A prototype of Tesla’s Model X crossover was caught testing in a former naval yard

By Alexander Kalogianni February 2, 2015

Tesla’s Model X is long overdue, but at the very least, it looks like the EV automaker is hard at work putting the final touches on the electric crossover. Thanks to a new video posted on YouTube, we have a small idea of just how far along the project seems to be, as well as what it looks like on the move.

Captured by an amateur videographer in Alameda, CA, the camo’d Model X can be seen doing certain dynamic test runs in an area that used to be a naval air station. The lucky filmmaker happened to be at a nearby skate park where he discovered the test taking place, whereupon he grabbed footage of it in action on his iPhone.

The best camera is the one you have with you, as the saying goes.

We don’t know what exactly is being tested here, but we can see the vehicle testing out some hard braking performance and doing some tight loops in the open area, silent save for the tires squealing under the pressure. Nothing of the video shows any chase car or Tesla team members capturing data of some kind, but we can’t even be sure the Model X was there for very long. Indeed, from the video, it seems like the Model X quickly flees the scene, probably aware that this test was bound to garner some attention.

Tesla Model X — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tesla’s delay of the vehicle is an unusual misstep for the fledgling company. As this is Tesla’s second original vehicle, fans and critics alike are eager to see if this sophomore endeavor will be as successful as the Model S sedan.

Currently, the all-wheel drive electric crossover is delayed until the third quarter of this year, with the first of its run already reserved by eager pre-order customers.

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Alexander Kalogianni

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…

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