If only the production Model S looked like this...

[vfx]

IMO ... the biggest exterior disappointment is the Tesla emblem on the quarter panel that was lit up and three dimensional ... . that was very trick looking!

Totally agree! At the X Event Franz hinted that is was dropped for aerodynamics.

[vfx]

A group of us talked with Franz last night at the LA opening in frot of a car about the nose changes. (so fun!)
I don't want to misquote him but one thing he made very clear was the lower lip protrusion being a requirement (specifically he said Canada) that is a pedestrian safety device. Hitting the ankle first and causing the body to fall on the hood is requirement. No hitting an breaking the knee.

He talked about how the air was originally going into the nose and for aero reasons they dropped it all down to low.

[brianman]

the lower lip protrusion being a requirement (specifically he said Canada) that is a pedestrian safety device. Hitting the ankle first and causing the body to fall on the hood is requirement. No hitting an breaking the knee.

Very interesting. I don't know if the Tesla blog is the proper forum, but this type of stuff would be great to make more public. For example, when going to car shows with "concept vehicles" it would be nice to have a more informed eye about "that feature won't make it to production because...."

[Right_Said_Fred]

I didn't like the concept, in the front view it looks too much like a boat. I do like how the Model S looks now, much more mature and powerful.

(disclaimer: I currently drive a Karma)

[Doug_G]

I don't want to misquote him but one thing he made very clear was the lower lip protrusion being a requirement (specifically he said Canada) that is a pedestrian safety device. Hitting the ankle first and causing the body to fall on the hood is requirement. No hitting an breaking the knee.

Yeah, Canadian certification authorities often tend to be pickier than other countries.

[MikeK]

I was told the same thing by somebody at the factory back at the test ride event late last year (about the nose protrusion being for pedestrian safety).

I don't mind the current look (although I preferred the original). What I do mind is some of the problems with body panel fit, especially around the trunk. Perhaps if somebody has a chance to talk to Franz, they could ask about that?

[AnOutsider]

I was told the same thing by somebody at the factory back at the test ride event late last year (about the nose protrusion being for pedestrian safety).

I don't mind the current look (although I preferred the original). What I do mind is some of the problems with body panel fit, especially around the trunk. Perhaps if somebody has a chance to talk to Franz, they could ask about that?

Fairly sure it's a manufacturing issue to design