Aero wheels

[WarpedOne]

Problem with these aero rims is they try to look as 'normal' rims and end up looking silly.
It is not hard to make a good aerodynamic rim. It is hard, bordering impossible, to create good aerodynamic wheel that looks like a spoked or star/turbine rim.
Good aero-rim is near-flat / a bit convex with in the center with as big solid center part as brake-cooling allows for.

Tesla should go with 'honest' design that doesn't mimic aggressive turbine designs, something along these lines:

IMHO it could / would look just fine:

 

[SwedishAdvocate]

…/ Tesla should go with 'honest' design that doesn't mimic aggressive turbine designs /…

Agreed. And I think these are probably the best ones I’ve seen:

Image credit: Eurobil i Långedrag HB (a Swedish used car dealer)

Tesla could just do some sort of similar looking ‘homage’ or some such…

 

[jerry33]

Edit: found the pie-pan-solution.
Couldn't it be printed by 3D? That way a snap-on-system on the wheel covers can be aplied at the same time.

The problem with the pie pan was there was no easy way to mount it on the wheel. So the first thing to do would be to develop a mounting system that doesn't damage the wheels.

 

[SwedishAdvocate]

On the Dutch forumpart there 's discussion going on about the energy consumption of the Model S, but so far no one has any clue what the difference is between the standard 19" and the Aero 19". /…

There’s a post on that topic in this thread:

Why the 19 Aero Rims will Never Sell

Extending EPA range by 3% could easily extend real highway range by more. EPA range is city/highway combined. City range is meaningless. Real highway range is mostly about aerodynamics. Throwing out the city start/stop component could bump the boost from the aero wheels higher than 3%, lets say 4% or 5%. But that's still mostly at 55mph. At 80mph the aerodynamic component is much more important - at 80mph the difference might be 6% or 7%
Now you have a difference that matters. Only testing will tell. Testing at 80mph - the speed people really want to drive.

The purpose of the aerodynamic wheels isn't to save money - it is to save time. Better efficiency/more range means fewer stops, less time stopped on a long trip.
If you are going somewhere without superchargers it matters a lot.

I agree the price is steep and I don't like the way they look.

[Source: Why the 19 Aero Rims will Never Sell]

 

[WarpedOne]

Here are some interestring "aero" rims: Full face rims

 

[FVO]

The problem with the pie pan was there was no easy way to mount it on the wheel. So the first thing to do would be to develop a mounting system that doesn't damage the wheels.

I have an idea in my head, but need to find a way to design it. I know some basic principals of sketch-up but need put more time in it.
Are there any other free software programs similar to Autocad, because i know drawing with autocad a bit better.

The type of plastic wil decide wether it will leave any damage-traces or not.

 

[JRP3]

These are pretty good, maybe make the openings a bit thinner and use a few more of them.

These are also good, again, shrink the open areas.

 

[jerry33]

The type of plastic wil decide wether it will leave any damage-traces or not.

Soft cushion material at the wear points should fix that.

 

[FVO]

Soft cushion material at the wear points should fix that.

That's rigth, should find the same material that is glued to our back-end license-plate-holder.

 

[dhanson865]

Here are some interestring "aero" rims: Full face rims

View attachment 39263

That one looks like it could be modified easily to have 8 Tesla Ts around it with just a small splash of black and/or red.

 

[FVO]

Looks like closed wheels aren't that uncommon after all...
Almost every long-distance travel bus has them.

 

[jerry33]

That one looks like it could be modified easily to have 8 Tesla Ts around it with just a small splash of black and/or red.

Too bad it's chrome, and doesn't come in 19". Went to the site and no 19" wheels appear to be available, though perhaps it's just a problem with the site.

 

[DrGuest]

Greetings Everyone and Happy New Year! My First Post On TMC, I just accepted delivery of my Metallic Grey Model S 85 with Standard Wheels and Michelin Tires upgrade. I then saw on the Tesla Gear and Accessories they had the SottoZero Winter Tires with the Aero Wheels available. I ordered them through the Denver Service Center who then had them Shipped to me From The Seattle Service Center. They arrived about a week before my car and within 4 days I had Bozeman TireRama swap the wheel sets to have the needed traction for the super early and deep snows we have received already this winter. They drive like a dream even on wet, icy or snow covered roads. Here are a few pix. :biggrin:

 

[GSP]

The aero wheels look good to me with the gray paint. I'd love the extra 20 mile range with LLR tires.

Here is another wheel cover alternative that I just noticed in the Video thread on an EV land speed record attempt:

Less drag = Less fuel | Aluminium wheel hubcaps | Eco Tuning --> Tuneko Ltd

GSP

 

[Shumdit]

I swear, even now those pics look like the wheels are photoshopped onto the vehicle. I just find them to be horribly ugly. No offense intended.

 

[Sparrow]

They certainly do not photo well, but in my opinion they look very good when you see them in person. Getting one of the Center Cap Ts to add some color in the center helps alot too.

 

[gnelson]

I think they look good. It is also great to see a Model S in Bozeman. Bozeman was the first place where I ever lived. I am looking forward to superchargers in MT; so, I can add it to a road trip.

 

[mhpr262]

I swear, even now those pics look like the wheels are photoshopped onto the vehicle. I just find them to be horribly ugly. No offense intended.

I agree. They would look so much cooler without any bare aluminium accents and raised ridges and pseudo spokes, just totally smooth discs with the five ventilation holes and painted in body color.

 

[wycolo]

I like and would have gotten them a year ago if they had been available. Easy to clean. For safety you want the shiny spokes to indicate the car is in motion or not in motion.
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[TEG]