Tesla threw a massive party to celebrate its new Model X SUV (TSLA)
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Tesla unleashed its new Model X SUV upon the automotive world in dramatic fashion Tuesday night with a massive party at a facility near the company's Fremont, California, factory. The event was attended by thousand of Tesla owners, potential buyers, company employees, and members of the media.
The Tesla Model X crossover is one of the most eagerly awaited vehicles in recent memory. The company says it already has more than 25,000 orders for the X with a backlog of eight to 12 months.
The Model X is unique in the automotive world. Though there are plenty of electric vehicles on the road and even a couple of electric SUVs for sale, none of them live in the high-performance luxury realm normally occupied by the likes of Porsche, BMW, and Range Rover.
After years of development and an initial production run that CEO Elon Musk described as "very difficult," the Model X is finally ready for delivery.
Thousands of attendees gather in the party room as they await entry into the main presentation area.
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Eventually the crowd was allowed to migrate over to the presentation hall. All we are missing now is Elon Musk and his electric SUV.
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And here he is! The crowd goes wild, and so do the attendees' smartphones.
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The production Model X is Tesla's first all-new car since the introduction of the Model S in 2012.
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Musk quickly launches into an overview of the Model X's many features, such as stellar side-impact protection ...
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.... driver's assistance sensors, and even ...
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... a Bioweapon Defense Mode for its air-filtration system.
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There was also a demonstration of the Model X's 5,000-pound towing capacity that saw an example of the car tow an Airstream trailer onto the stage.
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This demonstration continued with a family of seven stepping out of the vehicle along with all of their luggage.
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The feature on which Musk spent the most time during his presentation was the signature falcon-wing rear doors. The falcon wings are built with onboard ultrasonic sensors that can customize the way the doors open based on the amount of space available.
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According to Musk, the falcon-wing doors are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve a very practical purpose in that they improve the ease of entry for rear-seat occupants.
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Musk demonstrated the the unique properties of the falcon wings by squeezing a Model X tightly between an Audi Q7 SUV and a Honda Odyssey minivan.
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The Falcon Wings proved to be unfazed by the challenge. They need less than 12 inches of room on each side to operate.
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In additional, the front doors on the Model X are are built with sensors that can detect the intent of the approaching person and open on their own.
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There's also an easy-to-attach bike rack.
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And we can't forget about the performance stats. The P90D with Ludicrous Mode can reach 60 mph in a supercar-shaming 3.2 seconds.
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For a lucky few in the crowd, the next part of the presentation is the reason to attend the party.
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Elon Musk personally delivered about half a dozen Model X Founder's Series cars to actual customers.
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As Musk ended the presentation, the party kicked up again.
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Tesla left a black Model X on stage as a static display for the partygoers to check out.
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The car was immediately swarmed.
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Is there even a car back there?
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The thousands of partygoers were treated to free drinks and gourmet food. But most spent their time taking test rides in the Model X ...
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... and swarming the black Model X that Tesla left on stage. The car was inundated with partygoers more than an hour after the end of Musk's presentation.
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See Also:
Tesla's new car includes a 'bioweapon defense mode' — and that's not a joke
We took a tour of the factory where Tesla is building its new Model X
SEE ALSO: We drove Tesla's new Model X SUV, here's what it's like