Model S delays?

ChargeIt! · 08-29-2008, 07:56 AM

Here's something from TM owner's site:

Quote:

We are not yet ready to share details on Model S. An official unveiling is likely months away, but stay tuned. We are as anxious as you are to discuss Tesla's next model.

Zak
Posted by Zak on August 27, 2008.

Cobos · 08-29-2008, 12:13 PM

Aren't we talking serious delays then at this point? If they are not yet ready to reveal the design for several months yet they will not probably not be able to finish DOT crash testing before the end of the year. That means they've barely got a year to build factory, check out EPs and then VPs and get everything polished for production in 2010. I was sort of hoping early 2010, but seems like late 2010 is the best they can do. There should be lots and lots of competition then shouldn't it ?

Cobos

malcolm · 08-29-2008, 12:34 PM

Is Holzhausen insisting on last minute changes?

Cobos · 08-29-2008, 01:32 PM

Considering that I like his designs, that might not be such a bad idea after all :)

Cobos

Joseph · 08-29-2008, 04:11 PM

Cobos,

Maybe Tesla has changed their gameplan. After the little mini-fiasco they've experienced getting the Roadster into production, maybe they've learned that they better be further ahead in development before they release the car. The differences between the Roadster now, and when it was first revealed are really quite astonishing.

1. PEM (controller) redesigned from analog to digital, and then upgraded to put out more amps
2. Batteries changed (they switched to batteries that were lower capacity but were more durable)
3. Transmission switched four times
4. Got a different supplier for their carbon fiber panels
5. Door sills redesigned to meet crash test requirements

These are five pretty major points. I'm sure pretty much all car companies modify their cars along the way to production; however, this much is simply unheard of!

I think they'll get it right this time.

stopcrazypp · 08-29-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph

Cobos,

Maybe Tesla has changed their gameplan. After the little mini-fiasco they've experienced getting the Roadster into production, maybe they've learned that they better be further ahead in development before they release the car. The differences between the Roadster now, and when it was first revealed are really quite astonishing.
.

Yes, this is what I am guessing too. They probably want more actual development done on Model S before unveiling it so that there won't be so many delays like with the Roadster (the delays were one of the main reasons why Tesla's reputation on the internet isn't so good).

graham · 08-29-2008, 05:35 PM

They still have time to finish the design, do DOT testing and still make a late 2010 release. The timing is tight, but they can still do it.

Also there is nothing to say that they have to advertise when the design is done. They can finish the design, go through DOT testing while publicly proclaiming that they are still working on the design and still hit the 2010 deadline.

Admittedly though, they are going to have to work hard to hit it whatever they do.

TEG · 08-29-2008, 06:46 PM

Don't forget that they are planning to build their own factory and figure out how to do a lot more manufacturing. With the Roadster, Lotus helped a lot.

graham · 08-29-2008, 07:05 PM

Yup... gonna be tough.

Sgee · 09-01-2008, 08:19 PM

Looks like we have hit a dead spot in information from tesla. There hasn't seemed to be any new info since all the suv histeria. Maybe getting ready for an announcement?