OK let's go into the bear lair...............! I am planning to
get a Model III so follow most of the threads to see what people
would like to see in the new design. It is mainly performance data;
interior comments; features; ACC; blind spot warning etc etc.
But very little about what people would like it to look like –
bar a few classy images. Many of these options are not viable as they
are 2-door designs or too wide/low/long to be practical – too
'concept'! Obviously the MS has set the bar high so many want a
mini-MS but I think this is a bit of a cop-out. But clearly people
want the M3 to look good.
So I began to think what I'd like 'my' M3 to look like. It needs
to have Tesla MS DNA as well as, and I think this is important, play
to EV advantages/strengths. I cannot paint/draw well enough nor
photoshop or similar so after messing around with some sketches, I
decided to make a 1:5 scale model. I am only a hobby model-maker so
excuse the basic nature of the beast. It lacks detailing; swage
lines; creases; and final scalloping shapes to make it all hang
together and have the wow-factor. In essence, this model is a
conceptual design showing the architecture and the general basic
shape. But it is an accurate and realisitic design - dimension-wise
it is workable so not a big compromise.
General comments. The overall length is appreciably less than the
MS as is the width – these are closer to a BMW 3-series/Merc
C-class. However the wheelbase is longer than those cars although
shorter than the MS. This will give space for the batteries between the
wheels; improved ride and directional stability; better internal
space useage at a small cost of agility. The resulting short
overhangs front and rear will make maneouvering in urban environments
easier but do pose some design issues.
To give the design Tesla-DNA, I have used the side window/roof
profile from the MS; similar scalloping on the side panels and a
rounded tear-drop nose not unlike the MS. Personally I prefer the
prototype MS nose so the MIII has echoes of this. The front and rear
seat headroom has been increased (more so at he back) to address
concerns about interior headroom with the MS. To give the increased
rear headroom has resulted in a higher rear deck (and a Kamm chopped
tail) which will improve rear luggage space. This car will, after
all, be targetted as a 'family car'.
Importantly the windscreen has been moved forward significantly
resulting in a cab-forward/mid-engined design look. With no need for
a big hood other than access to the frunk this feature greatly
enhances a number of aspects. Firstly safety as the windscreen head
is further away in an accident and the A-pillar can be strengthened
with a vertical support/frame towards its head. This is also a more
aerodynamic shape – closer to a 'teardrop' – as well. Also it
reduces the impact of the sun streaming in the windscreen and allows
the (larger) pano roof to open far further forward giving a feeling
closer to a cabriolet. When TV wide-angle rear-view screens arrive
the forward windscreen will also allow better positioning of the
screen at the head of the windscreen. The A-pillars are also less
visually intrusive when they are further forward giving reduced blind
spots.
The interior space with the windscreen position; roof profile and
rear deck height will feel substantially larger than comparable cars
– especially with the uncluttered Tesla internal space (flat floor
and no tunnel/gearbox housing nor central console (!)).
Overall I would like to see a “from follows function” design,
simple and classic and departing from the 'trendy' slashes; huge
scoops; exaggerated swage lines; over-large wheels arches/flares and
scalloping and so on.
I gave also grown to dislike the huge, over-sized, bulbous and
unnecessary headlights (and tail-lights) that have become the current
trend and already look passe. With LED/Laser the lights can be sleek
and simple so I have minimised the lights into thin strips and
included a Tesla logo and chrome strips at the front (reminiscent of
the VW xl-1) – no faux grille which is the weakest design part of
the MS. See the Peugeot HX-1 concept car for the general light design
and front detailing. Optionally the lights could sweep into the front
wings in a Ferrari-esque way and giving the M3 a very distinctive
look (too radical for Joe-Public?)
The front valance can include any grilles necessary for cooling
various things (by looking at the MS this is more than one would
expect) and any required high-beam/spot lights.
At the rear the look is definitely 'way out'/radical and different
but, hopefully, not too intimidating. Using the EV advantages of no
exhaust boxes, outlet pipes or a huge gas tank, the rear undertray
can be swept up to give downforce ground effect. This low-drag
downforce will result in better cornering at high speed and improved
stability. Furthermore I think it looks really badass.......... (To
see this design feature done in detail, look at the rear of the EV
Exagon Furtive e-GT – beautiful!)
The rear has been given haunches like the MS to keep the Tesla
DNA. As the rear deck is much higher and I wanted to keep the rear
overhang short, there is a 'chopped' tail with a small vertical rear
window similar to the Honda Insight-CRX/Z and the Volt etc. But I
have gone for a look that pays homage to the Lamborghini Espada! Not
bad influences.... The rear lights are mainly included in the rear
window so avoiding the bug-eyed look.
Finally there is the option of disc/aero wheels with pepper pot
holes for brake cooling – and as a nod to the old XJ-12 and
enclosed rear wheels – as a tribute to the Citroen DS and because
drag is so important with an EV. As the design has such a short rear
overhang and long wheelbase, this shape lends itself to enclosed rear
wheels – personally I think it looks great!
So clearly a Tesla; certainly an EV - unusual/radical and yet
familiar and unintimidating.
Frustratingly the photos do not do the model justice so treat with
a positive disposition!
I would be really interested in (constructive!) observations from members!