While most electric car enthusiasts are anticipating the release of the Tesla Model 3 in the second half of next year, Unplugged Performance, a Tesla tuner based in Hawthorne, California, recently released a beefed up Tesla Model X during the ongoing SEMA convention in Las Vegas.
Unplugged Performance released a decent aftermarket body kit, officially known as the aero kit, that turned the Tesla Model X to something sportier than its original look. It subsequently referred to the model as P100DL.
The body kit includes a new front fascia, side skirt set, rear bumper, and decklid spoiler all for the cost of $2,500, reports Electrek.
Unplugged Performance explained on its website that the Tesla Model X P100DL is the quickest production SUV ever made. Although it does not look as fast or aggressive as a BMW X5M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the electric car can leave its competitors in the dust.
It went on to elaborate that the Tesla Model X is an amazing feat of engineering. Packing seven passengers into a normal car just isn’t possible but the unique design and engineering of the Model X make it happen, with style to spare.
Many Tesla Model X owners will be satisfied with the sleeper appearance but Unplugged Performance claims that they desire a more emotional and fierce presence for the road.
A ‘Complete Vehicle Program’
The aftermarket body kit for the Tesla Model X is part of Unplugged Performance’s latest ‘Complete Vehicle Program’ which allows customers to customize every element of the vehicle to suit their personal tastes and preferences, notes Teslarati.
Unplugged Performance says its design philosophy is to accentuate the existing components and body lines that Tesla designers worked tirelessly on.
The company said that they try to work with Tesla’s unique design and engineering DNA not against it.
Since the Model X borrows heavily from the Model S’ design DNA, they felt that they needed to bring the soul of the Model X to the surface and enhance the modem, high tech, and high-performance spirit of the vehicle and give it a unique feel in keeping with the unique and revolutionary technology that the Model X platform boasts.
Unplugged Performance also added that they have taken into account performance, both from a range and acceleration perspective.
The Model X is fitted with ultra-light forged aluminum wheels and Brembo lightweight carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston calipers that it claims will shed more than 50 pounds of unsprung weight, leading to a greater range, acceleration, braking, and handling.
The orange Model X outfitted with Unplugged Performance’s aero kit, rear decklid spoiler, and a suite of lightweight components is currently being showcased alongside Toyo Tires at the Las Vegas convention since November 1 up to November 4.
A dramatic rethink of an SUV
An SUV that drives and can be handled like a sedan, that is the general consensus of the reviews about the Tesla Model X, which have quietly made it to the US market after it was officially launched late last year.
Most of those who have had the opportunity to own and drive the Tesla Model X are one in saying that driving the SUV is very similar to the Tesla Model S sedan.
While some critics would downplay such capability as they are merely looking for the vast size and weight difference between the two electric cars from Tesla, the real feat comes with the mountain of torque, the Biohazard Defense Mode, and the falcon wing-doors of the Model X.
These features give the Tesla Model X the wow factor which is further complemented by its roomy interior and storage space, giving it the unique practicality.
Overall, critics believe that the Tesla Model X is a dramatic rethink of what an SUV can be while sticking to the Model S blueprint.