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Trev Page
Member
Elon said they're leaning towards a "radical" design rather than a smaller version of Model S.... That worries me a bit. I wasn't expecting them to actually shrink Model S down 20% and call it a day but he also said he didn't like "weirdmobiles". So, where's the happy medium?
Krugerrand
Meow
In his mind's eye. Don't worry. He's emphasized functionality, safety and compelling. It'll be awesome.
RobStark
Well-Known Member
Aerodynamics and aquadynamics are not identical.
Smart has that race car passenger cell that is not exactly lightweight for such a tiny car.
MPG 34 City and 38 Highway for such a tiny car is not acceptable.
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Never claimed I had insider access and leaked an official Tesla rendering.
Of course it is just someone goofing around with some skill.
AustinPowers
Total Smeghead
Of course I didn't mean to imply that you had claimed it to be official. Just that I personally was sad that this was not the official prototype as I think this would be rather gorgeous. Like a Tesla version of the e-Golf, which in itself is a great EV, but missing the Tesla touch ;-)
Anyway, another great render by theophiluschin, wo also gave us the Model S estate version that I think many here in Europe would buy in an instant rather than the standard Model S.
My original suspicion when starting the thread is now confirmed. Do I get a cookie? :tongue:
But seriously, the idea to make it different but better than existing designs without crossing the weird line is a tall order. I say this because from a casual observation, it looks like utility and stunning designs are somewhat orthogonal. See Minivans and Camry vs Lambos and Ferraris. 2016 will be exciting.
But seriously, the idea to make it different but better than existing designs without crossing the weird line is a tall order. I say this because from a casual observation, it looks like utility and stunning designs are somewhat orthogonal. See Minivans and Camry vs Lambos and Ferraris. 2016 will be exciting.
The shape of a raindrop isn't inherently the shape with the lowest drag - it's actually the result of the interplay between the aerodynamic forces on the outside of the raindrop and the surface tension on the inside.
As a result, the raindrop/teardrop shape is a balance between the lowest surface area per unit volume (sphere) and the lowest drag force - mostly in the form of stretching the surface out into the low pressure region because the pressure differential exceeds the surface tension.
Walter
SmartElectric
Active Member
My Smart ED is one of the most efficient cars ever made for city driving, and one of the lightest at under 1000Kg.
While the BMW i3 for example is more efficient, the cost is far greater due to the materials used (carbon fibre re-enforced plastic, etc).
Note:
The reason the old Smart gas model got "unaccceptable" mileage had to do with the engine/transmission.
The new 2016 Smart gas model is far more efficient due to improvements in that area.
muleferg
Active Member
Gross. Could do without the third picture
Indeed. It's an ugly, vile thing.
I don't much care for the girl either. :tongue:
We know Tesla is freed from ICE need for an engine block in the front trunk area. As mentioned in this thread, even with Tesla's skateboard design the front trunk area still serves the purposes of offering storage capacity and a crumple zone for safety, and it's size and shape impact aerodynamics.
Everything in that last sentence is also true of the back trunk area. My point is, Tesla can take advantage of the lack of a need for a place for the engine block in it's design of the front or back, or some combination of new design opportunities for both. They can work out a balance between same/better aerodynamics, same/better storage, and same/better safety with innovative shaping of either of those spaces or both.
Everything in that last sentence is also true of the back trunk area. My point is, Tesla can take advantage of the lack of a need for a place for the engine block in it's design of the front or back, or some combination of new design opportunities for both. They can work out a balance between same/better aerodynamics, same/better storage, and same/better safety with innovative shaping of either of those spaces or both.
dmckinstry
Model X 2019
They also have a much lower terminal velocity than the highway speed of automobiles.
The Tesla Teardrop, defining the new normal.
You might think it wouldn't be practical, but it will be great for carrying stuff: traffic cones, tomato cages, anything within reason.
