First Tesla Model S teaser shot silently sneaks onto the scene
By Donald Melanson 
posted February 12th 2009 11:16AM
posted February 12th 2009 11:16AM
Tesla just dropped word yesterday that a drivable prototype of its Model S sedan would be unveiled on March 26th, but the automaker has now gone one step further and let loose the first official teaser image of what we can only assume is said prototype. In true teaser fashion, there isn't a whole lot to see, but as AutoblogGreen points out, it is fairly evident that the Model S is at least shorter than the rival Fisker Karma, and it seems to boast a larger passenger compartment to boot. Hit up the link below to check out a higher res shot, and don't be surprised if Tesla continues to tease this one out right up until that March 26th launch date.
First to say that the rims sucks because it's not even aero-dynamic. If you can see the rims cut directly into the wind while it turns. This thing should be energy efficient.
I was gonna say that they act as fans to cool the brake by drawing in air, but you're right, they're pointed in the wrong direction to do that...
Since when has this car been about energy efficiency?
This car is for posers. Like ass clown actors that drive a hybrid to an award show or press event but yet fly on a private jet all around the world. If they really cared, they would fly coach. It's more energy efficient.
But if they designed it like that on purpose to drag more wind into the direction of the driver than that's great but use a micro wind tunnel to flip it back once you're not turning.
No it's the right way, the car move the other way. lol.
They were in a such hurry to release this stupid teaser pic, that they put the tires on wrong.
don´t worry about the shape of the spokes, efficiency wise, as long as there are wide-base-tires on it.
Can any of you actually elaborate on what you think is wrong? looks perfectly fine to me. The fins *would* funnel air into the brakes, though as noted this probably isn't necessary at all. From an aerodynamic standpoint, I'm not sure I've ever seen a car where the profile of the rim extended past the tire wall, so as long as the car is moving forward the fins wont affect the aero-dynamics of the car. They may add drag from drawing in air, but there's nothing to indicate they change the airflow profile of the car in any significant way...
Wow. I'm not sure where all the Tesla hate came from. I understand being skeptical when it looked like they were circling the drain, but I was very happy to hear the good news about their funding and future plans the other day.
It would be awesome if all-electric cars gained more market; it offloads the emissions from the vehicle itself to a centralized, MUCH more efficient power source.
In stark contrast to those poseurs and their hybrids, which barely use any less gas then a standard econobox (and use MORE fuel than many diesel cars), and add a bunch of toxic batteries to the mix.. at least with the Teslas, the toxic batteries completely get rid of the need for a gas motor.
yes these rims would draw in air much more effectively than if they were angled the other way. the top of the rims move twice as fast as the car, while the bottom moves at 0 mph, so you want to focus on taking in air at the top. though as others said, i'm not sure why you would need this.
gee, what a shock, the ultra right wing kbgb is still here talking smack about anything and everything that's not dino-powered. hahaha
@UnixSystemsEngineer
Hybrids today are really more about fueling better battery technology with actual profits than increasing fuel efficiency on cars. You have to remember that just because a company CAN build a truly fuel-efficient vehicle doesn't mean they will if they can't make any profit out of it. That IS the goal of a business after all, and in this market, profit is what really matters the most.
i'm pretty sure the rims are sopost to be like that to force air under the car and not have it bounce off the car.
@UnixSystemsEngineer:
I'm with you. Performance markets tend to drive the technological development that economy markets thrive on. Tesla falls neatly in that category, and they do it with a lot of style. If I had the disposable income, I'd chip in for one. Of course part of that is because I'm also of the opinion that all-electric will be where it's at some day, if only because the options for energy sourcing are pretty flexible.
I think the rims were designed to grab/suck in air so it can propel itself to move forward.
That thing is frickin beautiful.
Yup...whatever is visible of the vehicle looks awesome.
Yes, what we can see of it looks gorgeous (I even dig that color).
Note the EXTREMELY narrow panel gaps around the doors, too, suggesting high build quality.
I still don't get where the "haters" are coming from. I see a lot of anti-electric, anti-fuel cell, anti-hybrid sentiment, and it really disturbs me. Are these technologies perfect? By no means, and the hurdles are significant. But no major technology emerges "fully-formed". Tesla seems to have a leg up on a lot of other companies out there, and the business model of going after rich early-adopters seems like a smart idea.
I don't get why so many people have so much trouble with this.
@Alex, I doubt you need full braking on this thing haha =D
Kinda reminds me of the BMW, which is awesome.
Slick rims
ive seen those rims on a maserati or jaguar
They remade the Ford Probe, second edition?
The nose looks like an Aston Martin DB7, but stubbier.
And, yeah, those rims look SICK.
Where exactly is this said Hi-Res photo. Click link, click gallery, click hi-res, same size.
So, shouldn't they be concentrating on getting the current model out the door, before they "unveil" the new model. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's sex on wheels, but also presumptuous.
I was at the D.C. auto show this weekend where they had both the Fisker Karma and the Tesla Roadster and there's no way the Tesla S will be able to compete with the styling of the Karma. It's sort of like the Nissan GT-R in that you get what should be a $150,000+ but for a price that average people could afford.
Nice rims
Those wheels are definitely "LORINSER RS8" wheels made by Lorinser- They are absolutely identical. http://wheelsperformancecom.stores.yahoo.net/lorinserrs8.html
A) That guy is a midget.
or
B) That car is HUGE!
It looks like they cut a BMW Z4 in half, and sandwiched in between a four door cabin. A straight up and down line for the front door doesn't blend in very well, especially without stretching that silver trim from the fender onto the door a just a bit. Almost like there is no visual trickery applied to this car.
I honestly don't know why I typed this whole response. I mean I was so into this like 3 minutes ago, but I just realized I don't give two cares.
To those who say the rims are not energy efficient, how the hack are electric vehicles going to catch on if they are ugly, we need a beautiful electric car to convert the masses, this one might be too expensive for that but it's a start.
how the hack = how the heck
A headlight is also visible in the shot hinting that it will allow the driver to see in the dark.
RIP tesla
Prototype?
I've been seeing these during my commute on the 101, a Tesla car trailer in my neighborhood yesterday and the Tesla showroom on the El Camino in Menlo Park (used to be a Ford dealership) has 10+ cars in it. Has for a while now.
Prototype?
I know exactly where this car is. I've actually seen it outside of the building on a number of occasions. Anyone else want take some more spy shots? :)
I love the Tesla roadster, the Model S look every bit as alluring but with 4 doors. Why are so many people hating? Yes they are making a car aimed at the upper class, but so do Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes, Lamborghini, ect. is it just because it is an all electric car? FYI Mercedes is also rumored to be making an electric sports car, are you going to Poo Poo on them too?
I want a coupe...not a roadster or a sedan. Please make one!
The thought of gasoline makes me sick!
I think this is a stunning car, with the a feasible price tag. I can't wait for EV's to be at the reach of everyone.
From an aerodynamic standpoint, I'm not sure I've ever seen a car where the profile of the rim extended past the tire wall, http://www.vcao.net A straight up and down line for the front door doesn't blend in very well, especially without stretching that silver trim from the fender onto the door a just a bit