-
Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
By the time Bluestar is out, Nissan will be on its second gen Leaf; maybe even the Infiniti EV will be out. Perhaps the iMIEV will also be on its second gen. The planned EVs in the pipe line (Focus EV, ActiveE etc) will all be out for a couple of years.
I'm not sure it's that good of an idea not to bundle some luxury into what will likely be a $30+k car, esp. when other competitors can likely undercut Tesla in price. Tesla might be more successful if they continue to approach it from a luxury angle (except this time it's entry level luxury). There's danger in too much cost cutting that might ruin your image (that's what happened to the US automakers), which actually ends up costing the company more.
I also read a Leaf review recently and it said the reason why they liked it was that even though it was a $30k car, it actually is equipped like a $30k car. In contrast, they said the iMIEV was more like a $10k car with $20+k of battery/EV technology hacked in. The car as a whole doesn't feel like it is worth $30-40k.
I'm not sure it's that good of an idea not to bundle some luxury into what will likely be a $30+k car, esp. when other competitors can likely undercut Tesla in price. Tesla might be more successful if they continue to approach it from a luxury angle (except this time it's entry level luxury). There's danger in too much cost cutting that might ruin your image (that's what happened to the US automakers), which actually ends up costing the company more.
I also read a Leaf review recently and it said the reason why they liked it was that even though it was a $30k car, it actually is equipped like a $30k car. In contrast, they said the iMIEV was more like a $10k car with $20+k of battery/EV technology hacked in. The car as a whole doesn't feel like it is worth $30-40k.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
If Tesla could take something like this and tweak it I think they could have a nice looking car with very low cd.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_XL1#2011_model
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_XL1#2011_model
True, but giant wheels and giant wheel wells look better. They're actually the same size as what's on the Model S currently. I figure you can improve the Cd just by removing the side mirrors and reducing the width of the car. Not sure if reducing the length really matters. The purpose of that would be to reduce the weight and differentiate it from the Model S. You're got to justify the additional cost of the Model S somehow. By limiting the passengers to only 4 it would appeal to an entirely different kind of customer. Younger and more budget conscious.
Good to know... Since the Model S has 19 and 21 inch wheel options. I've shrunk it for 17 & 19 inch wheels.
I would love to see something like this. ( RIP Aptera )
View attachment 6804
Enclosing the wheels like this could get your car under a 0.20 Cd and might be able to approach 160 miles on a 30kWh battery.
Looks good. I don't know if limiting it to 4 passengers would be a good idea though. That would limit the market as many people expect a 5 passenger sedan (even if the back seats are tiny) even when they usually drive alone.
stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
I expect a 5 passenger vehicle too (the 4 passenger aspect of the Volt has been a deal-breaker for some people, esp in terms of ability to install a child seat in the middle). I'm thinking something in the subcompact class (like the Versa, A3 if looking at luxury) is the most practical size, although I do know Tesla has aimed at 3-series.
The four seats in the Volt killed it for me. It was actually the console blocking the center of the rear seat that truly stopped me from buying one.
Those standards are disappointing. They require something that doesn't really work all that well. The multivex mirrors I installed on my Roadster would not be compliant, but they work a heck of a lot better.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
One four door that I keep seeing that makes me think of potential Bluestar styling is the Kia Optima. Even has "aero" rims.
Yeah, I think Kia/Hyundai finally moved into the 'big leagues' in the last few years.
Japanese industry has had good reason to be concerned about rising Korea.
Mistakes in my mockup:
1. generally crude (MsPaint)
2. where the tan curves on the dash, insert 15" panel flush with dash. panel basically remains horizontally aligned with armrests
3. armrests should be integrated into the alcantera bolsters and swivel upwards
4. vehicle is longer than it should be (I left that unadjusted)
5. additional contouring needed for seats to thin them a bit, and for mirrors as well
Official art (S)
Mockup (C)
Mockup (C2 - C with the trunk removed, crudely)
1. generally crude (MsPaint)
2. where the tan curves on the dash, insert 15" panel flush with dash. panel basically remains horizontally aligned with armrests
3. armrests should be integrated into the alcantera bolsters and swivel upwards
4. vehicle is longer than it should be (I left that unadjusted)
5. additional contouring needed for seats to thin them a bit, and for mirrors as well
Official art (S)
Mockup (C)
Mockup (C2 - C with the trunk removed, crudely)
Last edited:
Similar threads
- Locked
- Marketplace listing
- Marketplace listing
