What do you think influenced the design of the S?

[JimmyAZ]

I was curious if Tesla had hired designers for the body of the Model S from other manufacturers, and if so, can you see influence in the design from their previous creations? For example, the Aston Martin and many Ford models (Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, Mustang) now share very similar grills.

I can see Panamera in the S, but I'm sure there's more to it. Any thoughts?

 

[dsm363]

Franz the designer was with Mazda for a number of years I believe.

 

[gavine]

I see the Panamera from the back, but definitely not from the side. I think the Model S is better looking from the side.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Franz the designer was with Mazda for a number of years I believe.

Yes, definitely inspired by Mazda's KODO design philosophy and, to a lesser extent, their prior Nagare philosophy.

MAZDA: Design | Innovation

For Mazda Designers, It’s Out With the Nagare, in With the Kodo

 

[mwulff]

Jaguar at the front, Aston Martin DB 9/Vantage at the rear and some of Franz's personal preferences all over the car. Actually if you see a new Mazda 6 on the road you can sometimes confuse it with a Model S. And guess who designed the Mazda 6 .

 

[SteveS0353]

I was curious if Tesla had hired designers for the body of the Model S from other manufacturers, and if so, can you see influence in the design from their previous creations? For example, the Aston Martin and many Ford models (Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, Mustang) now share very similar grills.

I can see Panamera in the S, but I'm sure there's more to it. Any thoughts?

Franz von Holzhausen moved from Mazda to Tesla as Director of Design and was responsible for the Model S. I don't know if Franz was involved with the Mazda concept called Shinari. but there is a pretty striking resemblance in my mind between Model S and the Shinari concept.

I can also see design elements of Jaguar and Aston Martin in the Model S, and my P85+ has been mistaken for a Maserati on more than one occasion.

 

[JimmyAZ]

Actually it's interesting you point out the Mazda similarities! I've driven past what I thought were MS only to find out they were Mazdas. I don't see AM/Jag influence. That would be a bonus due to me trading my Vantage in for the MS, but definitely see the Panamera/Mazda bloodlines in there.

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I can also see design elements of Jaguar and Aston Martin in the Model S, and my P85+ has been mistaken for a Maserati on more than one occasion.

I can also see some Maserati in the fender lines and headlight sweep.

 

[TEG]

Henrik Fisker worked on the earliest design and there could still be some hints of his influence even after Franz mostly redid it.

Many people compared to Jaguar XF. Tesla had hired a bunch of Jaguar people to work on the car.

Has anyone noticed how similar the Model S resembles the Jaguar XF | Forums | Tesla Motors

Lotus Eterne with Tesla Roadster in the background:

 

[JimmyAZ]

Oh wow. I never noticed the Jaguar similarity until that picture! I guess I hadn't seen them near each other before. And the Lotus Eterne looks like it's built on the same platform! Just like seeing an Exige and Roadster together. They look so alike.

 

[Mr X]

Jaguar/Aston Martin/Mazda influence



all combined and designed to near perfection

 

[FLDarren]

Jaguar/Aston Martin/Mazda influence



all combined and designed to near perfection

The strength of all and the weakness of none.

 

[GaryREM]

Wow. I knew of his Mazda background, but hadn't seen the concept cars and the similar influences. The Mazda Takeri concept has some interesting door handles, trim and seats...

 

[AmpedRealtor]

I think we're in good hands, don't you?

 

[yobigd20]

the Model S is very cleared inspired by a few Aston Martin, Maserati, and Jaguar models. I believe Elon said himself he was very influenced by some of their designs.