Trip Down Memory Lane - Pics of Concept and Prototype Model S - how many differences?

[Francis Lau]

Here is a trip down memory lane with photos of concept and prototype Model S. How many differences can you spot?

Photos 1 thru 8

 

[Mr X]

So glad they did what they did and improved it greatly.

 

[Tedkidd]

Oooo. Seats, doors, and mirrors look nice...

 

[Mario Kadastik]

Almost nothing of the original dashboards and screens is the same Definitely like the current implementation far more

 

[steve841]

My personal biggest disappointment ... side marker "T" emblem/lights.

I thought that was the best "touch" on the prototypes.

 

[ecarfan]

I have often wondered why the production S has the front strakes on both sides of the lower grille area. They don't seem to have a function. I preferred the smoother look on the initial design concept.

The seat bases in that interior view have wrinkles in them! What's with that?

 

[islandbayy]

Is it bad that I like the Alfa version better?

 

[ckessel]

Is it bad that I like the Alfa version better?

No, I still prefer the softer edges of the alpha's exterior. The alfa interior however, that doesn't look nearly as good.

 

[steve841]

I have often wondered why the production S has the front strakes on both sides of the lower grille area. They don't seem to have a function. I preferred the smoother look on the initial design concept.

Those have louvers that open when the cooling fans are operating to draw in air. There are radiators behind them.

 

[Caloncho]

both pretty nice

 

[Olle]

The chairs in the prototype look pretty awesome!

 

[Zextraterrestrial]

ya, Alpha seats look comfy...and..there are door pockets

 

[Gizmotoy]

The chairs in the prototype look pretty awesome!

That's the main thing that jumped out at me. IMO just about everything else in the production version is better than those prototype pics, but the seats are definitely a step back.

 

[Vger]

Those have louvers that open when the cooling fans are operating to draw in air. There are radiators behind them.

Yes, and while not quite as pretty, I am sure that the lengthened "chin" (air-dam) helped the aerodynamics.

 

[Olle]

That's the main thing that jumped out at me. IMO just about everything else in the production version is better than those prototype pics, but the seats are definitely a step back.

Exatly.

 

[K5ING]

I think the interior changed quite a bit from the prototype. Note the location of the "gear selector" on the console (lower right corner of the picture) instead of the steering column.

 

[karmamule]

The concept exterior is still quite nice, but wow I *much* prefer the current dashboard to that initial version. The enclosure around the touchscreen is especially unpleasant for me, and I much prefer the current gear-shift to the clunky controls in the concept.

Thanks for posting these, that was a great idea!

 

[Francis Lau]

I had these photos for a long time, 2009 I think, and just saw them again. I figured that some folks have not seen them.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

I have often wondered why the production S has the front strakes on both sides of the lower grille area. They don't seem to have a function. I preferred the smoother look on the initial design concept.

Those have louvers that open when the cooling fans are operating to draw in air. There are radiators behind them.

Yes, and while not quite as pretty, I am sure that the lengthened "chin" (air-dam) helped the aerodynamics.

My recollection - from a Franz interview, I think - is that we have Transport Canada to thank for that. In an unfortunate collision, the protruded chin would knock pedestrians lower down their legs than at the knees thus reducing the extent of the injuries.

 

[CatB]

Thanks, Francis, for posting these - since I first heard of Tesla and first saw it when I testdrove in Dec '12, I have never seen them. I love how they streamlined the interior, not surprising that Tesla continuously improves