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JeffK
Well-Known Member
The first pic just catches extra bugs and interrupts airflow and the extra bar just blocks airflow. Both will increase drag and therefore hurt fuel economy.
I don't see how you jump to the conclusion Franz was copying the ICE look. Influenced by other ICE cars sure, but to outright conclude copying is a bit of a stretch. If you recall after the reveal the novel front of the Model 3 got lots of feedback, both good and bad, but what was consistent were comments that the front end was certainly different which is why there has been so much reaction. But a copy of ICE, not likely.
SCW-Greg
Active Member
Chris L is right though,
"The Model 3 prototype actually was styled using old-school ICE design language, which is still engrained in much of our society."
Elon and Franz did this by design, to get quick acceptance with still sexy designs. But as nearly all manufacturers are finally (in some cases reluctantly) getting onboard with the EV realization.... next gen EVs can drop the ICE bound designs and start thinking about entirely new form factors.
Some other new entrants are already talking about this. Avant-garde designs that don't worry about hoods over engines, etc. Rethinking what "cab forward" could really mean, and/or focus on more complete aerodynamic design. Our tastes and acceptance will be challenged along the way.
Will be interesting to watch this industry morph more over this next 3 years than it has in the last 80.
"The Model 3 prototype actually was styled using old-school ICE design language, which is still engrained in much of our society."
Elon and Franz did this by design, to get quick acceptance with still sexy designs. But as nearly all manufacturers are finally (in some cases reluctantly) getting onboard with the EV realization.... next gen EVs can drop the ICE bound designs and start thinking about entirely new form factors.
Some other new entrants are already talking about this. Avant-garde designs that don't worry about hoods over engines, etc. Rethinking what "cab forward" could really mean, and/or focus on more complete aerodynamic design. Our tastes and acceptance will be challenged along the way.
Will be interesting to watch this industry morph more over this next 3 years than it has in the last 80.
The Model 3 prototype actually was styled using old-school ICE design language, which is still engrained in much of our society. The M3 has a grille, albeit blanked out. Here is a photo of the Model 3, and below that is a render that pastes a Ford Focus radiator grille on the flat nose of the M3 (the Ford radiator is about the same shape, so an easy stretch to make it fit). That render pretty clearly shows that Franz was copying the ICE look when he designed the Model 3. The Model 3 version below that shows a low-drag, aerodynamic nose well-suited for EVs.
Another illustration of the same point is blanking over the grille on the Ford Focus to give you the Model 3 look. Either way, the grille shape is still there.
Finally, another comparison of the Model 3 with its “grille” compared to a sleeker, more modern EV alternative.
Personally, I like the Porsche-style front end the best. It will catch fewer bugs and rocks and might have a lower CoD. Even though I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, don't hold me to the aerodynamics.
BluestarE3
Active Member
When digital cameras first came out, some manufacturers took advantage of the fact that they're no longer bound by the restrictions of an optical-mechanical design for cameras and they came out with some unique form factors. However, over time, camera design gravitated back to the traditional form factor, but with the addition of an LCD display. Is this because people are too hidebound to accept a different design or is it because there are functionality/usability reasons for that design to be widely accepted? Likewise with EVs, I see some opportunities for streamlining and non-functional things such as grills going away, but there's only so much that can be done with the basic car layout. After all, there still needs to be a compartment with comfortable seating for the passengers, a crumple zone in the front (even though it doesn't hold an engine anymore), cargo storage in the back, etc.
arjay
member
My 2 cents...I think Chris L has identified the source of the styling heartburn felt by many. The front end does seem to be set up for a traditional "front" and when you don't put a grille in it many people feel something is missing. In post #889 Chris shows a no-grille version without the "set up" and while not zippy, it does seem complete to me. Zip can can still occur with the judicious use of one or two crisp edges (NOT like the 2017 Prius) integrating the elements of the front. I myself will continue to vote for no toy grille in the 21st century and also vote for the horizontal crease concept shown in Chris's #889.
T34ME
Active Member
I agree with your assessment. I will probably put an aftermarket front end on mine, and Cd be damned.
Garlan Garner
Banned
SCW-Greg
Active Member
Yes and no regarding cameras, particularly non-DSLRs. And witness the most widely used cameras today, happen to be in the same form factor as your phone.
Don't disagree at all with your comments, but the new form constraints for car designers are really quite simple: 1) flat floor, 2) watermelon sized motor between 4 wheels.
BluestarE3
Active Member
You're talking to a guy who still uses a flip-phone so, no, I don't use my phone for taking photos.Yes and no regarding cameras, particularly non-DSLRs. And witness the most widely used cameras today, happen to be in the same form factor as your phone.
Looks like the duck lip is mostly gone.
I feel nostalgic. It now looks more like other cars out there...
I feel nostalgic. It now looks more like other cars out there...
Zaphod
Galaxy President (former)
Honestly, it really doesn't look that different to me. I think it's just lighting and slightly different angle. Plus the video quality of a potato
I think the lighting and matte paint show off the shape and crease much better. Glossy black paint, poorly lit will hide lots of details.
I think the lighting and matte paint show off the shape and crease much better. Glossy black paint, poorly lit will hide lots of details.
I'll admit the old look grew on me some (at least on the silver car in most of photos to date), but I do like this quite a bit better. Some are saying the entire front is somewhat longer. In one of the investor threads, someone said they see it as about 5% bigger proportionally, apparently having measured in photos.
I think by 2020, worldwide demand will be over 2 million per year for the 3 alone (the less polarizing look being part of the recipe). I realize that's more than any car at any price point currently and about 4X the BMW 3 series. I also realize Tesla likely won't be able to deliver that many vehicles for several years beyond 2020.
I think by 2020, worldwide demand will be over 2 million per year for the 3 alone (the less polarizing look being part of the recipe). I realize that's more than any car at any price point currently and about 4X the BMW 3 series. I also realize Tesla likely won't be able to deliver that many vehicles for several years beyond 2020.
Thomas Edison
Active Member
I think everyone of you are crazy. That is so grainy that I can't tell heads nor tails if it's different. I think the light and angle are playing tricks on your minds.
(Thumbs down in 3....2...)
(Thumbs down in 3....2...)
James Anders
Member
It's hard to see on the still image, but in the video you can see the light reflecting off the edge on the nose. It's clearly different, and the front looks more rounded all the way across than on the prototype. The duck face is gone.
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