Model S spotted with Model 3 Wheels, AWD tested?

[03DSG]

We have seen other Tesla prototypes spotted at Cal Poly. They may be doing some research / R&D work there.

I wonder if that had the Model 3 brake calipers ?

Op mentioned it looked like it had 3 calipers not S and he has an S. Maybe they just swapped hubs, brakes and wheels? I’m guessing a test bed for Dual.

 

[TQCLove]

Which seats are those?

And did it have alcantra headliner?

 

[Snow Drift]

Look at the passenger side A-pillar, it has what appears to be tape residue and on the top corner of the windshield, Velcro. I bet wires were attached for diagnostics.

This really might be a mule!

 

[bxr140]

This really might be a mule!

Lol.

Was there doubt?

 

[Newscutter]

Why would they bother using an S as a mule when there are Model 3s all over the place? There's no reason to hide.

Because people take/post tons of pictures of every Model 3 they see... but Model S? Much easier to stay unnoticed.

 

[Zaphod]

Maybe it's not a mule for dual motor 3 as we assume, but maybe mule for next-gen of the S in which is switches over to the same motor architecture as the 3 with permanent magnets, at least for the rear motor.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

And did it have alcantra headliner?

Too soon.

 

[AnxietyRanger]

Wild completely unsubstantiated idea: In theory it also might be testing 21-70 battery on a Model S, if that causes some differences which require different wheels?

 

[lunitiks]

Completely unsubstantiated

 

[treldib]

Here are the rest of the pictures:

 

[Zaphod]

What? You didn't crawl underneath? that is probably where the juicy details are....mystery deepens..

 

[AnxietyRanger]

Yeah, that's obviously a P130D mule.

This comment is based on nothing.

 

[MorrisonHiker]

Here are the rest of the pictures:

View attachment 272839 View attachment 272840 View attachment 272841 View attachment 272842 View attachment 272843

Thanks. That narrows it down to around a mid-2016 build.

 

[BLKMDL3]

Those tires are very high profile and are Michelins. My 3 with those wheels came with continentals.

 

[Snow Drift]

Those tires are very high profile and are Michelins. My 3 with those wheels came with continentals.

Agreed. The tires above are 245/45/19 vs 235/40/19 (19" stockers).

 

[bxr140]

Agreed. The tires above are 245/45/19 vs 235/40/19 (19" stockers).

Which makes sense for the heavier S, even if you’re using 3 components.