Gen3 "BlueStar" 2-door coupe styling ideas

[TEG]

What would be cool is for Gen 3 to have one of each body style matching the Gen 2.
So they would have a 4/5 scale Model S variant, a 4/5 scale Model X variant, along with the Roadster we expect.
This would be similar to the way BMW has sedans and SUVs of different sizes based on their different platforms (e.g.: M3/X3, M5/X5, M6/X6, etc...)
Battery tech should evolve so that in 2015+ we can get the same range from smaller size packs.

They are in good hands with Franz and team, but I like some styling queues from these:

 

[gjunky]

I know it is personal taste and I think it is a fun car but you actually like the styling of the Subaru?

I guess I am more into the clean streamline look.

Smaller models of the bigger car, although restyled to match their size would be nice.

 

[TEG]

I know it is personal taste and I think it is a fun car but you actually like the styling of the Subaru?...

That is the Toyota/Scion version ("FRS"), but yeah I do like the styling of both. To each his own I guess.

Subaru version ("BRZ"):

Toyota/Scion version ("FRS"):

 

[vfx]

Not really a hot hatch fan.

They are a startup. I believe if they say they are going to do a BMW 3 series sized car in the $30K range that's what we will get. Elon delivers.

 

[gjunky]

That is the Toyota/Scion version ("FRS"), but yeah I do like the styling of both. To each his own I guess.

Subaru version ("BRZ"):

Sorry, I mistook the middle picture for a wrx. I actually don't mind the BRZ too much.

@vfx: I agree with you that Elon will deliver. I do think a mini X would fit as part of a genIII car.

 

[ahimberg]

Now i've been looking for cars with the round bubble on the front -- the one I have seen the most in the garage at work is the Hyundai Veloster...

 

[rsquared99]

Looks like it ate another car! :smile:

 

[CapitalistOppressor]

Got some good reaction to this from Tesla employees at the LA store open

View attachment 7241

Nice. Everything looks right about it except the price. At $58k I wouldn't bet against you in the Tesla prediction pool. As it stands though, I feel like it'd be stealing cookies outta your cookie jar

 

[CapitalistOppressor]

I see them on the street all the time. I'll see if I can find an image. Found one. It has the same oval grill and the same profile.

Other than looks, I think the Tesla is a knock-out car.

Sorry. I've driven that exact model LaCrosse you showed in the picture. It doesn't come close to looking like a Model S, outside of the shape of the grille.

 

[TEG]

Got some good reaction to this from Tesla employees at the LA store open

Request: width < 72"
Back seats for only 2 across, not 3.

 

[JRod0802]

Request: width < 72"
Back seats for only 2 across, not 3.

Agreed. For me 70" wide would be ideal. Having a narrow car really helps in Boston traffic.

 

[raymond]

Having a narrow car really helps in Boston traffic.

The city of Amsterdam (not the one in Montgomery County, NY, USA) had plans to ban all traffic from the inner city wider than 185cm (73"). Not too long ago I owned a Suzuki Cappuccino (tiny two-seater) that was 140cm (55") wide. Now that helps in city traffic! :smile:

On a more serious note, anything above 70" is nothing more than a waste of range.

 

[TEG]

I changed the door profile so it looks like the window could actually roll up and down now:

 

[TEG]

If it is wider than 70" it won't fit in my narrow garage.
The LEAF (at just under 70" just barely fits.)

 

[favo]

2012 BMW 335i Sedan

Width: 71.3 in.
Height: 56.3 in.
Length: 182.5 in.
Front track: 60.3 in.
Rear track: 61.9 in.
Wheel base: 110.6 in.

Seems like a pretty good size for Gen III platform. Must have a performance version (aka M3-killer).

 

[TEG]

View attachment 7456

vs BMW 3 Coupe:

 

[VolkerP]

The curved front of the Model S prototype had to be remodeled for pedestrian safety. iirc Franz stated that to Eric VFX. So it would look even more similar to the bimmer.

 

[TEG]

Note, VFX's mock-up door is a lot wider than the BMWs. That would make it easier for rear seat passengers to climb in, but would also make it hard to open the doors in tight spaces such as garages, and compact parking spaces. Also having the B pillar provides a place to mount seat belts, air-bags, and provides some crash protection. So, it might make sense for the doors to be smaller like you see on the BMW.

 

[grisnjam]

I think it would be nice to have a "hot hatch" type car to get the most out the amount of space in a smaller car. (OK, so I drive a VW Golf GTI and might be partial to that style). I am not suggesting it would have to be that boxy.

How about a mini model X (model MX?). It would have the same overall rounded shape to allow for the required headroom. The COG would still be low because of the large battery pack. The car could even have Falcon doors to cover both the front row and the second row of seats. This would take care of the 2-door problem

A rounded shape like the Model X with a shorter nose and extremely short overhangs would make for a compact car that still has enough interior space to be useful. We could have a two motor version to allow for better traction and efficiency. It would certainly not look like an old Buick...
If the Falcon doors are too inconvenient ,too expensive or too heavy, then at least use suicide door in the back.

BTW: I drive a two door car now and since it is mostly me driving the car, I really don't care about not having back doors. The larger doors are much easier to get in and out of except for in narrow spaces. I might have had people in the backseat 3 times since I bought the car 5 years ago. Nice to have the option though.
Even nicer if the back seats could move all the way back in case I have passengers and no luggage.

@VFX: Any chance for you to create a Mini Model X Image?

I also drive a hatch (06 Audi A3 3.2L) and would love to see a GenIII hatch variant with AWD (in the performance edition of course)! Here is a very quick take on a Model X based hatch from an amateur photoshopper ...

 

[gjunky]

View attachment 7475

I love it! The back probably needs to be raised a bit to give enough cargo space and headroom in the back. Overhang in front can be a bit shorter (grill to wheel).

Looking at this I realized that a single Falcon door might not be possible with the sloping A-pillar. I still think that would be cool though.