Jul 13, 2012
dsm363 Looks good. Nice work. Could definitely be an option.
I'm fine with things the way they are if they move the two floor cup holders back (towards the back of the car) about 6 inches so taller drinks can fit.�
Jul 13, 2012
Tempus For me - take b.noing's idea, and put the cupholders on the floor of the open storage area, near the back. So lower, and a bit in front of where the current cupholders are in the arm-rest. (agreed with many that they don't work there). that would seem to work a lot better, give you room for taller cups, and have it less awkward to get to.
Another +1 for a great idea there!�
Jul 13, 2012
ckessel +1 If ever a post qualified for the "Great first post!", this one does.�
Jul 13, 2012
BryanW b.noing's design looks nice. It is very similar to the setup in our 2004 Honda CRV, with the pull out drawer in the CRV being a single cup holder. I think it would be a very popular design and Tesla should consider offering it.
However, given choices, I would still prefer to go with a design like sofl has done. My only concern with b.noing's design is that it emphasizes a vertical nature to the space, pushing it to feel more like an SUV cockpit.
sofl's design would maintain a low profile while keeping a more horizontal feel, which to me fits more with the sleek/racing feel of the Model S.
Both designs are a significant improvement over what is being currently offered, and I hope Tesla offers both types as options.�
Jul 13, 2012
mlascano +1 b.noing!! I like it!
As others have mentioned, if a vertical design like this one is implemented (finding a way to add pop-out aluminum cup holders to it), PLUS reconfigure the current cup holders under the arm rest as a concealed storage area, that would make me very happy :biggrin:
Also waiting to see what Soflauthor comes up with. I do like his initial mock up too.�
Jul 13, 2012
brianman I think he's still in the dark room working with negatives.
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Jul 13, 2012
Larry Chanin Great work b.noing!
I basically share most of Dborn's opinions.
Like Dborn one of the first things that occured to me was having the doors match the trim. However, this will be a much higher traffic area than the front of the dashboard, so I would want to be assured that the existing trim is durable enough to be used in this application. I also agree that this design could be combined with other horizontal designs, but depending on which is selected, it might interfer with b.noig's original concept to continue to allow space for purses, etc. I'm not suggesting that the floor space must be available to accommodate purses, etc., depending on the design of the horizontal storage it might still be possible to place a purse on top of it.
Larry�
Jul 13, 2012
SUN-day Driver Another +1. (I usually find "+1" comment useless and annoying but this time felt it was important to speak up in case anyone at TM is noticing the responses.)
I love the concealed vertical storage. Along with the open area between the seats (and with the sides to prevent things from flying out) you get the best of everything. I'd want to leave the area behind the streering wheel the way it currently is rather than changing it to black, though.�
Jul 13, 2012
Soflauthor Kudos to @b.noing for a creative design solution. We might refer to this as a "display stack solution" -- clean, compact, and some room on the floor for open space. Nice work!
IMO, @b.noing' display stack could and should be opportunity console option #2, after a miminalist dual channel with cubbie that Tesla has proposed.
I'm still at work on option # 3, the CCI, but building something physical when all you have are rough dimensions isn't easy. Completing 3rd iteration CAD drawings tonight (I hope) and will begin implementing a foam pre-prototype tomorrow or Sunday. Ever onward.
To complete my design work, I really do need dimensions for the now standard cubbie-- the car in the Dania store is an older beta and doesn't have one. If you have access to a Model S that has a cubbie, the width and height dimensions would be greatly appreciated. And while you're measuring, it would be useful to have the vertical dimension from the center of the lower front edge of the cubbie to the floor of the car. Post in this thread or private msg me. Thx!�
Jul 13, 2012
Lyon I love everything about that except for changing the leather color behind the wheel (personal preference) and the fact that it reminds me of the center stack of my parents' old 1993 Plymouth Grand Voyager. Then again, that was a immensely useful design and I'm sure that Tesla could execute it in a way that looked MUCH better.
Thanks for the contribution b.noing�
Jul 13, 2012
b.noing I whole heartedly agree with the input here. The cup holders are poorly positioned and too shallow to be of any use. I do like the idea of a double metal ring that plugs in to the face of the existing console and floats above the open space. This could be removable and allow non-cup holder people to opt out.
Soflauthor's horizontal console idea and the display stack are both functional but completely different in look and feel. Offering both "opportunities" would really add to the Tesla mystique as well as make for happy owners. They could also pursue different aesthetics. A minimal more tech look for the center stack as an extension of the big screen (also to avoid any minivan look) and more traditional leather and accent trim for the horizontal option.�
Jul 13, 2012
Jason S +1 to original design concept and +1 Dborn or Larry Chanin's cosmetic improvements on this design. WhiteKnight's idea of heating/cooling electronics would be really slick, I think integrated cups might make that easier?
Cup holders with the lids right in front of the controls make me nervous, but those controls will rarely be touched anyhow, so I'd get over it. If I even bother with cups in those; better to have the option and not use it.
I don't see a problem with the minivan design aesthetic in this case.�
Jul 14, 2012
ddruz In following this thread closely it appears that people really like b.noing's vertical storage and soflauthor's horizontal storage designs, myself included, and are probably hoping that a variant of each is an option at the end of the day. There are a some others, however, who would like to see the minimalist concept retained along with as much open space as possible. And most everyone seems to feel that the current cup holders should be relocated and the freed up space under the arm rests turned into concealed storage.
Both b.noing's and soflauthor's concepts can incorporate relocated cup holders, the former with pop outs, pull outs or drop downs and the latter with stationary recesses. But for the minimalists we have yet to see a functional, aesthetic, durable solution for cup holder relocation. Relocating them below the under-display shelf like original option #3 restricts container height to less than 8 inches. A pop out or pull out fixed to the bottom of the shelf may limit container height also due to interfering with the display. Using a flip up or pop out on the front of the current arm rest may necessitate a rather significant cantilever to reach past the lip. Putting cup holders directly on the floor in front of the arm rest module without consideration of the USB ports could restrict their usage.
To encourage discussion about cup holder relocation for the minimalists who simply wish to move the cup holders and will be content with whatever concealed storage may subsequently result under the arm rests, I present two conceptual solutions for consideration. The first solution retains more open space but the cup holders cannot exceed a certain diameter. In the second, larger container diameters may be accommodated but some open space is traded off.
�
Jul 14, 2012
roblab @ ddruz
I like this very much. That's my vote. I think #2 over #1 right now, but either would be great.�
Jul 14, 2012
mulder1231 This to me so far is both estatically the best idea, and, the most practical solution for cup holders. An option 3 would be to place the cup holders diagonal, to accommodate larger beverage sizes. That's the way it is configured in my Kia Optima and it works very well.�
Jul 14, 2012
ddruz mulder1231: Here is minimalist option #3 per your suggestion with diagonal cup holders which also accommodate larger size diameters but take away less open space than minimalist option #2 above.
�
Jul 14, 2012
mulder1231 For comparison, here is an image of the Kia cup holder design. It also has a slot in between the cup holders, I guess for cups with a handle, or to store longer items.
�
Jul 14, 2012
jbherman I like the first option + add the phone dock or storage behind the side by side cup-holders (perpendicular to the direction you have it in option 2).�
Jul 14, 2012
Jason S I like ddruz's design simplicity and modular nature, but I'd rather have it extend from under the console than eat the open space between the seats. With open space between the seats we can place bags or w/e there and they are contained by the seats. Putting the bags or w/e further forward will increase the danger of the stuff spilling over into the footwells and creating a hazard.
So flipping it around works better for me.
I'm pretty sure this has been mentioned before -- put the USB ports (or at least one) in a cubby under the armrest. Implying a redesigned armrest with the more conventional flip-up design.�
Jul 14, 2012
MikeK +1. I think you could put a small storage area directly under the shelf, moving the cup holders just far enough back to accommodate larger containers without hitting the shelf. You'd still have plenty of space for a purse or bag between the seats where it will be well corralled.�
Jul 14, 2012
brianman I'd like to be able to test drive all options (sofl, b, ddruz) for 3 months so that I can effectively review them. Otherwise, I'll write a nasty jalopnik post.�
Jul 14, 2012
ddruz Jason S & Mike K: I agree with you that flipping things around would work also. The trade off is that more open space is lost in order to accommodate beverage containers taller than ~8" since the under-display shelf juts out over the open space farther than the arm rests do and 8" is about the maximum container height beneath the shelf. But if one is willing to give up more open space flipping things is certainly another way to do it.
The objective in my minimalist proposal was to retain as much open space as possible while accommodating containers taller than 8". For a minimalist who can live with beverage containers no taller than ~8" and of modest diameter remember that original option #3 on the first page of this thread is also a consideration.
Whether incorporated into a b.noing-vertical, solflauthor-horizontal or minimalist type option, it seems most people agree that ideally the current cup holders under the arm rests should be relocated and replaced with a storage cubby. The question is where to relocate them depending on individual needs. Each of the eventual options Tesla offers us may have the relocated cup holders in a different place.
(Jason S: +1 on a USB port in the resulting cubby under arm rests when current cup holders are relocated.)�
Jul 14, 2012
MikeK Yeah, I've changed my mind about my suggestion above after sitting in the car today. Have a look:
This car had the front cup holder Opportunity Console (and the shelf) installed. The bag that's in the between-seat area is a very small camera bag, no more than 10" long. If cup holders were moved far enough aft to clear the bottom of the screen, it would not leave enough space for anything substantial.�
Jul 14, 2012
MikeK A couple of quick items from the Palo Alto event today.
First, I was able to put a "New iPad" into the glove box. The iPad (placed in sideways) extends slightly past the hinge point of the door, so when you close the door, it lifts the iPad up a bit, but it does close. You'd be hard pressed to get it in there with a lot of other stuff. The iPad will also fit in the new shelf under the screen, but it won't fit sideways, so it ends up hanging several inches out of the shelf. I wasn't able to take pictures of these iPad experiments.
But, I did get couple of photos at the event today. First, an iPhone in the new shelf.
Then, since it was requested, a couple of dimensions for the shelf. I'm sorry I wasn't able to take detailed measurements.
�
Jul 14, 2012
brianman Nice work, MikeK!�
Jul 15, 2012
ddruz Mike K, Exceptional pictures, thanks! Fantastic feedback. It does look like one would need to sacrifice a prohibitive amount of open space to position front cup holders aft enough for taller than ~8" containers to clear the shelf. But cup holders relocated under the shelf, original option #3, look like they would work as a minimalist console option if a person limits his/her beverage containers to less than ~8" and a modest diameter. What do you think (not necessarily that you would want that option for yourself)? [Dimensions of a coke can: h = 4.75", d = 2.6"]
Also, do you recall if there was a gap between the bottom of the glove box door and the lower front edge of the glove box that items could fall through onto the floor? This was the case in at least some of the betas. Every car I have ever driven, however, has had no gap between glove box and glove box door that things can slip through so I suspect this may have been an oversight. Wondering if Tesla has fixed this in the production glove box.�
Jul 15, 2012
MikeK Glad they're helpful!
There isn't a meaningful gap with the glove box open. The way the door works, it pivots out and down (it's not a simple "piano" type hinge), so it ends up slightly below the actual opening, with a little bit of the leather peeking up and visible. There is a small gap to allow for this door swing to work, but I couldn't even fit a fingertip into that gap with the door open. I didn't try at all possible door angles, so there may be moments when the gap is larger.
I posted a photo and some thoughts about it in this post.�
Jul 15, 2012
Francis Lau Was the soda can stable in that cup holder? Also, when driving, is it a long reach to get the soda?�
Jul 15, 2012
MikeK I'd be a bit nervous about a full can there. In the arm rest, there are spring thingies at grip the can firmly, and it's a fairly deep as well. The front holder is a bit shallow and doesn't grip the can. It's hard to say without driving with one, though. I didn't think to test the reach, sorry.
I did play with the arm rest holders, and they are really not in a good spot. The arm rest is totally unusable with something in the holder. If you're driving solo (which I usually am), you could put a drink in the passenger-side holder and still use the driver's rest.�
Jul 15, 2012
ddruz Soflauthor: outstanding! Mahalo! Can't wait.
MikeK: thanks for the info on the glove box and the cup holder feedback. I'd value your opinion on where you personally would prefer to see the the cup holders relocated based on your experience in the car. Not looking for a one size fits all solution, just interested in your personal preference as someone who has thought about this quite a bit and has taken some measurements in the car.�
Jul 15, 2012
MikeK Honestly, I'm not sure. The arm rest location isn't great, as I mentioned, and we know that the front location imposes some limits on the kinds of containers or travel mugs you can fit. One thought I had was that it might be possible to take b.noing's "tall cubby" idea, but make it hinge at the bottom so that it flipped down into the floor recess, with two cup holder recesses in it. That would move the holders far enough back that you could clear the shelf and screen, while not permanently occupying that floor recess. The down side, of course, is that you couldn't use both the cup holders and the full floor area at the same time, which sort of sucks for somebody who really wants to use that recess, but also wants to have a beverage.
It might be that the best option is something that extends forward of where the current cup holders are (possibly sliding/folding), so that you could use the arm rest and still have a spot for a drink. But here, too, the arm rests are fairly far back as it is, and even with them forward I think a drink right in front of them would still be in the way. It would have to be lower as well, I think. Here's a photo I took yesterday. My arm is resting relatively comfortably on the rest, and you can see that half of my forearm still hangs off the front.
I wonder whether it would be possible to have the front-mounted opportunity console prototype just be deeper (as in, go down farther towards the road). I don't know if there's any leeway under there to go down, or if it's already at its limit.�
Jul 15, 2012
Francis Lau I asked a Tesla staff about the holder where you had the soda can, and he said that it was not a cup holder but for your phone, he even said that the final version would have a connector in it. I am not sure if it is accurate information since has a round shape but looking at the soda can and how shallow the holder is, it does not seem like a cup holder as well. Hmm...�
Jul 15, 2012
dsm363 That is exactly what I was looking for. Someplace to drop my iPhone (or any phone) in to recharge and link my music without Bluetooth.�
Jul 15, 2012
Larry Chanin Hi Francis,
Thanks for passing on that information.
The problem is that it is in conflict with the label on the photo in the first posting, "Console 3: Cupholders".
Presumably when Michael posted Tesla's photos they also provided the captions. It would be very helpful if he would confirm this. It also wouldn't hurt if Tesla offered an official description of these various console designs in which they discuss the intent of each rather than having us speculate on what they were thinking.
Larry�
Jul 15, 2012
WhiteKnight Coffee Maker!
I swear someone on this site mentioned wanting an in car coffee maker.
Well it looks like Fiat beat Tesla to the punch:
Fiat 500L to launch with worlds first in-car coffee maker option [w/video]
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Jul 15, 2012
Dborn I am speechless!!! Caffeine is a DRUG, folks! The obsession with cupholders on this and the factory site astounds me! I think this is an American thing. Frankly, if i did not have a cupholder in the car that would be a good thing and if the space otherwise employed for it was utilised for sunglass storage - then I would consider it useful.�
Jul 16, 2012
MikeK I don't believe that the one in the car I sat in was designed for a phone. It clearly had two curved areas designed for cans or cups. Now, perhaps they're thinking of putting a phone dock there, which would be interesting, but I believe the other Opportunity Console that was designed for a phone had the cradle towards the back of the floor recess, under where the USB and 12V plugs are.�
Jul 16, 2012
MikeK I assume you are aware that there are non-caffeinated beverages, including water, that can be placed into cup holders?�
Jul 16, 2012
ddruz Great out of the box thinking MikeK! I hope Tesla is listening. If the bottom of the prototype cup holders (option #3 - they are cup holders not phone holders) were extended below deck level the rims would be high enough with respect to beverage containers to keep them secure from spilling plus taller than ~8" containers could be accommodated. The bottom might need to drop 2" - 3" to accommodate most standard container heights.
The location of those prototype cup holders is actually quite optimum for those who want to retain maximum open space. But most all water bottles and cups with straws are too tall to currently fit under the now-standard shelf.
If the cup holders cannot be extend below deck another possible way to retain that fairly optimum cup holder location for maximized open space would be to have the option to forgo the under-display shelf which currently restricts beverage container height. This would be made possible if Tesla redesigned substantial enough storage under the arm rests (as is found on most other cars and would probably be everyone's #1 concealed storage preference) that the under-display shelf storage becomes superfluous. If it were a sensible option to forgo the shelf, beverage container height would not be restricted. The potential spillage problem is an easy fix with those "springy thingies" or slightly higher rims.�
Jul 16, 2012
jerry33 It's obvious that you don't live in a place where temperatures reach 40C and above and drives are often over 100 miles. Being without water isn't just inconvenient, it can be fatal. There are lots of non-caffinated beverages.�
Jul 16, 2012
ddruz The solution to the console/concealed storage/cup holder problem which is probably preferred by almost everyone has remained largely unspoken because we have been led to believe it is not possible. That is to create typical storage beneath the armrests with flip up arm rests. This would solve virtually everything in one fell swoop.
We have been operating under the assumption that the area under the arm rests is sacrosanct, that there are electronics and ventilation ducts there that take up all the space. Other cars have rear vents and still plenty of beneath arm rest storage. Beneath arm rest storage doesn't need to be super deep. Perhaps the electronics can be reconfigured to take up a little less volume. Only a modest percentage reduction would be needed.
At this stage Tesla is hopefully acutely aware how important it is to get this right. What they previously have said is not possible may in fact be possible after all. These guys are brilliant and can do almost anything they put their minds to, and fast.
1. Create storage beneath the arm rests with flip up arm rests (ideally include a USB port).
2. Adopt prototype #3 for cup holders, but beef them up to reduce chance of spillage.
3. Make the under-display standard shelf optional for those who plan on beverage containers taller than ~8"--there is now ample beneath arm rest storage to take up the slack. (Better yet, if feasible recess the bottom of the cup holders a few inches below deck so the shelf does not restrict taller containers.)
Then there is plenty of concealed storage right where everyone expects it. The majority of the Tesla trade mark open space is preserved. Cup holders are functional and useable at the same time as the arm rests. Extensive Opportunity Console options are still possible for those who wish them.
All by creating beneath arm rest storage.�
Jul 16, 2012
Larry Chanin Not all of us. :wink:
I am confident that Tesla will continue to listen and make changes, including the center console. I think this may be a problem only for the Signature reservation holders and perhaps some early General Production holders. Tesla knows the center console cupholder/armrest design is a clear failure and I expect that they are already working on a solution that will replace it.
I believe to avoid stock price repercussions it was essential that Tesla not miss their target release date so they were forced to go ahead with the current console design. For those folks that receive early delieveres I expect that they will be offered a new design option that can be field retrofited at a Tesla service center. Hopefully this will be free or at a very modest cost. For folks with later deliveries I expect a new console design to be the default offering at no charge.
Perhaps I am being naive, but I have confidence in Tesla that they will address this situation in a comprehensive fashion by, as you have described, dealing with the fundamental failings of the center console cupholder/armrest design.
Larry�
Jul 16, 2012
Hache Instead of cupholders under the shelf, why couldn't we have a drawer ? We have huuuuuge amount of space, the free space goes to the end of the feets. Couldn't we think of a drawer to put bits and bobs, and that you could open in the area between the shelf and the armrest, above your bag.
I tried to draw it, but my drawing skills are awfuuuuuuuuuull ! But there it is, in closed position :
And in open position :
You could have any cells you want in the drawer, to put coins, cards, remotes, tissues, anything...
Unfortunately, it does not solve the issue of cupholders. But I think it could be a good idea to use the huge amount of space between the legs of the driver and the passenger, to hide all the stuff that we like to have. It would stay easily available, just have to pull the drawer. And safe also, because the drawer would be closed while you drive, so no coins flying while you test the acceleration of your Model S in the turns ;-)
If anyone with better drawing skills wants to make a better version of my idea, be my guest !�
Jul 16, 2012
AnOutsider Could also modify it to have slide-out cupholders, but those would likely be better elsewhere anyway.�
Jul 16, 2012
strider +1 My wife always forgets to plug in her phone at home so without the charger in her car her phone battery would be perpetually dead. You also lose capability when streaming music via bluetooth vs docking the phone/mp3 player.�
Jul 16, 2012
MikeK Incidentally, I brought my iPhone cable with me to the event in Palo Alto, and plugged my phone into the USB port in the static display car (the Catalina White, which eventually entered test drive duty). The phone immediately began charging, but it appeared to be completely inaccessible from the 17" screen. No option to access it showed up in the Music section. I've heard that this software is unfinished, but I sure hope that they get it working before shipping.
I didn't want to pair up the phone with Bluetooth (although now I sort of wish I had so I could have tried the stereo with familiar music), but I agree with strider that you lose functionality when doing this compared to having direct connection.�
Jul 16, 2012
brianman @Hache - Your drawings are great. Interesting idea.�
Jul 16, 2012
Dborn Australia is a hot dry place. The land mass is the same size as the USA. Distances are greater because we are sparsely populated. Hey, that is what roadhouses are for, and they break the journey and alleviate fatigue. "stop, survive, revive" is on billboards everywhere. Also no distractions from leaning over to get the beverage, eyes off the road at speed. Last time I was in the states in October for the Fremont event, drove to Yosemite. 5 hours! All I did was stop periodically for fuel and comfort breaks - which included liquid refreshment!,�
Jul 19, 2012
Odenator 349 posts on this thread alone gripping about the lack of a usable cup holder in an American car. This is why you can't have a German wunderkind design the interior for American drivers. They just don't get the daily needs of American commuters.�
Jul 19, 2012
brianman I'm pretty sure at least half the posts saying nothing about cup holders.�
Jul 19, 2012
efusco I don't want to take this thread completely off topic, and maybe a mod can start a new one elsewhere, but one of the popular and most useful features at Priuschat.com is the Priuschat shop which sells a variety of custom items, like this center console prototype, commercial items, decals like the fellow is selling here in another thread, and is a central point for all things Prius. It makes money for the site owner and is a convenient one-stop-shop for Prius folks--it was especially handy when such items were so rare, and is especially profitable now that the Prius is so common.
I hope that the owners of TMC will consider adding a similar shop here or ask [email�protected] to set it up and run it for us.
By the way...love the prototype!�
Jul 19, 2012
smoothoperator i am not so sure about the pop up cupholders, or the angle at which the phone sits when used...maybe a full console that even replaces the current tesla arm rest, instead of this insert? If it was high quality I would pay 1k for a full console�
Jul 22, 2012
Larry Chanin Moderation on the official Tesla forums appears to be so lax and indifferent that I find it surprising that Tesla would deliberately expend the energy to remove such a helpful posting. One way to know for sure would be to simply repost.
Larry�
Jul 23, 2012
AnOutsider stumbled on this today... Perhaps there's a more "adult" version for those wanting back-of-the-seat storage. If it were well-done, I'd probably add it just for brickabrack.
http://yardsellr.com/for_sale/#!/kids-car-ride-organizer-4934588
�
Jul 23, 2012
dsm363 If they had more adult versions like Star Wars then maybe.:smile:�
Jul 23, 2012
kevincwelch Look no further: http://www.kidscomfort.eu/Star_Wars_-_Clone_Wars_Toy_bag_for_Car_seat_back_rest.html
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2�
Jul 23, 2012
jomo25 Appropriate as we are riding in a spaceship, no?
Which gets me thinking. Did the Millennium Falcon or Enterprise have appropriately positioned cupholders?�
Jul 23, 2012
ElSupreme Looks like in Lone Star's Winnebago Eagle 5 you have to put your cans on the dash! Look just above the steering wheel.
�
Jul 23, 2012
PhatCat That made me LOL�
Jul 23, 2012
100thMonkey I'd like to see a variety of options. One thing that is sorely missing in so many cars is a lock box. it would be very cool to see a "hidden" compartment under the console that locks and unlocks automatically with the car doors and has a good amount of space, maybe even enough for a lap top. I'm not sure what the aversion is to having the console area come up higher, seems like there is plenty of room for a cup holder and surface area up higher with some kind of safe box for valuables underneath. Glove boxes never feel very secure so we've been wanting something different.�
Jul 24, 2012
Robert.Boston I think that they call this the "frunk." :smile:�
Jul 24, 2012
NigelM The later Roadsters have this on the glove box when you lock the car with your PIN; it's nowhere near big enough for a laptop though. Does anyone know if the S has the same feature?�
Jul 24, 2012
MikeK I think the glove box latch is electrically triggered by the button press next to the display, so it seems possible for that to be disabled when the car is locked. That'd be nice. It's (barely) big enough for an iPad. Laptop, not so much, except an 11" Air or similar.�
Jul 24, 2012
Mogwai I'm sure most people will disagree with me, but I'd like to have a bench seat in the front.
I know it won't happen, but I'm a big fan of bench seats.�
Jul 24, 2012
mpt I think you're right... most will :tongue:
Actually, I think it's technically impossible... too much lateral G from that 21" rubber might have you sitting on your passengers lap on left-handers however, depending upon the passenger, right-handers could be good.�
Jul 24, 2012
AndyM The reps in the store last weekend, talking about valet mode, said it would be inheriting behavior from the Roadster. So, I'm expecting with high confidence that the glove box will not open from the button when valet mode is activated. Like Homelink, that's a "wait for it" function at this point.�
Jul 24, 2012
Mogwai Yep. Just see my vision though. Sitting in the front seats, you got your girlfriend, pop in a movie. Bench seats make it real easy to snuggles.
But I suppose most of the people buying this car, won't be using it for dates... other to drive to and from.�
Jul 26, 2012
WhiteKnight I think (pure speculation) that there are Federal requirements that all front seat passengers must have airbags. So if they make it a bench seat they have to put an airbag in the center of the dashboard (which is currently occupied by the 17" screen).
You can always snuggle in the back seat (or the frunk depending on what your girlfriend is into.)�
Jul 26, 2012
brianman Brown chicken brown cow.�
Jul 26, 2012
ddruz Back more on topic: Does anyone know the maximum diameter beverage container the current cup holders will accommodate? We know from MikeK's photos they will hold a coke can but will they hold a standard 3.0" diameter water bottle or do they just miss? Thanks.�
Jul 26, 2012
MikeK Hmm. I'm not certain, but what I can say is that the cup holder had little springy "fingers" in it so that the soda can that I put in there was held in place and wouldn't move around. But I think there was more play in those fingers, so you could probably put something in there that was nearly the full diameter of that chrome opening.
But, perhaps somebody could drop by a store?
ddruz, what's a standard 3" water bottle? i.e., if I wanted to drop by 7-11 and grab a bottle to try, what should I look for? Myabe I can drop by Menlo Park on the way to work Friday.�
Jul 27, 2012
ddruz MikeK, Here's a photo of a group of standard 3" diameter water bottles. A standard 3" diameter water bottle fits in holders on bicycles, back packs and all regular car cup holders I have ever seen. I brought an approximately 3.5" diameter Aquafina water bottle on my test drive and it was too large for the current cup holders. The bottled water purchased in stores comes in plastic bottles of varying diameters, many around 3" but also many larger and a few smaller. I've measured them in the supermarket water aisle since following this thread. The ones you buy to refill yourself like in the photo most commonly have a standard 3" diameter, at least in my experience.
�
Jul 27, 2012
MikeK Ah! That kind of water bottle. Okay, gotcha. I'll throw my bike bottle in the car and stop by when I can, unless somebody else beats me to it.�
Aug 5, 2012
ddruz There have been several comments on the "Rear Console" option provided by Tesla (last picture on first post of this thread) mentioning that while attractive and functional in providing storage and cup holders it is not as well integrated into the car as some would like and it comes at the cost of losing a passenger seat. Nonetheless, reading the posts my impression is that many people will be willing to accept those trade offs in version 1.0 of Model S since they accept that any major redesigns are not realistically going to happen at this stage. Any additional rear seat storage / cup holder solutions are likely going to be "add ons" to the car as we now see it, at least until such time down the road as Tesla does a major redesign of interior ergonomics.
I have been wondering whether there are any relatively simple "add on" solutions to the car-as-it-is which would provide storage and beverage holders for rear seat passengers, appear well integrated into the car and retain all 3 passenger seats. It occurs to me that back-of-front-seat tight mesh storage pockets would come close to meeting that specification. They would appear perfectly integrated into the car if affixed to the existing plastic backs with concealed screws or hardware. No passenger seat would be lost. An amount of storage about equal to door pockets would become available. Closed top beverage containers could be accommodated (though not open top containers or paper cups). If unused the tight mesh pockets would sit flush with the back of the front seats and be aesthetically pleasing.
As an example, here are a couple pictures of the Infiniti G37 back-of-front-seat storage pockets. Like Model S, this car does not have door pockets and the back of the front seats is black plastic while the rest of the seats are leather.
This type of solution to rear seat storage / beverage holders might meet the needs of many people and be preferable to some in lieu of or in addition to the "Rear Console" option we have been given to comment on. Such pockets can be added to the the existing car relatively simply, appear perfectly integrated, provide storage about equal to door pockets, serve as closed-top beverage holders, do not lose a passenger seat and are low cost. I'm curious what others think about the idea. I will post a poll about it as a separate thread so Tesla can gauge the forum's consensus at a glance.�
Aug 5, 2012
Warrenbonz I like it ddruz. If Tesla doesn't offer this solution I will probably have it added after market.
Thanks for the thoughtful post.�
Aug 5, 2012
Robert.Boston I agree, @ddruz. These pockets do extra duty because long-armed front-row occupants can reach the pocket on the other side, make it a great place to store maps, folders with travel directions, etc. This should be easy for Tesla to add, doubly so because they only need black!�
Aug 5, 2012
smorgasbord U - G - L - Y
Infiniti ain't got no alibi. Them's ugly and are not worthy of inclusion in a car with any semblance of luxury or premium.�
Aug 5, 2012
ddruz smorgasbord, thanks for your comments. It's interesting that what looks good to one may not look good to another. In person the back-of-front-seat pockets on the Infiniti look very sharp IMO. The pictures I posted do not do them justice. I just happened to be in an Infiniti the other day so posted those pics as an example of concept.�
Aug 5, 2012
MikeK I'm 100% in favor of pockets like those, yes.�
Aug 5, 2012
favo What if instead of mesh, they were leather? That might satisfy some who don't like the appearance of that much plastic as well as those wanting storage in the back.�
Aug 5, 2012
stopcrazypp I agree leather would be more appropriate. I think mesh pockets may look a bit cheap in the mid-sized class (although plenty of premium compact sedans have them). But it's a relatively simple solution to address the concerns about rear storage.�
Aug 6, 2012
ddruz I posted some pictures of different materials used in back-of-front-seat storage pockets by Model S competitors on the "Constructive input - Would you like back-of-front-seat storage pockets?" thread. See which you think looks best. It might be a good idea to move further discussion on specifics of this topic to that thread too since only the concept of back-of-front-seat storage pockets, not the details, pertain directly to Opportunity Console option "Rear Console."�
Aug 6, 2012
MikeK Please see my response in this post in another thread.�
Aug 25, 2012
mulder1231 I think they may have put that on the back burner for now as manufacturing and delivering 5,000 cars by year end seems to be the top priority right now.�
Aug 26, 2012
digitaltim +1 brianman
I just did a 2 week RV'g trip through CO, WY, MT & SD. The late model RV we rented did not have vanity mirrors or any cup holders in the rear. There was hardly a center console either. The horror...but we do need options.�
Aug 26, 2012
onlinespending The people working on designing any updated console are not the ones working on the assembly line or assuring that the ramp up occurs with manufacturing and delivery. Like any company there are a lot of independent parts.�
Aug 27, 2012
bonnie Discussion about soflauthor's customized center console fabrication have been moved to a dedicated thread: Soflauthor's center console insert�
Aug 29, 2012
mrrubin Folks 1st post, long time reservation holder. I have been to the factory for a 'ride' event but have not had a chance to test drive yet.
Awesome vehicle - matter of fact unbelievable!
However - the interior storage space, is a joke. I was buying a luxury sedan, not a sports car. I expect to have luxury features, or at least what any middle level sedan would have.
1) Center Console - fine you want open space, then make it removable, but for most of us we want hidden storage and real cup holders.
2) Cup Holders - way underneath below the 17" screen - that is asking for an accident by reaching down there. Other spot under your arm rest - come on - who thinks like this? There should be a simple push out set of cup holders right below the dashboard screen. This way when not in use they are retracted. This really needs to get solved.
3) Storage Cubbies on the doors - who does not have this? Sports Cars ? But all luxury cars do. This is another must have. I do not think the interior engineers were thinking.
4) Skirt pockets on the back of front seats - ok - not a must but nice to have. Drop a book or iPad in there when not in use. Since there was no storage anywhere else I thought this would be there.
5) Back Seat - cup holders - saw the proposed solution. Since we are talking 'Luxury' Sedan this should be included. I am ok with the removable one, not perfect but definitely solves the issue.
I know all this may sound petty, but really, this is standard equipment on any $20K car. This was a chance to redesign the interior, to do something unique, and I agree where someone said 'Fail'.
I am done, I hope they solve this before my numbers up, as I am going to struggle with this decision, which of course is ridiculous however I am just asking for the basics.
3)�
Aug 29, 2012
mrrubin Two Thumbs up!!!!�
Aug 29, 2012
4sevens.com I for one appreciate being able to put my backpack or satchel right in the middle where the transmission tunnel normally would be. Right now I usually put it behind the driver's seat in my sedan... it involves opening the rear door. The S allows me to slip into the car and set my bag down in one motion. No doubt the ladies will appreciate it as well - having a special place for their purse. Alternatively you can put it in the passenger seat but only when nobody is sitting next to you. Also it tends to slide around on the seat if you're driving fast.�
Aug 30, 2012
grisnjam and this is why I seatbelt my bag into the passenger seat�
Aug 30, 2012
Robert.Boston My briefcase is usually so heavy that if I put it in the passenger seat, I have to belt it in -- the car sensors think that there's someone there! (Between the briefcase power-lifting and the airport-concourse sprint, I stay in pretty good shape.)�
Aug 30, 2012
efusco Well, no offense, but if you're driving fast enough for it to be sliding around in the seat, I'd be a bit concerned that it would slide out of the center space and right under your feet as there is little to hold it in place there...now it's not just annoying, but potentially dangerous as it could keep you from depressing the brake pedal, or could interfere with the accelerator.�
Aug 30, 2012
contaygious The seat is a lot more slippery than the floor storage though. My bag is on my seat when I drive and it often flies into my feet.�
Aug 31, 2012
Brian H With large racks?
:tongue:
:redface:�
Aug 31, 2012
Robert.Boston ...vast tracts...�
Aug 31, 2012
brianman *huge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3YiPC91QUk
1:31�
Sep 1, 2012
kcveins Thanks for the link - classic!�
Sep 7, 2012
Warrenbonz Anybody see this design before?
2012 Tesla Model S cockpit and center screen Photo on September 6, 2012 #257901 from WOT on Motor Trend
This is from Motor Trend's recent article testing Elon's car.
OT : I noticed a pic of the alcatara dash in a previous Motor Trend article. (sorry I don't have the link for that handy)�
Sep 8, 2012
AnOutsider I haven't heard of anyone finalizing and choosing a console. Can we assume that cars being delivered have nothing more than the shelf under the screen?�
Sep 8, 2012
jerry33 That is my assumption.�
Sep 8, 2012
AnOutsider Well, I'd be OK with that, though I did like some of the options they proposed. I guess we'll see those once they catch their breath.�
Sep 11, 2012
MikeK This was posted over on the Tesla site today, quoting an email from GeorgeB, regarding Tesla's center console efforts.
Email to George Blankenship his response | Forums | Tesla Motors�
Sep 12, 2012
shokunin I really like GeorgeB and his responses. I only wish he were able to do a weekly Q&A blog post, cuz no one else is answering any questions and there are a lot of unanswered questions.�
Sep 12, 2012
contaygious Totally looking forward to cell phone dock, but want to keep the open space.�
Sep 13, 2012
ddruz Has anyone who has received their Model S gotten their car with the cubby shelf under the 17" screen installed? If you have gotten your car without it installed is it listed on your "due bill?"
Tesla promised that this little shelf would be standard equipment on all cars so it should be showing up. But so far it is conspicuous by its absence in reports of car recipients. I'm trying to understand what's going on.�
Sep 13, 2012
brianman Regarding the underlined...
In personal interactions (Tesla store and Get Amped) and forum posts, I've seen a consistent pattern where they don't offer it outright as a topic of interest but when someone asks "hey, this one doesn't have the shelf" the response has been a steady "full set of options still being developed, but the shelf will definitely be standard on all customer vehicles."�
Sep 18, 2012
AustinPowers There was an great post over in that particular thread, albeit a little OT in this one:
That post (although very true) did make me LOL�
Sep 19, 2012
Soflauthor I'll be getting my Model S in a few weeks (before Oct 12th) and when I asked about the cubbie, I was told by my "Delivery Experience Specialist" that it would likely NOT be delivered with my car (VIN #184). This creates a few problems for me personally, because I'm trying to finalize the center console insert (CCI) product I've been developing and will not be able to assess the cubbie until it arrives. I asked when we might get the cubbie and got the same "full set of options still being developed, but the shelf will definitely be standard on all customer vehicles" response. Frustration.�
Sep 20, 2012
ddruz Could this be because some of the opportunity console options replace the cubbie with a more extensive storage arrangement or perhaps forgo it for an option with dual cup holders beneath? If so and you pass on one of these options they'd put in the standard cubbie, otherwise you'd get your paid for option. Do you think that could be going on? Doesn't make sense to me that they are shipping all these cars now without the cubbie if it's going to be standard. That's a lot of work to recall them all and install it.�
Sep 20, 2012
NigelM True, a lot of work. But if the whole production line/delivery schedule was being held up waiting for the cubbie, do you think everyone would be sitting waiting patiently?�
Sep 20, 2012
slindell Dude, Tesla needs income. Every Sig solds pays the annual salary for someone at the factory.�
Sep 22, 2012
Soflauthor As you know, I've spent a lot of time thinking about the center channel area. Here's my guess (my opinion only, no inside knowledge):
TM has delayed release of the "standard cubbie" because they intend to provide a vertical storage option (VSO) that fits in the area under the display. The VSO moves from just under the display to the floor, possibly arcing toward the driver just a bit, but leaving the center channel area open for purses, bags, etc. The VSO will contain a small, cubbie-like space, a closed drawer for small stuff, and a pop-out close-to-the-floor cupholder. If you don't want the VSO, then the standard cubbie is installed for free.
If the VSO or something close to it is released in the near term, I think it represents a meaningful option. How does it impact the center console insert (CCI) that I'm working on? Hard to say, but we're doing the fabrication design assuming that the cubbie is standard and will be available at no cost to the owner.
The curious thing is that, as you note, TM is willing to absorb the cost of retrofit for those who opt for the cubbie only. I suspect that TM's strategy is to leave the space open (no storage whatsoever) so that owners opt for the VSO (at a cost). If the cubbie were installed upon delivery (as it should be, IMO), then many would be happy with it and not order the VSO.
Either the VSO will be so compelling that I'm toast, or it will represent one of a number of opportunity console solutions. Competiton is fun!�
Sep 22, 2012
ddruz I agree with you Soflauthor. The only thing that makes sense IMO is if one of their paid for options uses the "standard cubby shelf" space and if you opt out you get the standard cubby shelf installed for free.�
Sep 22, 2012
ElSupreme Not with the mandatory 12,500mile / 1year services! :wink:
But in all honesty I bet they didn't have them in manufacturing in time. It seemed to be an afterthought a few months ago.�
Oct 1, 2012
ffylling Like the alfa-Model S! PLEASE!! But WHY have Tesla changed this style? I can not understand why they have chosed this old-style 60"s Caddilac sollution in this nice car. I want sportseats and a sourrounding console with armrests, cupholders, iPod-docking and storage-space.
Open floor?? I is Model S biggest hatch. If they want to enjoy the premiumclass as Audi, BMW and Mercedes, they have to change this design-trend.�
Oct 1, 2012
slindell I sure hope they do not change their interior. I hate the constriction of the "fighter-pilot" design.�
Oct 3, 2012
kevincwelch I like the openness as well. However, I think a small compromise by creating a usable center console would be nice.�
Oct 3, 2012
Soflauthor A usable center console is coming, Kevin, hopefully, before the end of 4Q12. I'll be posting an update on progress on the CCI here in a few days -- early next week latest.�
Oct 4, 2012
Soflauthor Progress Report has been posted.
Since the center console insert (CCI) is an actual implementation of the opportunity console concept, you may have interest in the latest CCI progress report (with 3-D renderings). It can be found at the Soflauthor's Center Console Insert thread.�
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