Tesla Model X crossover to be unveiled on Feb. 9

Rocketship impresario Elon Musk had previously promised the premiere of the Tesla Model X crossover last month. It's now come out that the electric crossover will be unveiled on Feb. 9 at the company's design studio in Hawthorne, Calif.

One may recall that Santa Monica--the oceanfront town's airport, to be exact--was the site of the Tesla Roadster's big unveiling back in 2006, featuring what seemingly was every green and automotive pundit in the Los Angeles Basin, not to mention an appearance by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Then came revisions, corporate infighting and delays as the company ran smack-dab into the realities of being, you know, an actual car company.

With Roadster production finished and the Model S sedan nearly ready for market, the company's now turning its attention to readying a crossover variant of the same platform. Like the electric saloon, the Model X will feature seven-passenger seating. The company claims it'll be roomier than an Audi Q7 and quicker than a Porsche 911. With similar powertrain and battery options to those available on the S, expect some decrease in range because of extra weight and drag.

Tesla expects to build 15,000 units per year (versus 20,000 a year for the Model S) at its Fremont, Calif., factory, which formerly housed the General Motors/Toyota NUMMI joint venture. The company suggests the production Model X will bow in 2014.

By Davey G. Johnson