The forum is not the same without cytek. He's still chugging along on the official Tesla forum. Banning him was definitely the right move. I just reposted what he wrote to verify that he's still attempting to spread his message.
cytek | JULY 14, 2011
For further clarification, when I am refering to front end collision, I am talking about a minor 3 mph bump, not actually crashing it at high speed. The structural body should withstand impacts at 3mph (human walking speed) by dispersing energy in the front beam. This is what bumpers are for to absorb kinetic shock energy. The problem with Model S front end is the aluminum bonnet curves down low and is the furthest end point to the front end with the grille. That's the first thing it will contact upon frontal impacts. There is no crumple zone for plastic front panels for cost effective replacement to absorb impact energy before it affects other parts like the bonnet. The grille will get pushed in and the bonnet will bend inwards easily. We know trucks and SUVs are higher and can cause more damage, but insurance institute uses standard bumpers (regular car height) to crash test them for analysis on rating insurance coverage premiums. If it looks as bad as Infiniti's damage, they will use that data to justify higher insurance rates for Model S. I have both Infiniti and Benz and they cost me $3000 and $2800 to insure both respectively with a clean driving record.
The main point I am trying to make here is on a minor 3mph bump on the front end (could be from parallel parking, parking lot, traffic jam, etc.), why should we pay over $10,000 just to fix the damage to the front panel, grille, aluminum bonnet, charging port (if in front), repainting, etc. from a minor bump, while on Audi A4, it only costs $1000 to repair with minimum body structural damage (as shown in video)? In most scenarios like this, it occurs when you are not present at your car and the culprit simply drives off! How are you going to claim that to the insurance without a proof of at-fault driver's ID, plates and no witnesses? A lack of proof for filing insurance claim will spark fraud suspicions. That's the point I am trying to make here. I am not trying to spread rumors, nor incite panic. I am applying logic with physics, when I see the Model S front end design as vulnerable to expensive repairs on a minor 3mph bump. I know the Model S is only a prototype/ Alpha stage to make a judgement. A well engineered car like Audi should be able to withstand minor impacts without any structural damage to the body.
Yup, cytek's concern, RIP!
