You need to have read the two previous threads:- “Proposed
Model 3 concept clay model (unofficial)” and “Revised Model 3
Concept model” to get all the background to this thread!
Here is an alternative styling exercise – softer and less edgy
(more conservative?) - but using the same basic architecture. Which
do you prefer?
vs - the previous look....
I was (pleasantly) surprised to see how positive people were about
the option of a Model 3 (or MS) Station Wagon. With a Tesla frunk for
out-of-sight and security storage, a station wagon makes a lot of
sense – especially for a family vehicle.
So I (out of curiosity) made a 'top-hat' to go onto the basic car
to convert it to a SW. Firstly I realised that the base design with
the high rump was already quite far down the track to a SW – maybe
it should be called a 'Semi-Wagon'! The amount of extra space without
extending the wheelbase and rear overhang by just squaring off the
rear was almost minimal so I took the Citroen CX Station Wagon route
– a stepped and raised rear roof line.
It may not be 'stylish' but it has major advantages – raised
rear seats; extra leg space; extra head room; more – and higher -
internal space. If a purchaser goes for a SW then practicalities may
outweigh pure style? Of course the step could be blended into the
roof line if required (but that made the model modification too
tricky for now!) The iconic Tesla side window shape was kept intact.
There are no architecture alterations (another option) nor styling
changes – some SWs are distinctly different to the car from which
they were derived.......For Tesla this may be an excessive (and
unnecessary) development cost.
To get an idea of a 'finished' rear end to suit this design, look
at the Volvo V40 Estate. Or a mix of this and the Volvo C30 – I
like this style at the rear – clean; glassy; practical; different.
The resulting SW has h-u-g-e internal space; a big frunk (nearly
MS size); flat floors and low CoG (even with the raised
seating/roofline due to being an EV). And all in a package the size
of an Audi A4/BMW 3-Series...........Plus all the Tesla/EV benefits!
Anyway I am finished with options for now. I really started this
as an exercise to see if the idea of a long-wheelbase/short overhang
with a high rump and 1 ½ box shape would work. Including throwing in
the underbody rear diffuser and minimal/no faux grille. I am
personally happy with the outcome and realise that it could be much
improved with subtle and classy detailing. I can visualise something
like it in full size on the road making other cars in this class look
a bit 'dull'...........maybe pre-EV.
Over to Franz and co at Tesla to see what they ultimately come up
with!
Model 3 concept clay model (unofficial)” and “Revised Model 3
Concept model” to get all the background to this thread!
Here is an alternative styling exercise – softer and less edgy
(more conservative?) - but using the same basic architecture. Which
do you prefer?
vs - the previous look....
I was (pleasantly) surprised to see how positive people were about
the option of a Model 3 (or MS) Station Wagon. With a Tesla frunk for
out-of-sight and security storage, a station wagon makes a lot of
sense – especially for a family vehicle.
So I (out of curiosity) made a 'top-hat' to go onto the basic car
to convert it to a SW. Firstly I realised that the base design with
the high rump was already quite far down the track to a SW – maybe
it should be called a 'Semi-Wagon'! The amount of extra space without
extending the wheelbase and rear overhang by just squaring off the
rear was almost minimal so I took the Citroen CX Station Wagon route
– a stepped and raised rear roof line.
It may not be 'stylish' but it has major advantages – raised
rear seats; extra leg space; extra head room; more – and higher -
internal space. If a purchaser goes for a SW then practicalities may
outweigh pure style? Of course the step could be blended into the
roof line if required (but that made the model modification too
tricky for now!) The iconic Tesla side window shape was kept intact.
There are no architecture alterations (another option) nor styling
changes – some SWs are distinctly different to the car from which
they were derived.......For Tesla this may be an excessive (and
unnecessary) development cost.
To get an idea of a 'finished' rear end to suit this design, look
at the Volvo V40 Estate. Or a mix of this and the Volvo C30 – I
like this style at the rear – clean; glassy; practical; different.
The resulting SW has h-u-g-e internal space; a big frunk (nearly
MS size); flat floors and low CoG (even with the raised
seating/roofline due to being an EV). And all in a package the size
of an Audi A4/BMW 3-Series...........Plus all the Tesla/EV benefits!
Anyway I am finished with options for now. I really started this
as an exercise to see if the idea of a long-wheelbase/short overhang
with a high rump and 1 ½ box shape would work. Including throwing in
the underbody rear diffuser and minimal/no faux grille. I am
personally happy with the outcome and realise that it could be much
improved with subtle and classy detailing. I can visualise something
like it in full size on the road making other cars in this class look
a bit 'dull'...........maybe pre-EV.
Over to Franz and co at Tesla to see what they ultimately come up
with!