Tesla Model Y SUV teased ahead of March 14 launch

Elon Musk, has taken a break from courting controversy on Twitter, by tweeting that the Tesla Model Y, the US car-maker's forthcoming Audi Q4 e-tron-rival, will be unveiled at a VIP event in LA on March 14.

Releasing an accompanying tease on its website, the picture posted is the second shadowy glimpse of the Tesla Model Y gives little away.

Claimed to be around 10 per cent bigger than the Model 3 that the Tesla Model Y shares a platform and powertrain with, it's thought the new pure-electric compact SUV will measure in at around 4700mm long and 1850mm wide and be priced around 10 per cent more than the small sedan.

With production for the fourth Tesla car confirmed to commence at the firm's Gigafactory in Nevada, the construction of the Model Y should be both quicker and easier thanks to the Model 3, Model S and Model X that all have to wait for their powertrain and batteries to be made in Nevada and then transported to California.

Already running late, the Model Y was originally set to be on sale early this year, now customers are expected to now receive their cars in 2020.

The Model Y has been heralded as just the beginning of a rapid model expansion from Tesla that will see the introduction of a second-generation Roadster, a battery-powered ute, truck and minibus.

All of those are expected to be outsold by the Model Y which, along with the Model 3, are shaping up to provide the volumes Tesla needs for it to survive.

Set to share looks with the Model 3 and the bigger Model X SUV, it's thought the latter's attention-grabbing 'Falcon wing' doors won't be offered on the small Model Y because of their added cost and complexity.

More will be revealed on March 14 when the drapes come off what's set to be Tesla most important model yet.