Pics Aplenty: Tesla unloads new set of Model S driving shots
Tesla Model S in motion - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just a day after releasing new images of the Tesla Roadster Sport, the Silicon Valley automaker has gone and unleashed its Model S starring in a series of actual at-speed driving shots. While we've seen high-res shots of the Model S in the studio from Tesla Motors and we've witnessed the car moving under its own electric power ourselves, this is the first time the automaker has published a photo series of its own showing the car in motion.
Looking a bit closer, it appears that none other than Tesla design chief Franz Von Holzhausen is behind the wheel of the Model S in these images. Lucky guy. Unfortunately, drivers looking to pilot their own Model S will need to wait until Q3 of 2011 for the chance.
Gallery: Tesla Model S in motion
Gallery: Tesla Model S
[Source: Tesla via egmCarTech]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John Johnson 9:32AM (8/21/2009)
It looks like a Mazda 6 and an Aston Martin made a baby and fed it with batteries.
Reply
RowFive 10:03AM (8/21/2009)
...which is not altogether a bad thing. In general I like the design, though from some angles it's too little Aston and too much Lexus. It could use a bit more muscularity around the rear fenders, IMO, but perhaps it's because I'm just used to seeing Astons with bulging rear fenders. I'm not a huge fan of the tapered window that defines the C pillar-- this showed up in some of Mazda's "flow language" concept cars in recent years and while it is elegant I don't find it appealing. These are minor subjective nitpicks, though-- the worst flaw is the chrome bar in the grille. The Tesla logo is cool, but the vee bar looks tacked-on and cheap.
Overall, nice job for such a relatively new automaker. Too bad that arrogant Elon Musk will benefit from its success.
John Johnson 10:04AM (8/21/2009)
Oh, I wasn't saying I didn't like it... I approve for sure. The back does look a little Lexus-inspired, but I couldn't really throw a 3rd parent in, biology doesn't favor it.
Kitko 10:34AM (8/21/2009)
Yes, current Mazda design is there :-) Also a touch of the old Xedos 6.
Mike 2:29PM (8/21/2009)
Speaking of Mazda, for my money I'll take an RX-8 and 150,000 miles worth of fuel. Similar performance numbers and I can actually drive it across the state.
Will 12:45AM (8/22/2009)
Eurasians are frickin hot.
akboss302 9:38AM (8/21/2009)
Its nice to see design still has a home in the auto industry - this thing looks awesome! With so many people trying to find a design language (to mixed results), this is one I can warm up to.
Reply
Bloke 9:40AM (8/21/2009)
In the immortal words of actor Raf Vallone in the original 1969 film The Italian Job: "pretty car ... paid for?"
Reply
Dan 9:50AM (8/21/2009)
The car looks great, no doubt there. But I am having a hard time reconciling why it needs an actual grill opening. It runs on batteries, so there is no radiator. Wouldn't the opening to get air into an engine bay that doesn't need it make the car less aerodynamic, and therefore slower?
Then again, I'm just wondering, as I have never driven an electric vehicle, or looked into the engine bay of an electric vehicle (or even a hybrid, for that matter) so maybe there is a radiator for some reason. (And yes, I know a hybrid has a radiator, or least a need for one.)
Reply
ACURA23CL 10:08AM (8/21/2009)
Dan:
It may contain ducts that guide air to the brakes or batteries, to cool them off. Or, it could just be a styling cue to go with the overall look OR to make the Tesla Model S look a bit more normal. Remember, electric vehicles are still prone to culture shock. People won't gravitate towards a vehicle if it looks like an appliance. The key may be to drive/own an electric vehicle, without looking like it...Sort of an electric-sleeper if you will.
Brett MacPherson 10:14AM (8/21/2009)
Batteries still need to be cooled. When you discharge a battery quickly it gets hot. Plus there is still an A/C condenser and all those what nots....
That being said it doesn't need a grill opening THAT big. And I thought it looked a bit like a Quattroporte.
Argent 10:09AM (8/21/2009)
wouldn't have to be a proper radiator, but simply an opening to induce air-flow based cooling. battery packs can get pretty warm, but prolly don't need special cooling methods. generators, otoh, can get pretty darn hot.
Doug 11:24AM (8/21/2009)
I replied to this same question over at ABG, but I'll repeat here.
There is a radiator. The battery, motor, and power electronics in this car are all liquid cooled. And yes there's also AC. The same compressor is used to cool the batteries as well as the cabin (at least that's how it works on the Roadster).
The grill isn't as large as it looks. You can see in the photo, only about a third of that "mouth" area is actually open.
Dan 3:42PM (8/21/2009)
Thanks for the details!
Reading all of these, I can now see the many reasons for the grille opening.
And while I do think the car looks great, I would never buy one. Tesla is just too small a company for me to even consider buying one. Once they have sales in the millions, then I will feel like they can be trusted to stick around for the life of the car.
Now, if it were made by GM, Ford, or Toyota, I would be first in line to get one!
mr.ed 10:28AM (8/21/2009)
Touches of Mazda, Jag, Aston. Overall, lots of nice lines. Needs a little more standoff in the rear bumper and a better chrome statement in the grille mouth to match the one in the rear. I understand the need for some air cooling for AC, etc. but the Prius has established tinier openings as the electric look. Most buyers say that look is preferable to just a normal body with hybrid trim because it says that they're distinctive, like their rides.
Reply
Haon 10:32AM (8/21/2009)
Its got a purdy mouth.
Reply
Dougm VW fan 10:44AM (8/21/2009)
Wow, Why cant the big car makers design cars like this. Oh thats right because they all try to make cookie cutter cars.
Reply
homunculus 10:51AM (8/21/2009)
looks much better than the fisker.
Reply
Rick 11:34AM (8/21/2009)
End of 2011. Sweet, it gives me time to save up for one and if we survive the 2012 apocalypse, I might be able to get a good deal.
Reply
hbh 12:09PM (8/21/2009)
I still can hardly believe that something as pretty, eco-friendly and exciting actually exists. It's just too good to be true. I do hope it's all true and that the tech all works, I honestly do. But I'll have to touch, feel and drive it to be convinced.
Reply