Model X Falcon Doors

[Norbert]

Elon is, what, 6'3"? What do you make the required vertical clearance for those falcon doors, open, to be? Looks to be at least 8'. That could be a problem in some parking garages and home garages.

Heh, this time I was faster. I wrote this at 8:12 pm in another thread:

Isn't Elon 6'4 or something? Those must be some wheels. Difficult to tell how large it is. Would be interested to see a Model S next to it.

[WhiteKnight]

Elon is like 6' 1" or 6' 2", Franz is 6' 4", 6'5" with the hair.

The Falcon Doors are adjustable so that you can set the maximum height (like the Audi Q7) so if your garage is only 7' tall (like mine) you can still fit.

Model X is taller than the S but still not very tall relative to minivans or SUV's.

[AndrewBissell]

The Falcon Doors are adjustable so that you can set the maximum height (like the Audi Q7) so if your garage is only 7' tall (like mine) you can still fit.

How do you know this?

I hope they may put ultrasonic sensors along the door each side to give confidence that you won't hit the car next to you, the wall you parked next to or the roof above you. Automating that would be a huge reassurance - especially when you think of it as a family car and your five-year-old may be pressing the door open button in the back.

[doug]

I hope they may put ultrasonic sensors along the door each side to give confidence that you won't hot the car next to you, the wall you parked next to or the roof above you. Automating that would be a hug reassurance - especially when you think of it as a family car and your five-year-old may be pressing the door open button in the back.

I, for one, prefer hug reassurance when I hot the car next to me.

[YoungStranger]

these falcon doors make the Model X an ideal platform for a Taxi / Minicab / Limo. Maybe that is a market they could aim for - just need to get the right shade of yellow (or Black for London

[JRP3]

I must say the "falcon" effect is less than I was expecting, and it looks as if it might only take 6 inches or less off the arc. I guess that's enough to make it worth while, but I'm still trying to decide if this design is worth the complexity over a conventional door, especially considering the height issues in many places. I could not fully open those doors in my parent's garage, which means they'd probably be hanging down in the way for a nice head bashing if not careful. Plus some parking garages.

[mattjs33]

I haven't taken the time to read all 18 pages of this thread, so forgive me if anything I say has already been stated...

Just saw the Model X pics today, and I have to say the Falcon doors are ridiculous. I can't imagine they will make it to production. I also can't see how having the door fold midway takes any more than about a few inches off of the overall opened height. What it will do is make it much easier to hit your head on the opened door when getting in or out. Compare a picture of an opened SLS door versus this thing and tell me which gives you more clearance. And even that car takes some learning to get in or out of without hitting your head (I've read).

I understand that the bifold theory is to provide a smaller swing arc, but really even considering such a design element on this type of vehicle is stupid. Also consider that an SUV is going to get use in the type of weather that will have rain and slush and whatnot dripping down off of the open door and through the bifold crease onto whomever exits or enters the rear seat area.

Sorry but this door design is stupid, frivolous and unnecessary. It's not a two-seat limited use exotic. But if the intent was to get people's attention, mission accomplished. Which is why I believe they won't be on the production vehicle.

If they're such a great idea, how come the front doors don't open the same way?

[WhiteKnight]

How do you know this?

I hope they may put ultrasonic sensors along the door each side to give confidence that you won't hit the car next to you, the wall you parked next to or the roof above you. Automating that would be a huge reassurance - especially when you think of it as a family car and your five-year-old may be pressing the door open button in the back.

The Tesla folks said this at the event last night.

Also said the doors will have sensors closing and opening in case the door hits something.

[EVNow]

The Falcon Doors are adjustable so that you can set the maximum height (like the Audi Q7) so if your garage is only 7' tall (like mine) you can still fit.

That might work. I wonder whether the wing will hit your head if it is not fully open - negating the usefulness of the wing design.

[Kipernicus]

The Tesla folks said this at the event last night.

Also said the doors will have sensors closing and opening in case the door hits something.

I'd like the car to recognize someone yelling "STOP" to stop the doors in its tracks.