One things where several Tesla people have gone on record is working on a solution to be able to transfer skis on a Model X. Traditional roof racks are probably out of the question due to the falcon wings... so how could this happen? The issue being, with falcon wings rising up, there isn't room for the racks or the skis, let alone a skibox.
The most literal hints we have from the November update: "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 ready for Model X customers next year."
We know from mule sightings Model X's are riding around with (now estimated) 2" hitch receivers. This seems to make it possible to attach bike racks on the back, but of course it could - and indeed would judging by the wording of the November update - be a part of a ski-carrying solution as well. It seems likely this is where the carrying solutions will be focused on, but before going to that, let's still consider the roof as well.
Judging by the design of the prototype and what we've seen of the mules, there is an area in the middle of the roof before the falcon wings that is solid. Also, between the falcon wings in the middle of the rear part of the roof there is solid roof, where the wings attach to. It doesn't seem unimaginable a front part of a roof-rack could be placed in the front of the car. There was some speculation around the time of the alleged Model X leakster here that it could have come from the accessory side of things. Perhaps not surprisingly, Tesla's comment of working with best rack and accessory companies in the world came out quite near that leak. To work with accessory makers, you have to share drawings - at the very least it seems plausible.
But where could a rear part of a roof transport solution go? There does seem to be a little room after the falcon wings, before the rear window, which has been covered quite well in the mules (something to hide?). Could there be room for roof racks that perhaps only have connection points in the middle, wide enough for skis that remain between the two falcon wings? Something like this perhaps (don't mind the car in the pic, just the idea)?
However, as seen in the November update email image, the space between the two falcon wings seems tight when they are fully opened up. The doors would have to be able to adjust themselves to this. Could the sensors on the door (some noted suspicious ones in the image below) allow the falcon wing to open outwards mostly when roof-racks are in place, thus allowing a ski box - assuming sensors note enough space on the side of the car to open outwards?
A more simpler option, of course, would be that only one door is allowed to open when a roof-based cargo solution is attached and make the rack solution such that stuff can only be placed on one side.
Now, finally, coming to the rear part of the car, it seems most likely Tesla might simply go for a traditional hitch-mounted solution and nothing happens in the roof area. Perhaps the solution will not be any more complicated than this - seems perfectly possible:
However, Tesla focus on aerodynamics suggests they might try go above and beyond in this area. This brings me to the final point that has been made, the changes in the Model X mules in the rear spoiler area. Could they either include connection points for some more aerodynamically friendly carrying solutions and/or a spoiler that would help aerodynamics in the case of an attached rack? Spoiler pops up to direct air away from a rack or somesuch?
See here for a pretty high-res look at this rear area of a Model X mule:
Picture 16 - Spied: 2016 Tesla Model X
All this, of course, well in the speculation territory - but I thought summarizing the ideas being bandied around in one thread might help move the conversation along.
I'm looking forward to hearing other points and ideas. Thank you.
The most literal hints we have from the November update: "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 ready for Model X customers next year."
We know from mule sightings Model X's are riding around with (now estimated) 2" hitch receivers. This seems to make it possible to attach bike racks on the back, but of course it could - and indeed would judging by the wording of the November update - be a part of a ski-carrying solution as well. It seems likely this is where the carrying solutions will be focused on, but before going to that, let's still consider the roof as well.
Judging by the design of the prototype and what we've seen of the mules, there is an area in the middle of the roof before the falcon wings that is solid. Also, between the falcon wings in the middle of the rear part of the roof there is solid roof, where the wings attach to. It doesn't seem unimaginable a front part of a roof-rack could be placed in the front of the car. There was some speculation around the time of the alleged Model X leakster here that it could have come from the accessory side of things. Perhaps not surprisingly, Tesla's comment of working with best rack and accessory companies in the world came out quite near that leak. To work with accessory makers, you have to share drawings - at the very least it seems plausible.
But where could a rear part of a roof transport solution go? There does seem to be a little room after the falcon wings, before the rear window, which has been covered quite well in the mules (something to hide?). Could there be room for roof racks that perhaps only have connection points in the middle, wide enough for skis that remain between the two falcon wings? Something like this perhaps (don't mind the car in the pic, just the idea)?
However, as seen in the November update email image, the space between the two falcon wings seems tight when they are fully opened up. The doors would have to be able to adjust themselves to this. Could the sensors on the door (some noted suspicious ones in the image below) allow the falcon wing to open outwards mostly when roof-racks are in place, thus allowing a ski box - assuming sensors note enough space on the side of the car to open outwards?
A more simpler option, of course, would be that only one door is allowed to open when a roof-based cargo solution is attached and make the rack solution such that stuff can only be placed on one side.
Now, finally, coming to the rear part of the car, it seems most likely Tesla might simply go for a traditional hitch-mounted solution and nothing happens in the roof area. Perhaps the solution will not be any more complicated than this - seems perfectly possible:
However, Tesla focus on aerodynamics suggests they might try go above and beyond in this area. This brings me to the final point that has been made, the changes in the Model X mules in the rear spoiler area. Could they either include connection points for some more aerodynamically friendly carrying solutions and/or a spoiler that would help aerodynamics in the case of an attached rack? Spoiler pops up to direct air away from a rack or somesuch?
See here for a pretty high-res look at this rear area of a Model X mule:
Picture 16 - Spied: 2016 Tesla Model X
All this, of course, well in the speculation territory - but I thought summarizing the ideas being bandied around in one thread might help move the conversation along.
I'm looking forward to hearing other points and ideas. Thank you.
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