Hi All I'm on the verge of ordering a Tesla Model S 85 and pretty sure I want black but cannot decide on the wheels having not seen these in real life - I'm also struggling to find any good photos that will show me the difference. If you have a Black Model S could you post me a photo please? Ideally straight on pointing left so I can compare the look to this! I presume the range will drop a bit with 21" wheels and the tyres will not last as long - I'm happy with this but don't always want to think I'd wish I'd gone for larger wheels if that's what it needs. Do most people order the 21" wheels? Thanks Roy
For what it is worth, the darker wheels do not show as much break dust as the silver wheels will. If you are a clean fanatic, then then you may want the lighter wheels, (they will give you something to do). I am sure you will be happy and congrats on the upcoming order.
IMHO, 19" wheels look far better, tires cost half as much and last twice as long. The 21" tires tend to make the car look like it's owned by a teenager.
When I was building my car with my Product Specialist, I told him I was interested in the 21" Turbines with the dark grey. After discussing it, he recommended the 19" Cyclones and referred me to an aftermarket powder coating service to get the color done. I decided to go with that option for several reasons: 1. Cheaper initial cost (powder coating is about $140-$160 per wheel. Turbines cost $2,000 more than Cyclones) 2. Better range/effeciency 3. Tires on the 19" are better for "all season" driving 4. 19" will hold up longer and are less expensive to repair Unless the size is a driving factor, you're better off going with 19" Cyclones and you can color them any way you want. Sure I liked the bigger look of the tire, and the extra cost wasn't prohibitive... but at the end of the day, I didn't want to pay more for something that would eventually be a headache with the extra maintenance 21"s require
Here are some pics of my black Model S with the 19" Grey Turbine TST wheels: T Sportline Pictures The official Tesla grey wheels are slightly darker if I'm not mistaken.
Thanks for all the info guys - I've just realised that I could order the "D" for less than the price as the 21" wheels ....3.2 seconds ... hmmmmm!
Ah yes .. I was just getting a bit over excited! Looks like I'll have to put up with a sluggish 5.2secs! lol
This is my story on the wheels, when I ordered I decided to be practical and get the 19's. After 6 months I could not get over how nice the 21's look, so purchased a set and do not regret that decision. Yes I might not get the longevity but do not notice much difference in watts per mile and do notice somewhat better handling. When you buy a car like this it makes no sense to be practical.
see pics of my black Model S with TSportline 19" grey turbine's here: T Sportline Pictures - Page 2 I highly recommend going with these wheels to keep that factory look, as well as getting better tires such as Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3. You don't want to be driving around on Tesla's OEM 21s, they are extremely costly and very susceptible to damage and you'll be dropping thousands and thousands of dollars each year on new tires and wheels.
In the month I've had my grey Tsportline TSTs I've washed them a few times. The dirt does not show nearly as much as the stock 19"s. That plus the cost advantage makes 19"s the way to go. Also, if you love to accelerate, and you will, the 19"s will last much longer.