Why is Elon so obsessed about the doors ?

[Kensiko]

Does it really gives value to the cars? Those retracting door handles and the falcon doors?

Just got my model S and the rear left handle doesn't work most of the time. Simple handles would be reliable as with any other car and it could still look good.

 

[msnow]

Does it really gives value to the cars? Those retracting door handles and the falcon doors?

Just got my model S and the rear left handle doesn't work most of the time. Simple handles would be reliable as with any other car and it could still look good.

I've never had an issue with my door handles and they are cool and unique.

 

[JPUConn]

Probably why they simplified them on the 3. I'm glad I have the CPO warranty because for the cost/risk of failure my vote is also towards the model 3's mechanism.

 

[xkwizit]

Handles sticking out cost in air drag efficiency and thus have a negative effect on the overall efficiency of the vehicle. Same goes with the side view mirrors that TM and several other car manufacturers have been lobbying with NHTSA for years now to change the law that makes them mandatory.

 

[msnow]

Handles sticking out cost in air drag efficiency and thus have a negative effect on the overall efficiency of the vehicle. Same goes with the side view mirrors that TM and several other car manufacturers have been lobbying with NHTSA for years now to change the law that makes them mandatory.

What would replace side view mirrors?

 

[Caligula]

What would replace side view mirrors?

Cameras

 

[xkwizit]

Yep low profile cameras that feed into your dashboard. Four years back I saw a prototype Model S that had the cameras projecting left and right view on the dash. Pretty cool and much better.

 

[ecarfan]

Just got my model S and the rear left handle doesn't work most of the time.

I assume you have contacted the Montreal Tesla Service Center about that. They will fix it. The S handles are very reliable. And very cool.

 

[Patrick W]

Yep low profile cameras that feed into your dashboard. Four years back I saw a prototype Model S that had the cameras projecting left and right view on the dash. Pretty cool and much better.

I've seen an S from Colorado at my local super charger which the owner modified by replacing the mirrors with cameras that feed monitors mounted on both sides of the dash. So at least someone has tried it.

 

[Drucifer]

Elon's thing with doors comes from his great success and the wealth he has built. Watch, and learn.

 

[James Anders]

I agree. The handles are cool (mine are working) but not cool enough for the negatives to outweigh the positives in my mind.

There are dozens of excellent examples of aerodynamic flush door handles that purely mechanical. My old 1974 Corvette had flush mechanical handles.


So this argument that it's for aero purposes is just not valid. It's a cool whiz bang feature that even after 4-5 years of production we're still seeing problems crop up.

Is Tesla willing to warrant these door handles for the life of the car?

 

[MickC]

I love the door handles on the S! It is so unique and everybody talks about them.
Just makes me smile everytime they pop out when I approach.

 

[sorka]

I've never had an issue with my door handles and they are cool and unique.

I've heard more little boys yell "that's sick" at my daughter's school than I can count. Puts a grin on my face every time.

 

[mshuang]

Does it really gives value to the cars? Those retracting door handles and the falcon doors?

Just got my model S and the rear left handle doesn't work most of the time. Simple handles would be reliable as with any other car and it could still look good.

It's not just about the looks. The retractable door handles cuts down on the coefficient of drag which is why they go flush with the doors. The falcon doors are because it makes it easier to put in the car safety seats for the children. (In California, children have to use the safety seats until they are 8 years old or 4'9", and they need to be in the back seat).

Also, you can just bring your car into the service center and they'll replace any faulty handles.

 

[Electricfan]

Waiting on the door handles to extend is a pet peeve of mine with the car. I'm in the habit now of double-clicking my keyfob so they're out before I get to the car. Walking up to the car from the rear, which is how I approach it 90% of the time, the rear door handles won't extend. I have to walk up even with the front door to get them to pop out. Then and only then can I open the back door and put the groceries in. I wish Tesla would make the super-dooper-retractable door handles an option, so those of us who prefer a simple and reliable mechanical door handle can have that.

 

[ecarfan]

Then and only then can I open the back door and put the groceries in.

You do not use the trunk or the frunk to put grocery bags in?

 

[Evbwcaer]

Since a mechanical door pull could be just as aero, and the S style adds weight, trips for repairs, and costs, I find it really improbable that they increase efficiency in a broad, aka realistic, view.

 

[James Anders]

It's not just about the looks. The retractable door handles cuts down on the coefficient of drag which is why they go flush with the doors. The falcon doors are because it makes it easier to put in the car safety seats for the children. (In California, children have to use the safety seats until they are 8 years old or 4'9", and they need to be in the back seat).

Also, you can just bring your car into the service center and they'll replace any faulty handles.

1. Flush mounted mechanical door handles have been around for decades.

2. I know the handles are covered by warranty. But there's been nagging problems. What about post-warranty?

 

[MickC]

Walking up to the car from the rear, which is how I approach it 90% of the time, the rear door handles won't extend. I have to walk up even with the front door to get them to pop out.

Strange, I can aproach from the back and when I'm next to the back doors the handles are there within the second. Maybe low battery in the keyfob? (just guessing)

 

[msnow]

Strange, I can aproach from the back and when I'm next to the back doors the handles are there within the second. Maybe low battery in the keyfob? (just guessing)

No, the door sensors are the issue. Some locations are better than others.