Model S Nose Cone Designs (Prototype, Alpha, Beta and beyond)

[AnOutsider]

Some previous discussions:

Model S Alpha - Front Grill??
Model S prototype front ends

[mod note: all merged - thanks for doing the legwork for me! b.]

 

[NigelM]

Fait accompli.

 

[Larry Chanin]

Fait accompli.

So true!

Larry

 

[bonnie]

Okay okay OKAY. I'll merge all three threads. But first I'm eating dinner.

edit: done.

 

[BriansTesla]

Hi all.

I should have introduced myself. I have been the automotive business for 36 years and we have been doing electric conversions for a couple of years now. My wife and I randomly wandered into the Bellevue WA Tesla store and she was immediately in love with the Sig Model S. 10 minutes later, we put down the deposit and I began the process of discovery for the Model S.

About the nose design, I always have liked classic designs for cars that stand the test of time as well as designs that are functional and serve a purpose beyond something just for looks. Tacked on items look dated soon after introduction.

If the nose cone enhances aerodynamics, that makes a difference to me. Mine will at least lose the chrome surround as soon as possible. For me the nose on the S in my earlier post looks like it might be on a car designed anywhere from 1995 to 2020. That tells me it will still look good in 2020.

A logo could be incorporated on the front end and would look good.

I am very excited about driving my Model S. Since I can never leave anything alone, I am planning a number of aerodynamic improvements for it. I'll be looking forward to getting the wh/mi as low as possible.


Brian

 

[dsm363]

Maybe a LED Tesla logo that glows from behind the cone at night would be cool. I like the new cone but agree the chrome around it could probably have been toned down.

 

[NigelM]

A logo could be incorporated on the front end and would look good.

Welcome. You do know the design is finished, right?

 

[AnOutsider]

I've mentioned it before, but it would be cool to see some aftermarket nose cone options. I sorta like the plain come and logo on hood approach. Though I've no problems with the final design.

 

[bonnie]

Bedazzle it.

 

[Larry Chanin]

Welcome. You do know the design is finished, right?

Hi Nigel,

Brian is apparently in the position where he is capable of making design changes himself.

Larry

 

[BriansTesla]

Hi Nigel,

Brian is apparently in the position where he is capable of making design changes himself.

Larry

I am not above making design changes where the original becomes dated at some point. Here the factory redesigned and I just carried it a little further. I think for a car designed in 1990 it made the look more timeless IMHO.

 

[Iz]

Just to add my .02 in this is my preferred Model S nose

 

[Lloyd]

Maybe I'm not getting it, but why did they put something that looks like a big black hole, where there does not need to be one? JMO!

 

[vfx]

Maybe I'm not getting it, but why did they put something that looks like a big black hole, where there does not need to be one? JMO!

Because that's what customers are used to looking at on big sedans. Same with the first Roadster with analog gauges and a "stick shift".

Some owners will likely paint the black void same as the car color. Some like Brian will take it even further.

 

[Iz]

That area may be difficult to paint because it is largely plastic. Lots of innovators out there and we should not be surprised.

 

[Zextraterrestrial]

Pave set it w/ diamonds and make it sparkle! maybe rubies for the sig red?

I think it would have been neat if it was all body color w/ the T emblem and maybe a little chrome, but no black (but then it wouldn't look like the roadster front end)
The postcard that I picked up from Menlo (2010?) has the front in the picture that Iz posted but it also says deliveries in 2011 & 5 min. battery swap
2012 is the new 2011 :biggrin:

 

[strider]

I am not above making design changes where the original becomes dated at some point. Here the factory redesigned and I just carried it a little further. I think for a car designed in 1990 it made the look more timeless IMHO.

View attachment 5915

SVX? I had a '94.

 

[Trnsl8r]

I believe there are some cooling fans behind it so it's not entirely a fake grill. (Saw a pic on the TM blog somewhere.)

Also it's good when you scratch it and have to have it replaced that it is color independent.

 

[AnOutsider]

Loch Ness Monster ? .. Bigfoot ? … UFO's ?

Elvis is alive and well, and has already customised his Model S #-001

That grille with the badge on the hood is awesome

 

[dsm363]

Loch Ness Monster ? .. Bigfoot ? … UFO's ?

Elvis is alive and well, and has already customised his Model S #-001

That's cool. Is this your photoshop design with the grille? That's what the performance version should look like.