Alpha Build

[PaulM]

I tend to prefer uploading pics off-site so users don't have to click to enlarge:

I much prefer when the pictures are uploaded directly to TMC. All of those image hosting sites are blocked by my employer's proxy. I often see blank posts... It's quite anoying. I guess I should get back to work now...

 

[tdelta1000]

I definitely prefer the 9 spoke wheels on the prototype to the 10 spokes on the alpha.

I totally agree. The sunken wheel lugs give it a better look instead of the raised lugs.

 

[mattjs33]

I tend to prefer uploading pics off-site so users don't have to click to enlarge:

This car looks angry!

Anyway, I don't think the "grille" is a plastic cap, as some here have stated. It looks to me like the leading edge of the hood and the bumper cover have been painted black, to mimic the appearance of a grille. I wonder why they felt the need to put a "grille" on the car if it does not require one? Why adhere to "traditional" styling on a car which is anything but?

Another question I have, which I probably have missed the answer to elsewhere: Tesla says it will be a 7 seater (I've also read more like 5 + 2). Where are the additional two seats, and which way do they face? My assumption is that they are behind the "rear" seats, but with that roofline they'd surely only be suitable for very small children.

 

[stopcrazypp]

This car looks angry!

Anyway, I don't think the "grille" is a plastic cap, as some here have stated. It looks to me like the leading edge of the hood and the bumper cover have been painted black, to mimic the appearance of a grille. I wonder why they felt the need to put a "grille" on the car if it does not require one? Why adhere to "traditional" styling on a car which is anything but?

The main reason I think they are keeping the grille is because the original prototype had it and they promised the final product will stay very true to the original prototype. In the original prototype, I think the grille was actually functional (they didn't have the two side grills and the large bottom grille for air flow).

Another question I have, which I probably have missed the answer to elsewhere: Tesla says it will be a 7 seater (I've also read more like 5 + 2). Where are the additional two seats, and which way do they face? My assumption is that they are behind the "rear" seats, but with that roofline they'd surely only be suitable for very small children.

This was discussed a long time ago. The two extra seats will be rear facing seats like those you get in some station wagons. They definitely will only be suitable for small children.

 

[AnOutsider]

Another question I have, which I probably have missed the answer to elsewhere: Tesla says it will be a 7 seater (I've also read more like 5 + 2). Where are the additional two seats, and which way do they face? My assumption is that they are behind the "rear" seats, but with that roofline they'd surely only be suitable for very small children.

Yes, that's the assumption: two rear-facing seats in the "trunk" area. I personally wouldn't want my kids there in a rear-end collission.

 

[TEG]

I tend to prefer uploading pics off-site so users don't have to click to enlarge:

This car looks angry!

 

[vfx]

I thought aggressive as well. Much like the US muscle cars of late.

 

[benji4]

The Model S alpha build is simply stunning from any angle. Angry, aggressive, or whatever else you want to call it, it's amazing how close Tesla has been able to keep it to the original prototype. I remember being so disappointed seeing how much the Chevy Volt changed in the production model, but no such problem with the Model S it seems. Did anybody like the production Volt more than they liked the prototype? Looking at the posts on this thread, it seems that some people seem to like the Model S alpha MORE than they liked the prototype, some people like it a bit less maybe, but one thing is for certain: if Tesla can really bring this car to market at the price and time they are promising, it has to be considered one of the major accomplishments in history of the automobile. I think I've watched the video about 20 times now, and I just can't get over how beautiful that car looks... What an amazing job they are doing on this thing!

 

[TEG]

Did anybody like the production Volt more than they liked the prototype?

Well, I did, but I can't say that I liked either (version of Volt) very much.

---

Model S has changed less than I expected so far, but we are at "Alpha" stage, so I suppose it could change more before "Beta", and production.

My biggest trepidation about Model S is it just seems too big overall, at least for my tastes. I would be much more excited to see a 4/5 scale version of the same car (without the 3rd row seats).
One can hope that BlueStar will have a lot of the same character and style in a smaller package.

I think that horizontal line under the doors doesn't look good, but I bet it is just because they didn't paint the side of the battery pack or something like that. Not expecting it to stay that way for production. The 'bulbous' nose (front bumper) on the other hand is something else perhaps a bit questionable. Along with the wheels, the nose/grille of a car seems to be a focal point for judgmental attention. I think a lot of us are waiting to see just how that front bumper buldge looks in person and if they plan to revise it at all.

 

[vfx]

My biggest trepidation about Model S is it just seems too big overall, at least for my tastes. I would be much more excited to see a 4/5 scale version of the same car (without the 3rd row seats).

Same here! I want to love it (Ok, I do love it) and would replace our Roadster for it but when I see it in person it is just too big. Big and beautiful. Lovely to look at but too big to hug.

Extra frustrating when I read between the lines that Franz wanted a smaller car too.

 

[bolosky]

There is a black layer along the underside. (Paint doesn't extend as close to the ground.)

That's almost certainly the battery. In the prototype they used a Roadster powertrain, so the battery would have been elsewhere.

I wonder whether they're going to offer batteries painted to match the body color? If so, then switching batteries might have quite a jolting effect. On the other hand, you could go and get a Very Orange battery on a black car just for Halloween! :smile:

 

[roblab]

Thanks, TEG.
Quick photoshop grille chrome stripe....

 

[benji4]

Yes, the Model S is definately not a small car.... it's 20 inches longer than a Prius, for example, if that means anything. I just bought a Roadster and my kids now won't be going to college, but yes, it would be kind of nice maybe to have a car like the Model S but just a bit smaller, a bit more acceleration perhaps -- and then I could trade my Roadster in for it an maybe at least send my kids to a JC. Not sure what to think about the black nose cone. It seems like they just took the logo and some of the design work off the nose of the protoype, and then placed the logo up onto the hood. Kind of cleaner and sleeker looking in a way, perhaps you could say more futuristic looking. A few details here and there that could be improved for sure, but overall --- I still think it's drop-dead gorgeous! Do I want one? Yes!!!

 

[roblab]

I appreciate the help getting the photo up. I think I'm catching on.

 

[SByer]

I wonder if some of the differences from the prototype aren't because of design-meets-tooling. The prototype was done with SpaceX equipment meant for doing one-off pieces; higher volume tooling may have different requirements and that may have an impact. Wind tunnel testing almost certainly did as well.

 

[mattjs33]

I thought aggressive as well. Much like the US muscle cars of late.

Actually, I like it.

 

[tomanik]

A version with the 2.5 roadster grill.

 

[Doug_G]

The Volt went from interesting prototype to zzzZZZZzzz. In contrast, the Model S is still looking quite gorgeous. I suspect the "nosecone" isn't anywhere near the final version.

 

[benji4]

Yes, best case you could say the Volt went from being striking cutting-edge to basically just another boring little compact car -- at least on the outside. The Model S now in the alpha rendition retains its striking appearance, and surely this will be the case with the production car as sell. I still think the nosecone looks better than trying to morph a Roadster grill onto the front though, it's really just a matter of personal preference when it gets down something like that.... maybe they could offer different nose options? It would definately be the only car on the market with that kind of option!

 

[TEG]

...maybe they could offer different nose options?...

If you don't like the way your car looks anymore, bring it in for a "nose job"...