White non drivable "roller" with no drivetrain. ("Exterior Design Model"):
Completed silver "early" drivable prototype. (Seems to be based on a Mercedes chassis with fiberglass body panels and a Roadster motor):
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Mar 27, 2009
mt2
Ah, yes. That would explain the screen door grill.
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Dec 23, 2009
jimbayne
I think the car overall looks exactly like the Jag XF but that's okay :smile: I was hoping to buy a leftover 2010 in 2011, now I will probably just get a Tesla S :biggrin:
Jim
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Jan 20, 2011
TEG
Well, the "nose" continues to be an item of interest, so perhaps it is time to resurrect this thread.
Now that the "Alpha build" is out, here are some mock-ups and comments people have been making in other topics:
I like the nose on the silver prototype best. Perhaps they had to move the bumper up to comply with EU pedestrian safety laws.
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Jan 20, 2011
Tommy
The CAD rendition:
From the Menlo Park Showroom:
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Jan 20, 2011
mt2
Okay, I've been staring at it for a couple of days now, and I can't bring myself to liking the front end. I want to see the chrome and the badge back on the nose to dress it up a little. Get rid of the "whiskers" in the vents on either side.
I admit, it looks sporty. But I want something that looks more mature and refined. The silver / maroon prototype had that.
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Jan 20, 2011
TEG
Random ideas:
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Jan 21, 2011
Iz
Same here. I prefer the nose on the White non drivable "roller". IMO that nose gave it a certain level of character.
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Jan 21, 2011
Jaff
I think the screen door would look better in black.
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Jan 21, 2011
Todd Burch
On the plus side...it's easier to clean bugs off the solid nose!
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Jan 21, 2011
roblab
Little photoshop of old style grille onto new front. There is a hood line down from the top of the oval, so the T has to be down a bit. Also, the bumper used to be at the bottom of the oval, and is now across the middle, for regulatory reasons maybe. I would think it likely that TMC has plans for that black area. But here's my 2 cents again.
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Jan 21, 2011
vfx
Thanks Rob, This is close to what I was thinking of mocking up. It makes the most sense with what Tesla has been doing on all the previous S versions and explains the plastic top piece withing the opening..
The counter argument to this version is the badge that is on top of the hood of the Alpha and how it relates to the 2.5 Roadster hood emblem treatment.
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Jan 21, 2011
Ipe
At least it looks slightly better with @roblabs modification. Now Tesla please get rid of or at least downplay the roadscraping frontspoiler, it's a feature best suited to the taste of fifteen year old boys dreaming of their first car (didn't someone here mention Camaro?). First time in my life that I paid ahead for a car (still waiting for my production number...) and already have it ruined ... but it doesn't look hopeless yet.
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Jan 21, 2011
mt2
I did the same mock up and then removed the "whiskers" in the front vents. It really cleaned up the front. I agree with Ipe who commented about the spoiler being "best suited to the taste of fifteen year old boys", but also figure it must be important to the aerodynamics or it wouldn't be there.
All in all, I think they are targeting the wrong demographic. It's a $50,000+ sedan that seats 5+2, for crying out loud. It's not a Trans Am. You can't even gun the engine at a red light if you tried!
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Jan 22, 2011
Nik
That all looks a little bit Vauxhall/Opel to European eyes. Not a good comparison to be creating.
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Jan 22, 2011
Ipe
Well, since the grill is superfluous (at least the top half of it), it would probably be better to remove it completely and design a new front. The wish to stick to the prototype look has resulted in something that is supposed to resemble a grill but is obviously fake. And fake is not something you want in a quality product.
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Jan 22, 2011
vfx
Can't say I disgree but we don't have those here in the US. I had never seen this before.
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Jan 22, 2011
roblab
I wasn't as impressed with the little Vauxhall (owned by GM for the last 85 years), but it at least has a "V" in front. This one looks more sporty. And we do have a few in the US, but they are very common in UK. I wouldn't confuse it with the Tesla!
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Jan 22, 2011
TEG
Coincidentally, that uses a Lotus chassis with some similarity to the Roadster's.
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Jan 23, 2011
Cobos
Vauxhall is a UK specific brand as far as I know. Everywhere else in Europe Opel has the circle with the lightning through it symbol, and none of the V designs. So I'd say considering how unfriendly people are to EVs in the UK, that is a not a good reason to drop a cool design.
Cobos
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Jan 23, 2011
Nik
True
Didn't know that. Probably not a design constraint then.
Nik
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Jan 23, 2011
Kevin Sharpe
to be fair, we have a minority of influential and powerful vested interests who are anti-EV in the UK. Indeed, I would say that they are simply anti-change... the vast majority of people just don't know anything about EV's or renewables and that's why the BBC stunts are so damaging.
The good news is that we have a very vibrant and growing group of EV 'evangelists' who are forcing through change regardless. Many contribute to this excellent forum.
Don't give up on the UK just yet, we might just surprise you!
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Jan 23, 2011
Cobos
Kevin: Don't get me wrong, we've got our detractors here in Norway as well. The difference though is that in the last 1-2 years the media has turned a very positive eye to EVs here. Cars like the LEAF got a 6 on our 6 sided die rating system, so top score. A recent review at our NRK (national broadcast like your BBC) with a Polo Bluemotion and MiEV recommended the MiEV. Or they said for urban consumers the MiEV is best though for rural consumers they suggested the Polo would be a better fit. This is after all a pretty sensible result and not something I would complain about. Of course in here a MiEV costs only about 25% more than the Polo Bluemotion.
Cobos
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Jan 23, 2011
kvietor
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Jan 23, 2011
vfx
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Jan 23, 2011
Doug_G
That is a good spot for an adaptive cruise control sensor...
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Jan 23, 2011
PopSmith
Yes, please! Tesla may also be putting some sort of pedestrian sensor/safety system in the nose considering its shape.
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Jan 24, 2011
kvietor
OK vfx, ya got me! how 'bout "sensors". :redface:
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Feb 4, 2011
TEG
Another thought about front end styling:
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Feb 7, 2011
kvietor
According to the engineers that spoke at Michigan University, the front end will be more like the prototype. Said they threw the body on that Alpha build pretty quick to get it on the road.
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Mar 29, 2011
de704
Model S Alpha - Front Grill??
In your opinion, is Tesla hiding the final grill for the Model S
or is that how its going to look?
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Mar 29, 2011
suxxer
On TM.COM they show off the "original" front grill.
But the Alphas appearing in the recent blog post seem to have the "new" front as well. There's a rather big chance that the front will stay this way...
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Mar 29, 2011
de704
I hope not, looks are more important than drag coefficient. IMHO
I was planning on paying extra to get this grill.
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Mar 29, 2011
malcolm
Presumably there could be a range of after-market grills available in a variety of different styles. Much like alloys.
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Mar 30, 2011
Fr23shjive
I think it was pretty unanimous that the new grill on the alpha is not nearly as appealing as the grill they had on the prototype. You'd think that Tesla would take note of it and at least offer an option for the original grill.
Even if the purpose of the new grill is to improve the drag coefficient Im sure they could achieve that goal while still maintaining the original look.
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Mar 30, 2011
Todd Burch
Five reasons why I think we're not seeing the final nose:
1) I would think that if the alphas are representative of the new grill, then they'd change the gallery pics on their website...but they aren't. 2) Somewhere (as mentioned on one of the threads here) a Tesla engineer said the "nose cone" will not be on the final car. 3) Tesla's mentioned in many places that the end design will be very similar to the prototype. I don't anticipate that they would make such a huge change and still claim to say that. 4) The majority of reaction to what we see with the "nose cap" has been negative, style-wise. Surely Tesla recognizes this, and I don't think Franz would let his front end get hijacked for a reduction in the drag coefficient of maybe 0.02 or 0.03. 5) They're doing road tests, and perhaps don't want to attract too much attention.
Two reasons why I think the nose might stay:
1) Where's the charge port? Must be in the nose, right? 2) There it is on the alpha.
I lean toward what we're seeing as a temporary front end, because I find the list of 5 reasons above more convincing.
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Mar 30, 2011
de704
Thanks Todd, I like your reasoning... I sure hope your right! I'm not sacrificing for years to have a funny looking car.
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Mar 30, 2011
TEG
I wonder how much the front end gets "locked in" after crash testing? Some things have to be left alone unless they want to do another round of crash testing later. Or maybe they area already planning to re-do crash tests on the betas too?
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Mar 30, 2011
gg_got_a_tesla
This is being discussed on that other thread about the Alpha workshop tour. Notice the other front-end sitting in the bottom right corner of this picture. You can see that it's got the chrome grill all around with the horizontal strip across (which, although you can't see it here, I'm sure has the T logo like in the prototype).
I think we can put this concern to rest
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Mar 30, 2011
Lloyd
Check out the custom Grillz!
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Mar 30, 2011
tomanik
I don't believe the black nose cose will be the production grill. It may have the shape of the intended grill but probably looks nothing like it.
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Mar 30, 2011
Todd Burch
Not to hijack this thread, but I still wonder where I'll put the front license plate that the Commonwealth of Virginia requires...
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Mar 30, 2011
Todd Burch
I doubt they're planning on crashing in the beta stage unless they failed a test (highly doubtful given the allegedly "very successful" computer simulations.
I don't know for sure, but I'd suspect that non-structural changes (such as aluminum stampings around the front and changing the grill) have no effect on the crash testing, since they're completely non-structural elements. Just my suspicion.
Thanks, JRod0802. So they can make adjustments to the "nose" even if it could trigger a need to retest since they are planning to retest anyways.
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Mar 30, 2011
Todd Burch
Well there you go. I sit corrected.
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Mar 30, 2011
suxxer
yes, they did. Now both designs are mixed in the gallery ;(
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Mar 30, 2011
Cobos
A very good question as Norwegian law also requires a front license plate. Especially the Alfa Romeo with their sometimes excellent designs looks really wierd with the offset license plate that seems to have been thrown on in the last minute. A bit like the first version of the Roadster actually :-|
Cobos
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Mar 31, 2011
Eberhard
Why not place the plate inside of a transparent nose?
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Mar 31, 2011
Nik
The nose would have to be very low-reflection from a wide range of angles or it would restrict visibility of the plate. Speed cameras, especially at night, might be blinded by the reflected flash and the authorities wouldn't like that ...
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Mar 31, 2011
Doug_G
Here in Ontario it's actually illegal to put a transparent cover on the plate, due to automated toll highways, red light cameras, etc. Of course you can buy the covers at Canadian Tire and everyone puts them on anyway. But I doubt they'll allow a car that's built that way.
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Mar 31, 2011
TEG
Perhaps not legal anymore, but the old Citroen SM had the license plate in a little glass box...
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Mar 31, 2011
malcolm
Thanks Lloyd - definitely Grillz
Re:license plate: If it's replacing the nosecone then the grill also doesn't need to allow air through. So nosecones and any alternative grills for particular territories could be made with the license plate built in to a suitable recess. The plate could be curved into a slight cylindrical shape to help it blend in (a bit).
ETA:
In fact the current nosecone seems close to cylindrical already:
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Apr 1, 2011
Jkam
Maybe the reason they have the nose cone instead of a grill is they are installing an AWACS type surveillance equipment in the nose so the car can shoot missiles from the extending door handles. Now that would be cool. :tongue:
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Apr 1, 2011
TEG
Oh, so Tony Stark wants a special edition Model S now? :tongue:
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Apr 1, 2011
de704
And He'll have one. Elon Musk is the real life Tony Stark.
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Apr 2, 2011
de704
Yah, If the Model S does come with the nose cone. I will defently look into changing it at an after market shop.
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Apr 4, 2011
dpeilow
Saw this picture on your Facebook. Like the derelict gas station...
The CG birds are flying in the background and chirping.
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Jun 2, 2011
3lectronica
Anyone notice the Model S photo in the new Park Meadows store sporting an updated grill?
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Jun 2, 2011
qwk
^^^ good compromise between the prototype and alpha grill variations IMO.
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Jun 2, 2011
Lloyd
I personally think it would look better without the chrome trim surrounding the opening. I looks to me like it is gasping for air! They need to develop a grill style that will identify the Tesla to follow in future models, like the Twin Kidneys of the BMW grill, or the unique Alpha Romeo grill etc.
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Jun 2, 2011
TEG
Zoomed:
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Jun 2, 2011
Iz
Well said qwk. While I would have preferred the prototype grille, this new "hybrid" version restores some of the character (IMO). :biggrin:
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Jun 2, 2011
AnOutsider
I see a fish gasping for air. Personally, I was starting to like the alphas :scared:
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Jun 2, 2011
TEG
?:
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Jun 2, 2011
Doug_G
Don't encourage him!
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Jun 2, 2011
AnOutsider
haha too late! Though at least the S's front looks like a mean fish (look from the headlights to right above the grille)
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Jun 2, 2011
TEG
? :
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Jun 3, 2011
tdelta1000
I like it but I know it's still in the "Alpha" phase.
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Jun 3, 2011
Zorba
More new pictures in the gallery:
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Jun 3, 2011
Doug_G
New Photos on Tesla Website
This grille looks much better.
This picture seems to have a thicker chrome rim around it, which I'm not sure I like.
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Jun 3, 2011
TEG
Proper tail-lights now too!
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Jun 3, 2011
AnOutsider
Are we sure the lighter colored ones are new? I haven't seen that color since the prototype and it still has the blue neon-tube lights. Looks like maybe they just photoshopped the mirrors *edit* nm, they're definitely old, I misread.
Still miss the light-pipe tails
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Jun 3, 2011
PopSmith
It looks to me like they shrunk the overly-large mirrors a bit based on the new images. It might just be the angle and car color playing tricks on me, though.
Hopefully the front end on the black car makes production minus the chrome rim. I think it looks kind of tacky to me, or at least out of place.
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Jun 3, 2011
clea
Remember, these are still just pictures of the alpha and are not necessarily 100% representative of the final design.
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Jun 3, 2011
Todd Burch
I think it's getting sexier...
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Jun 3, 2011
ckessel
I still liked the prototype better. The Alpha look is all right, but the prototype one seemed to have a less generic look to me.
Agreed. For me it's less about the grill and more those lower air intakes on either side of the chin. I realize they're functional, so they don't bother me too much, but they do make the front end of the Alphas look less elegant than what I saw at the LA premier. They give a less classy, more sporty vibe.
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Jun 3, 2011
qwk
I dislike the whiskered lower intakes too. Both the front and rear panels on the prototype car are better looking.
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Jun 3, 2011
Todd Burch
What I meant was that I think it's sexier than the first alpha front end (paint job looks great!). I'd still pick the prototype over the alpha, but this looks much better to me than the "Alpha hits the road" shots.
I think the reason the prototype looks better is less about the grille than it is about the whiskers, light pipes, and air intakes.
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Jun 3, 2011
Fr23shjive
I like everything about it now except for the rear tail lights. I've never liked that euro altezza look. Hopefully a solid red tail light is an option or there is an after market option once it starts selling.
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Jun 3, 2011
goyogi
On my Volt, the car knows it's plugged in and won't let you drive away. Sometimes I've forgotten to close the charge port door and it let's me know as well and not just through an idiot light, it has a nice graphic and description of the alert. I'm looking forward to the mega console in the model S.
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Jun 4, 2011
suxxer
Some new pics of the front grill. TM still shows the Alpha with the "new" grill. I really hope it's not the final grill.
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Jun 5, 2011
tdelta1000
I like the grill because it's a carry ove from the concept.
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Jun 5, 2011
Tommy
A side by side comparison of the prototype and alpha front grill
They look very similar.
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Jun 5, 2011
AnOutsider
Just a bit more chromey, but I think it might be the black personally. The hood lines seem a bit diff on the alpha, and I'm still missing the LED pipe in the headlights
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Jun 5, 2011
Doug_G
The lower black section is a lot shinier on the alpha. Not sure if that's an improvement or not.
Some of the alpha pictures seem to have narrower chrome on the lower section, which looks a lot more like the prototype. I definitely prefer that. I like the strong chrome on the upper part and thin on the lower; it looks more subtle and somehow makes the grille look like less of a large open maw.
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Jun 5, 2011
Norbert
Exactly how I see it.
(Otherwise the pics are really impressive.)
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Jun 5, 2011
gg_got_a_tesla
+1. Although I'd agree with the conclusion that it's probably the black color on the alpha in the new pics that's bringing out the chrome of the grille even more than the silver or the maroon/red did on the prototype, the proto did have a "thicker upper lip", if you will, and that looked good!
I wonder how it would look with the mesh in black, just slightly reflective.
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Jun 5, 2011
doug
Who's got the best photoshop skills? Mesh grill on current Alpha in silver and black.
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Jun 6, 2011
sjoshuaj
In Black with mesh...
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Jun 6, 2011
EV_de
can you add a EU license plate too ?
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Jun 6, 2011
widodh
They probably are not going to make a mesh grill due to extra wind resistance
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Jun 6, 2011
sjoshuaj
In various colors....
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Jun 6, 2011
mnx
great photoshopping skills. Since I'm not a rapper, I don't think I could drive a version with a chrome grill. LOL
I like the new more aggressive look better than the prototype pics fwiw.
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Jun 6, 2011
Todd Burch
I have to agree. The mesh is too bling-y for my taste.
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Jun 6, 2011
sjoshuaj
why not... with EU Plate... guessing on it's location...
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Jun 6, 2011
NigelM
Palm trees in Germany???
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Jun 6, 2011
Doug_G
Never liked the mesh version. Always struck me as something cheap they whipped up because they weren't sure what else to do.
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Jun 6, 2011
tdelta1000
The chrome mesh is too but maybe a black chrome mesh may do the trick. Who knows maybe TM will offer options on the grill (mesh or concept/alpha grill). The mesh will be for those that want the bling and the concept/alpha grill will be for those that want to be a little understated.
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Jun 6, 2011
vfx
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Jun 6, 2011
loganss
I like the new front grill on the Tesla website. It seems a bit sportier/aggressive than the prototype.
Mesh grill PS seems a bit extra.
Can't wait for this car to come out.
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Jun 6, 2011
Lloyd
I believe that they will want a smooth surface for wind resistance.
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Jun 6, 2011
EV_de
not along the street's :smile:
the license plate have to be 20 cm (around 8 inch) above the street, think that was also a problem with the Roadster ...
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Jun 6, 2011
NigelM
For all those red light cameras...
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Jun 6, 2011
EV_de
think so ... cause is one of the biggest incomes for the communities
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Jun 6, 2011
goyogi
Funny, I was just thinking last night of getting a custom paint job for my S in black chrome. :love:
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Jun 6, 2011
PopSmith
Those are some impressive Photoshop skills you've got there. :biggrin:
I think the mesh grill looks funny with the "whiskers" but I also think the "whiskers" are here to stay for now due to the condenser (or whatever it was, I can't remember exactly) that's behind them for the A/C. I like how they've gone back a design that was a lot closer to the prototype.
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Jun 6, 2011
Todd Burch
I think we're looking at close to what has been the planned design for awhile now and not a regression in designs--after all, the current front end is similar to the latest prototype front end. I think the original alpha images just showed an incomplete front end (this one is likely incomplete as well).
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Jun 6, 2011
PopSmith
Yeah, I guess it's more of the grill that looks like the prototype and not the entire front end. That being said the Model S design will probably continue to be tweaked a couple of times before a final, production design is chosen/revealed.
Reviving this in the hope that my incessant griping about this will get noticed :smile:
I know folks have had fairly favorable reactions to the nose of the Model S as seen in the betas (Model S Gallery | Tesla Motors) but, to me, it's the sole bit of imperfection left in what's otherwise a perfect car! The betas' nose is so bland, bald, glossy and meh (to use a popular word going around these days!) that it detracts from all the beautiful lines and curves otherwise!
Given what we've seen from the X prototype (with CF? straddling the T logo for the width of the grill at the top),
Can we get something similar (if not CF, atleast metal mesh) on the Model S?! Pretty please...
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