Wow, those are a trip!
What are they made of that can be strong and heat resistant enough while being transparent?
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Aero wheels
- Thread starter richkae
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- Driving Dynamics Model S
What are they made of that can be strong and heat resistant enough while being transparent?
Polycarbonate. They're Dvinci Forgiato Radurra wheels. http://www.ohgizmo.com/2006/12/06/the-dvinci-forgiato-radurra-see-through-rims/
I too wonder about heat resistance and strength. Let's not forget about brake ventilation, UV exposure, and cleaning.
Despite this, I'm assuming that given the material used it must be much lighter in terms of weight. While the focus in achieving the 320 mile range has been based on wind resistance, I'm sure that weight would play a role too; plus handing could be better because of less unsprung weight.
What about the wheel fairings used in Formula One? http://www.f1technical.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4447
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Also I wonder about scratch resistance. And they probably don't look so great when dirty. Hit a couple of puddles and your transparent wheel looks like a mud canvas...?
You know, I completely don't care about looks.
...but around here, what I need is traction. Crappy roads, winter, and a state speed limit of 65 mph mean the considerations are not the same here as they might be elsewhere. And the way wheels increase range is by reducing traction, so forget the "long range wheels".
I'll have to watch out for the way the 19-inch wheels extend past the protective cover, but I've had a car like that before...
EDIT: if on the other hand it's just more-aerodynamic hubcaps, I'd totally go for that!
...but around here, what I need is traction. Crappy roads, winter, and a state speed limit of 65 mph mean the considerations are not the same here as they might be elsewhere. And the way wheels increase range is by reducing traction, so forget the "long range wheels".
I'll have to watch out for the way the 19-inch wheels extend past the protective cover, but I've had a car like that before...
EDIT: if on the other hand it's just more-aerodynamic hubcaps, I'd totally go for that!
mnx
2018 M3P
Anyone seen the Peugeot HX1 Concept? I saw it in this month's Top Gear Magazine. It has wheel spokes that "open" to create a flat disc. Looks great, when they're open for showing off the car or slow speed driving. Close them up, when you need the range. Looks like a brilliant idea.
- mnx
- mnx
Kipernicus
Model S Res#P1440
I like those see through wheels, but not so much at $5k each.
No need to worry about brake ventilation!
If you are getting these wheels to increase range, you will be coasting and regenning as much as possible, and using the friction brakes as little as possible, so they shouldn't get that hot.
No need to worry about brake ventilation!
If you are getting these wheels to increase range, you will be coasting and regenning as much as possible, and using the friction brakes as little as possible, so they shouldn't get that hot.
tdelta1000
Active Member
I think Model S sport wheels may be little more closed in like a 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid wheels.
tdelta1000
Active Member
gg_got_a_tesla
Model S: VIN 65513, Model 3: VIN 1913
I have a question.... All of these "turbine" wheels are designed to shove more air underneath the car. Don't you want the opposite to get the car to "stick" to the road? Are they all backwards, or am I backwards??
Mycroft
Life happens
It seems to me, on the Tesla, the turbine wheels on the left side are pushing air away from the wheels while the right side they're slicing into the air and pulling it into the wheels.
No they are all, including the Audi example above, designed to push air underneath the car. There were some examples of Tesla wheels installed backwards in the past however.
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Mycroft
Life happens
Here's the left side, note that when the wheel is rolling forward, the air would be pushed away like a fan.
While on the right side, the air gets sucked in.
In order for both sides to push out, you would need two different wheels and you wouldn't be able to rotate your tires without removing the tires from the wheels.
While on the right side, the air gets sucked in.
In order for both sides to push out, you would need two different wheels and you wouldn't be able to rotate your tires without removing the tires from the wheels.
It seems to me that the turbine wheels are strictly cosmetic...
Well, I suppose no matter which way they were blowing they'll cool the brake rotors a bit.
Well, I suppose no matter which way they were blowing they'll cool the brake rotors a bit.
Odenator
Member
mwu
Member
Too many spokes to clean on that Audi wheel... Brake dust makes wheels look horrible. Although I suppose that people will be using regen braking as much as possible so that should minimize brake dust accumulation.
Yea, I would think that the aerodynamic wheels would not be the turbine style. I'm not sure I'll be interested in them, but I do hope they can look good and be aerodynamic.
Yea, I would think that the aerodynamic wheels would not be the turbine style. I'm not sure I'll be interested in them, but I do hope they can look good and be aerodynamic.
WhiteKnight
_____ P85 #549 _____ Sig Red / Sig White
This makes the most aerodynamic sense.
Two questions:
(1) How attractive can flat plate wheels really be?
(2) Why pay more money for less attractive wheels that only net you a 7% bump in range?
To me it seems like the only people paying up for the wheels would be people who make 301 mile trips on a routine basis.
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