck-based, usually tall and boxy vehicle. It has a separate frame, either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and generally handles abysmally--the tradeoff for robust off-road capabilities.

The Model X has no ladder frame, it's not based on an existing truck model, and its off-road abilities are likely limited to muddy lacrosse fields and gravel estate roadways.

So we can rule out SUV, at least in the auto industry's definition of the word.

Crossover (utility vehicle)

The auto industry defines a crossover utility vehicle (sometimes abbreviated CUV) as a vehicle with an SUV-like body that offers all-wheel drive and has more ground clearance than a passenger car.

2016 Buick Enclave

But, crucially, it's not built on a truck platform, but using the unibody underpinnings of a passenger car.

The Model X presently comes only with all-wheel drive, and given the Model S experience, that likely boosts its efficiency over a hypothetical rear-wheel drive variant.

It also has 8 inches of ground clearance, with air suspension that can add or subtract 1.5 inches. That's more than large crossovers like the Buick Enclave, for instance.

So if you think the Model X sufficiently resembles a classic, boxy SUV, then this definition might work.

Except that it doesn't resemble one by any stretch of the imagination: It's nothing so much as an overinflated Model S fastback.

On the other hand, BMW, Mercedes, and other luxury makers are introducing so-called "sport utility coupes" that are crossovers with fastback rooflines.

Wagon, or tall wagon

The classic wagon, or station wagon, has the same front end as a sedan from the front doors forward, and then a longer, squarer, taller body with a tailgate behind the rear doors.

That definition of "wagon," however, has morphed into a loose "tall wagon" category that include such "square box" vehicles as the Kia Soul, Scion xB, and others. Those have only front-wheel drive and the ground clearance of conventional cars.

By either measure, the Model X clearly isn't a wagon--since it shares no sheetmetal with the Model S, and it has all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance.

2016 Tesla Model X

Hatchback

Then there's the troublesome "hatchback" word.

Technically, it's a body style in which a car forgoes a conventional separate trunk for a hatch or liftgate at the back that opens up the entire rear end of the vehicle--especially with seats folded down--to carry larger items than can be fit into a sedan trunk.

By that definition, the Tesla Model S is not a sedan but a hatchback--though with a fastback roofline very similar to that of the Jaguar XJ and XF sedans, you can be forgiven for thinking it's a conventionalfour-door sedan with a trunk.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Often, like wagons, hatchbacks are identical to conventional sedans from the center pillar forward, just another body version rather than a separate model.

The problem with "hatchback" is that, in the U.S., they are widely envisioned as small, basic, often unpleasant economy cars.

RELATED: Tesla Model Y: Lower-Cost Electric SUV? Deleted Musk Tweet Hints At It

Companies like Ford, which offers its Focus compact car as a sedan and a hatchback, will go to extreme lengths to avoid the "H-word," including coinages like "five-door".

There are a lot of cars with a rear hatch that aren't considered hatchbacks: Take the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which the company insists on calling a "crossover utility vehicle."

2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

Granted, it has the AWD and ground clearance of a crossover, but its shape, form, and function are closer to that of a Subaru XV Crosstrek--which is a jacked-up Impreza hatchback.

In the end ... it's complicated.

For now, we think the Tesla Model X is the world's first electric luxury crossover.

Google founder buys Tesla Model X, biobutanol from barley straw

Google cofounder Sergey Brin is said to have taken delivery of the fourth Tesla Model X. Over a thousand Tesla enthusiasts gathered as Elon Musk handed over the first examples of the new electric SUV. Musk kept the first Model X for himself, while Tesla investor Steve Jurvetson took the second vehicle, part of a limited edition Founders Series. A unidentified woman gathered the keys to the fourth vehicle, to which Musk said, "Stand in for Sergey? All right." Brin was seated in a VIP area near the stage. Tesla delivered just six vehicles at the event. Read more at Bloomberg.

A new study finds that barley straw could be a viable source of biobutanol. Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland found that the plant's hemicellulose sugars - with the help of a little starch - can be fermented into the biofuel. As a renewable fuel, biobutanol makes a good alternative to ethanol. It offers greater energy density, lower volatility and it is less corrosive to vehicle components. Read more at Green Car Congress, or in the press release from the University of Eastern Finland.

Car2go has launched in Miami Beach. Users can enjoy one-way service across more of the Miami area, and Car2go even covers the tolls along the way. "We've been thrilled with the excitement that Miamians have expressed over our decision to expand to Miami Beach," says Luis Campo, General Manager of Car2go Miami. "A day at the beach should be fun and relaxing, which is why we're proud to bring a simple, convenient new option to get there." To celebrate the expansion, Car2go is hosting a launch party at the Clevelander on Ocean Drive from 6 to 8 PM on October 2. Car2go has over 31,000 members in the Miami area, more than 2,500 of whom live in Miami Beach. Read more in the press release below.

car2go Brings One-way Carsharing To Miami Beach Today

Miami's Hottest Destination Just Got More Accessible

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- car2go N.A., LLC, the market leader for one-way carsharing in North America, begins service today in Miami Beach, making it easier and more affordable than ever before for Miami residents and visitors to visit the beach. New car2go members can register with the promotional code BEACH to receive discounted registration and 30 minutes of free drive time and begin experiencing the flexibility of car2go.

"We've been thrilled with the excitement that Miamians have expressed over our decision to expand to Miami Beach," said Luis Campo, General Manager of car2go Miami. "A day at the beach should be fun and relaxing, which is why we're proud to bring a simple, convenient new option to get there. Our goal is to take all of the hassle out of travel so members can focus on what matters most – spending time on Miami Beach with friends and family."

With car2go's unique one-way approach to carsharing, members don't need to make reservations in advance or return the vehicle to any specific location. Instead, they can enjoy the flexibility of hopping in any one of hundreds of car2go smart fortwo vehicles that are available 24/7 throughout Miami and Miami Beach, and only pay for the time they use the vehicle. Once members are finished, they can leave the vehicle at any city metered space, any residential neighborhood street within the car2go Home Area, or any car2go designated parking space.

car2go has continued to improve service in Miami based on feedback from members on what is most important for their transportation needs. Recently, car2go announced that it would begin covering all tolls incurred by members during car2go trips in Miami. Coupled with car2go's affordable by-the-minute pricing, the elimination of tolls during car2go trips ensures that car2go is a cost-efficient option for moving throughout Miami and Miami Beach.

To celebrate car2go's expansion to Miami Beach, members are invited to an exclusive launch party at the Clevelander on Ocean Drive. Between 6-8PM on October 2nd, members can enjoy free food and music at the South Beach hot spot, as well as free drive-time and exclusive swag giveaways throughout the night. car2go will host a VIP Drop Zone nearby at 13th and Collins, where members can enjoy free, guaranteed parking for car2go vehicles.

FIND IT, DRIVE IT, PARK IT: A DIFFERENT WAY TO CARSHARE

Members can locate a car2go vehicle via the car2go smartphone app, the car2go website, by calling the customer call center, or simply by finding an available car on the street anywhere within the Home Area in Miami.

When members are finished using the vehicle, they may park at any city metered space, or on any residential neighborhood street within the car2go Home Area, as well as any car2go designated parking space. car2go Miami offers 11 surface lots with 26 designated parking spaces in Miami Beach. Parking, fuel, insurance, and maintenance are included at no additional cost.

Members can use the car2go service by the minute and pay only for the time they use the vehicle, with discounted rates for hourly and daily use. There are no annual or monthly fees required to use the service.

For more information or to register to become a member of car2go, please visit www.car2go.com/en/Miami/. Members are also encouraged to keep updated on the latest local car2go events and promotions by following @car2goMiami on Twitter.

Tesla Model X: The New Safest SUV?

The Tesla Motors [NSDQ: TSLA] Model X SUV has been revealed in production form; and while the packaging and performance of this new electric SUV are mostly as expected, there were plenty of surprises.

One of the surprises was how well the trick double-hinged falcon doors are designed—with a very narrow spread as they open, plus sensors that adjust the arc of the doors to available height. Another was that the Model X can tow 5,000 pounds, while carrying seven people and luggage.

But the one that CEO Elon Musk spent nearly the first half of the Model X presentation outlining wassafety. The Model X, he said, is the first SUV that’s five-star in every category.

Musk summed that in the federal tests, those stars correlate directly to the probability of injury in a particular set of conditions.

For frontal crashes, the lack of an engine block allows engineers to have a longer distance for the crumple zone.

The Model X also achieves perfect five-star results, he said; and its side pole test also has about half the intrusion of the next closest SUV model.

Also because of the low-set battery pack and resulting extremely low center of mass, it has half the rollover propensity of any SUV or minivan.

The Model X certainly isn't alone in its top-tier ratings. The Tesla Model S sedan already earns a top five-star federal safety score—both overall, and in the frontal, side, and side pole tests, as well as in rollover, ofcourse.

Environmental safety as well as occupant safety

But safety does take other forms, and Musk then couldn’t resist a little jab to other current events.

“Recent events have illustrated the importance of air safety,” he said, clearly alluding to Volkswagen’s “clean diesel” emissions-cheating scandal, then introducing a true HEPA air filtration system for the Model X, including three layers of activated carbon.

Tesla Model X Spy Shots with One Video

Itching for Tesla to roll out the Model X and blow the world away? Eager to see every spy shot and spy video you can get your eyes on? Here are 13 recent spy pics and one spy video you may have missed. By the way, a big tip of the hat to the Tesla Motors Club forum and enthusiastic fans taking spy pics & spy videos and uploading them to social media as fast as possible. 

New Tesla Roadster Coming in 2017 … Maybe

Tesla launched its brand with a simply styled, brutally fast convertible called the Tesla Roadster. It was based heavily on the featherweight Lotus Elise roadster, which may or may not become the car you see, above: the on-again, off-again 2015 Lotus Elise concept.

Now, rumors are starting to circulate about an all-new Tesla Roadster coming in 2017. All of which begs the question, “Will Tesla’s next Roadster, then, be based on Lotus’ next Elise?”

Probably not.

All the same, an updated Tesla Roadster is expected to be one of four – four! – all-new Tesla models that (the usually reliable) Autobild magazine claims will be released by 2017, just in time to carry a “2018″ model year designation. We already know about the hot-selling Model X SUV/crossover and Model 3 “mainstream” sedan made to take on the Chevy Volt PHEV and Nissan Leaf, but Autobild is claiming that, along with the new Tesla Roadster, a new compact city car – similar in size and concept to the BMW i3 – will be joining the lineup, as well.

With a compact, a pair of sedans, an SUV, and – now – an updated sports car, Tesla could become the first full-line, all-electric carmaker in … maybe 100 years? Something like that.

Let us know what you think of Tesla’s big plans, and whether or not you think they’d be better off with a Lotus-tuned chassis (my take: they would be) in the comments, below.

Source: Autobild, via World Car Fans.