Next Gen Tesla Sportscar - Page 2

Kevin Harney · 06-03-2009, 06:12 AM

Yeah in my mind I see it as a Model S convertible coupe.

lovin' that idea.

ozman · 06-24-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malcolm

Meh

Put this on the back-burner where it belongs. There are more important things to be doing.

It's all relevant. Tesla seems to be intending to use the same wheelbase, and a lot of the same technology for the Model S in it's next "few" cars. We've heard talk about an SUV, etc being built on the Model S base as well. So they need to be forward thinking and make it all compatible. Makes sense though.

malcolm · 06-25-2009, 03:01 AM

Good point. Elon commented on switching to larger format batteries, but I'm not sure if that's simply for the less expensive models or whether they intend to move away from the laptop cell-based packs.

Will be interesting to see if they can develop a modular platform with several different motor/PEM/battery combinations which can be stretched/expanded/shrunk for a variety of vehicle types.

Chris H. · 06-26-2009, 03:11 PM

Malcolm,

I don't know if you remember the GM Hy-wire concept car from 2002, but that was the same basic idea. This is from the Wikipedia page:

Quote:

Due to hydrogen fuel cell drive system used by the Hy-wire the conventional car layout has been revamped. Without the need for a conventional engine block and transmission system coupled to the steering column and pedals through mechanical linkage the car's power system and single electric motor are built into a flat skateboard configuration. This serves to lower the car's center of gravity but more importantly to standardize vehicle drive train systems. Because all propulsion and energy storage systems are housed in the skateboard designers are free to arrange the passenger compartment however they see fit. This allows for highly flexible vehicle configurations such as a 4 door sedan, mini van, or even a small bus to be placed on the same drive system, with the only difference being the shape of the car's upper body and the location of seats. The skateboard itself contains crumple zones similar to those in conventional automobiles.

Here's a link to some pictures:

General Motors Hywire concept

Bud · 07-03-2009, 10:17 PM

With all else equal, a skateboard design implies a taller seating position and thus a taller vehicle. Air drag, which accounts for most of the power on the highway, goes up with area. For rough numbers, increasing the height from four feet to five feet implies 25% more drag and requires maybe 20% more power, yielding something like that much less highway range for an EV. Wow, what a concept!

AnOutsider · 07-04-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud

With all else equal, a skateboard design implies a taller seating position and thus a taller vehicle. Air drag, which accounts for most of the power on the highway, goes up with area. For rough numbers, increasing the height from four feet to five feet implies 25% more drag and requires maybe 20% more power, yielding something like that much less highway range for an EV. Wow, what a concept!

I'd imagine this is something they would consider... this sounds like a random baseless bashing post.

Takumi · 07-04-2009, 10:08 AM

Actually not random bashing, more like no research or "sour grapes". Have you looked under an ICE car recently? Ever considered the exhaust system, driveshaft, or gas tank to mention a few?

mt2 · 07-04-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud

With all else equal, a skateboard design implies a taller seating position and thus a taller vehicle. Air drag, which accounts for most of the power on the highway, goes up with area. For rough numbers, increasing the height from four feet to five feet implies 25% more drag and requires maybe 20% more power, yielding something like that much less highway range for an EV. Wow, what a concept!

Uh, no. A skateboard design implies any seating position you care to put onto it. Without the engine blocking your view, you could lay the drive prone.

james jossi · 03-16-2010, 09:35 AM

i like the look of that, its weird that its gonna have back seats and should just have the two and use the room for other things