TEG

Good car to use as a 'donor'.
(Apparently the ICE drive-train in those vehicles was in need of replacement)

doug

Thanks! I can't take all the credit, but it's nice to get some confirmation.

Now if only I could score an invite to the Menlo Park store opening...

Kardax

I was thinking the same thing. I bet Tesla found one with a dead engine for a very low price; perfect for testing :)

I doubt the final WhiteStar / Model S will look anything like the Magnum, but it's nice to see they can get their technology working in such a large, heavy vehicle.

-Ryan

vfx

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The world loves to be deceived.

TEG

Jalopnik seems to think it was left out on purpose waiting for someone to notice...

TEG

But, it is an event for owners (or rather depositors) not for random fans like us.

doug

I suppose it's possible. I've come to the conclusion that the Roadsters viewable from the street in the back of the soon to be MP Tesla store is probably intentional PR/marketing. But so what. It's not like it's dishonest. It's not like they're paying us to notice and talk about it.

But I also think it's possible they've been doing some actual work on the mule at the Menlo Park location and thus it had a more legit purpose for being there. I've noticed that some activity has been going on in that rear garage building for a while now.

Fast Lane Daily

Tesla Model S mule spotted in California

Tesla Whitestar Mule Spotted? - Top Speed


Sure, but one can dream.

doug

Couldn't really find the debate you're talking about, but there is some discussion about styling here:
"White Star" styling

mt2

It's amusing how almost no one actually reads the article before commenting. The best example of "shoot first, ask questions later" is at Tesla Model S mule spotted in California. Theories abound that it is an abandoned car on a vacant lot, even though the article clearly mentions the location and says Tesla confirmed it. Then a few joke about using Magnum gliders for the WhiteStar, although the last paragraph specifically mentions that the wheelbase and weight are the only relevant pieces of information that can be gleaned from the sighting.

I was going to respond, but decided not to waste my time. Anyways, congrats to Doug and TEG for creating a huge Internet buzz.

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Mark Tomlinson
"I am not a trouble maker; I'm a catalyst for change."

malcolm

It will be interesting to see how far, (if at all) Elon's "functionality" remark is intended to dampen expectations of Karma / Lightning-like styling.

But then he is a man with a young family, so maybe he can push the practicality of the design.