To Spoiler, or not to Spoiler...Photos

[smorgasbord]

If you're not sure, get the spoiler, but ask that it not be installed, since you want to see what it'll look like first. Then try it with some blue removable tape.

If you still don't like it, sell it here on TMC.

 

[TheAustin]

To Carbon Fiber or not to Carbon Fiber...

jkirkebo, I'm also getting the blue performance, sans spoiler, and I'm also glad that they got rid of the carbon fiber accents...I opted for the grey interior and the matte obeche wood trim...Again, the carbon fiber inside the Model S seemed like it was trying too hard (for a four-door sedan).

I don't like the spoiler at all. I think it spoils (pun intended...) the lines of the car. I'm getting a blue perf but definately no spoiler. Even if it is easy to remove, I don't want the work nor having to store it somewhere.

I'm also happy that they got rid of the external CF accents. I'm getting the CF interior though

- - - Updated - - -

Onlinespending, there are TONS of photos (out there and on here) of the Model S without the spoiler...And not a lot with the spoiler, especially a nice detail photo of it. I was just trying to share with those in the group who were currently trying to decide if they should get it or not, and might not have seen a good detail shot of it.

 

[4sevens.com]

If you're not sure, get the spoiler, but ask that it not be installed, since you want to see what it'll look like first. Then try it with some blue removable tape.

If you still don't like it, sell it here on TMC.

my thoughts exactly... dunno if they'll do it though

 

[nrcooled]

If anyone opts for the spoiler and decides they don't want it I will buy it off of you. I'll pay shipping, handling, plus any labor associated with removing the spoiler. Just PM me if anyone is interested in selling their's.

 

[Larry Chanin]

If you're not sure, get the spoiler, but ask that it not be installed, since you want to see what it'll look like first. Then try it with some blue removable tape.

If you still don't like it, sell it here on TMC.

I sent the following message to my Product Specialist:

Prior to signing my paperwork you assured me that rather than installing the spoiler it could be "handed to me". Another reservation holder informs me that Tesla representatives told him this was not possible. Would you please confirm what the correct answer is.

Here's the answer I received:

Thanks for your note. Earlier in the production of our cars we imagined that the rear spoiler would be available as an after-market product. Now, it's looking like that won't be possible at the scales that we're looking to achieve. All Signature orders have been sent to the factory, so if you'd like to change your order, let me know!

Larry

 

[ToddRLockwood]

Beyond the cool factor, is there any evidence that the spoiler actually does anything?

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Beyond the cool factor, is there any evidence that the spoiler actually does anything?

There's some suspicion that it may actually reduce the range just a trifle.

 

[ToddRLockwood]

There's some suspicion that it may actually reduce the range just a trifle.

Ahhh. You may have just made up my mind for me. Thanks.

 

[NEWDL]

Beyond the cool factor, is there any evidence that the spoiler actually does anything?

Like hold the 4700lb car to the road? LOL

It is astectic and may increase downforce SLIGHTLY.

If downforce is increased that could possibly decrease range but it would me minimal if at all noticeable.

 

[Larry Chanin]

Beyond the cool factor, is there any evidence that the spoiler actually does anything?

Hi Todd,

I'm guessing it does something...

but you have to be going over 100 mph. :wink:

Seriously, I'm guessing that at typical driving speeds the spoiler just adds a slight drag that may not be helpful, and at very high speeds it may add a measurable downforce which may have some utility. However, I am dubious that this feature was added for any real-word performance reason. I suspect the primary reason for adding this feature was merely to differentiate the Performance model from the the Standard model.

Larry

 

[dsm363]

I like the spoiler so would recommend getting it. It can always be removed without damage if you don't like it.

 

[PhatCat]

Update for anyone on the fence about the spoiler. I am ordering the Performance in New Red but am unsure about the spoiler as there are no pix. I asked my configuration specialist if I could order with the spoiler but specify that it not be installed. He replied that the Production folks said this is not possible. I then asked if he could verify that it is removable by the owner. He said that they could not guarantee that the paint would not be damaged.

I understand the legal CYA but still ....

 

[artsci]

Update for anyone on the fence about the spoiler. I am ordering the Performance in New Red but am unsure about the spoiler as there are no pix. I asked my configuration specialist if I could order with the spoiler but specify that it not be installed. He replied that the Production folks said this is not possible. I then asked if he could verify that it is removable by the owner. He said that they could not guarantee that the paint would not be damaged.

I understand the legal CYA but still ....

I really don't like it, especially in carbon fiber. IMHO it looks like an afterthought. If it really made a major difference in the drag coefficient, it would be built in, so my guess is that it actually has an adverse effect on drag.

 

[Vger]

I really don't like it, especially in carbon fiber. IMHO it looks like an afterthought. If it really made a major difference in the drag coefficient, it would be built in, so my guess is that it actually has an adverse effect on drag.

I agree. I deleted it from our Signature Red Performance. Aesthetically, I think the rear of the car contains some of its loveliest and most subtle lines. They do not need adornment. But that is a matter of individual taste.

What is more objective, is that it DOES increase the drag and hence reduces the range of the car, at highway speeds. The aerodynamic purpose of a spoiler is to increase downforce at the expense of increased drag. Downforce enhances traction, but only at very high speeds (>100 mph, generally). A 4,600 lb. car driven generally slower than 100 mph does not need a spoiler, functionally.

It would be nice if Tesla would publish actual aero numbers on this.

 

[dsm363]

Update for anyone on the fence about the spoiler. I am ordering the Performance in New Red but am unsure about the spoiler as there are no pix. I asked my configuration specialist if I could order with the spoiler but specify that it not be installed. He replied that the Production folks said this is not possible. I then asked if he could verify that it is removable by the owner. He said that they could not guarantee that the paint would not be damaged.

I understand the legal CYA but still ....

That's strange. I was told the opposite but that was earlier in the process. I was told I could delete it and that if I didn't like it that it was easily removable by a Ranger without damage to the car.

 

[Al Sherman]

That's strange. I was told the opposite but that was earlier in the process. I was told I could delete it and that if I didn't like it that it was easily removable by a Ranger without damage to the car.

Did your mom and dad get it Dave?

 

[dsm363]

Did your mom and dad get it Dave?

The got a non-performance version Sig so no spoiler. Looks nice as well.

 

[htsai14752]

Car looks cleaner without a spoiler. I might consider if the spoiler was color matched with the body color of the car.

 

[yobigd20]

As it only comes in carbon fiber, I think it looks weird on anything but black. Especially on the signature red. That red color with a carbon fiber spoiler is just UGLY. I have trouble understanding Tesla's thought process here. Why didn't they offer it in body-matching colors? Anywho, doesn't matter for me. I am getting a black performance, so I am keeping it on mine. If I was getting any other color, I would have removed it.

 

[byt]

I'm getting it on my Pearl White as I love the contrast and have the dark rims to match it.