Tesla Is Dedicated To Model X Falcon Wing Doors

Tesla Model X (Credit: Tesla Motors)

Tesla really likes the falcon wing doors on the new Model X crossover, like to the point of almost obsessing over them. Just how far the electric automaker’s dedication to the doors goes is becoming scarier, because it’s willing to suffer through huge delays, lost revenue and bridges burnt to get them just so. With the complexity of something as simple as doors, some are wondering if the California automaker has become blind to the dangers it’s tempting, like a small child playing with a lighter.

Like we’ve reported before, the Model X was about two years late to market. Excessive NOx emissions at the assembly plant in California have contributed to the delay, but another source is a big legal fight with German auto parts supplier Hoerbiger Automotive Comfort Systems.

It’s all a tangled mess right now, but basically Tesla says Hoerbiger, which was supposed to make those cool falcon wing doors, didn’t hold up its end of the deal. Tesla has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Northern California against the German supplier, claiming damages because the doors had problems with sagging, leaking oil and moving slowly.

Hoerbiger thinks that Tesla cutting ties means the automaker owes it more than $3 million, which is why Tesla has taken legal action to put the issue to rest.

Besides contributing to the delay of the Model X release, Tesla says Hoerbiger made it necessary for the automaker to get a new, unnamed supplier on board to make things right. Interestingly enough, some still claim the falcon wing doors are slow and far from perfect, but Tesla seems to think they meet its stringent requirements.

While the legal battle is interesting in a Matlock sort of way, the real story is how the Model X was supposed to be a slam dunk for Tesla. Instead of being some huge cash cow that’s lining the company’s pockets with loads of Benjamins, many are questioning how much of a drag on the automaker’s money and resources it has become.

Tesla insists that the Model 3 won’t be delayed, which is funny since we’ve all heard that with both of the company’s production vehicles. By taking on an overly complex project with the Model X to shock and awe the competition, Tesla might have inadvertently opened itself up to some dire consequences, which would be pretty sad to see come about.

Kudos to The Wall Street Journal, which originally reported on Tesla’s lawsuit.