Inside Model S Alpha Workshop

[tdelta1000]

Looks to me like those are windshield wiper and headlight controls rather than a shifter.

That is a gear select a la Mercedes E350

 

[doug]

Just for comparison:

2010 Mercedes-Benz E Class Pictures/Photos Gallery - The Car Connection

Btw, if I had this, I'd probably change gears every time I wanted to turn the wipers on. Just like whenever I drive in Japan and try to change lanes, I turn the wipers on.

 

[Doug_G]

How road legal is it?

The plate says "MFG" on it, so there's probably special dispensation to manufacturers for road testing prototype cars.

 

[felixtb]

that's funny it even uses that same Mercedes steering wheel! so I guess that's why the ger selector is there. they have simply stuck an MB steering column in there to test different systems that are inherent to that column to see if they like them, is my guess

/fb

 

[Doug_G]

that's funny it even uses that same Mercedes steering wheel! so I guess that's why the ger selector is there. they have simply stuck an MB steering column in there to test different systems that are inherent to that column to see if they like them, is my guess

More likely they just put in stock steering wheels that were readily available. The gear shifter probably doesn't even work.

 

[felixtb]

More likely they just put in stock steering wheels that were readily available. The gear shifter probably doesn't even work.

you're right. forgot that they are working with MB any way. so just took a model A's steering column.

 

[vfx]

I hope they fit a dash board. I can't imagine paying that much and not getting a nice fascia.

I think that is the final look. Steampunk!

 

[tdelta1000]

If the Program Director has been driving one to work, you local photographers are falling down on the job! :biggrin:

I agree! That's why I started my postModel S "Alpha" testing pictures?

 

[TEG]

There was a time when interest in Tesla from the mainstream media seemed lacking. Back then it made sense to show off what the fans could find.
These days, the mainstream media seems eager to get the "scoop" on any Tesla developments so I am content to stand back and let the "pros" do their job and see the news unfold that way.
Besides, Tesla seems quick to show off any new major developments as soon as they are ready.

I do have a camera, and live near their facilities, but resist the urge to go searching for prototypes "in the wild".

(On the other hand, every time a Smart car passes me, I double check to see if it has a tailpipe or not.)

 

[Kevin Harney]

Remember when they used to hide the gas tank filler under the license plates ? So being hidden is not a new idea and has been executed before....

 

[doug]

I like the seats, but not the material. Those seats in leather would be ok by me.

The seat material discussion went here.

 

[doug]

More likely they just put in stock steering wheels that were readily available. The gear shifter probably doesn't even work.

It might work. No reason not to wire it up assuming the car runs. The earlier photo showed what looks like a make shift speedometer on the center console.

Did we decide yet what that aluminum looking part under the rear diffuser is? Cooling?

 

[AnOutsider]

Cool-looking?

 

[doug]

Just as a point of of interest, the Aston Martin door handles previously showed up on another plug-in.

Let Loose in Midtown in a Gazillion-Dollar Hydrogen Car! | Autopia | Wired.com

 

[roblab]

Well, folks, just spent a couple hours cleaning up the front on this (erasing the bicycle reflection) and adding a hood emblem, since I read somewhere that Tesla is going to do the hood (and not the grille?). Actually, I like it. And I also understand that most of us realize that TMC will do whatever and we will probably love that just as well. Or not. We just have to wait and see.

 

[dpeilow]

Good work. Like it.

 

[heems]

Any chance you can switch the wheels to the prototype ones too?

 

[ljbad4life]

Well, folks, just spent a couple hours cleaning up the front on this (erasing the bicycle reflection) and adding a hood emblem, since I read somewhere that Tesla is going to do the hood (and not the grille?). Actually, I like it. And I also understand that most of us realize that TMC will do whatever and we will probably love that just as well. Or not. We just have to wait and see.

I 100% agree with you. You also have to take into account that TMC has not strayed far from the concept. The differences between prototype and the alpha are noticeable, but aren't drastic. The original vision is still there, just with some tweeks. TMC has a vision and they are going to see it through. Unlike the Chevy Volt where concept and production are two totally different cars.

 

[Tommy]

Did we decide yet what that aluminum looking part under the rear diffuser is? Cooling?

Here is an enlarged view of the Alpha underside from Tesla's photo gallery of the Model S:

Based on this photo, I think it is either a decorative shroud to improve aerodynamics or a decorative trim piece outlining a vent, tucked up underneath, to vent the air buildup in the wheel-wells. From the angle it doesn't look to be cooling tubing. Just a guess.

 

[Iz]

Based on this photo, I think it is either a decorative shroud to improve aerodynamics or a decorative trim piece outlining a vent, tucked up underneath, to vent the air buildup in the wheel-wells. From the angle it doesn't look to be cooling tubing. Just a guess.

Some, particularly the critics, might think it is a muffler.