Model S Nose Cone Designs (Prototype, Alpha, Beta and beyond)

[TEG]

Foam mock up:


Dark Gray "Aero buck" or "Mule" (?):


White non drivable "roller" with no drivetrain. ("Exterior Design Model"):


Completed silver "early" drivable prototype.
(Seems to be based on a Mercedes chassis with fiberglass body panels and a Roadster motor):

[mt2]

Ah, yes. That would explain the screen door grill.

[jimbayne]

I think the car overall looks exactly like the Jag XF but that's okay
I was hoping to buy a leftover 2010 in 2011, now I will probably just get a Tesla S

Jim

[Jaff]

I think the screen door would look better in black.

Ah, yes. That would explain the screen door grill.

[Todd Burch]

On the plus side...it's easier to clean bugs off the solid nose!

[roblab]

Little photoshop of old style grille onto new front. There is a hood line down from the top of the oval, so the T has to be down a bit. Also, the bumper used to be at the bottom of the oval, and is now across the middle, for regulatory reasons maybe. I would think it likely that TMC has plans for that black area. But here's my 2 cents again.

[vfx]

Thanks Rob, This is close to what I was thinking of mocking up. It makes the most sense with what Tesla has been doing on all the previous S versions and explains the plastic top piece withing the opening..

...

The counter argument to this version is the badge that is on top of the hood of the Alpha and how it relates to the 2.5 Roadster hood emblem treatment.

[mt2]

Little photoshop of old style grille onto new front. There is a hood line down from the top of the oval, so the T has to be down a bit. Also, the bumper used to be at the bottom of the oval, and is now across the middle, for regulatory reasons maybe. I would think it likely that TMC has plans for that black area. But here's my 2 cents again.
[Image clipped]

I did the same mock up and then removed the "whiskers" in the front vents. It really cleaned up the front. I agree with Ipe who commented about the spoiler being "best suited to the taste of fifteen year old boys", but also figure it must be important to the aerodynamics or it wouldn't be there.

All in all, I think they are targeting the wrong demographic. It's a $50,000+ sedan that seats 5+2, for crying out loud. It's not a Trans Am. You can't even gun the engine at a red light if you tried!

[Nik]

That all looks a little bit Vauxhall/Opel to European eyes. Not a good comparison to be creating.

[kvietor]

[QUOTE=roblab;56852]...... I would think it likely that TMC has plans for that black area. But here's my 2 cents again.

I expressed the same concern about the front end and was told that TMC plans to use the area for senors. Didn't say what kinds tho.