VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks Tesla Model S design
2011 Tesla Model S - Click above for hi-res image gallery
The guys over at On Cars recently had a chance to spend some quality time with the Tesla Model S and some of the key people bringing this sweet sedan to fruition. In the first of three videos (the other two haven't been released yet), not only are we treated to some gorgeous shots of the Model S, inside and out, but also have the chance to listen to designer Franz von Holzhausen talk at length about the object of our fastback desire. If you have been paying attention to every detail released about the all-electric so far, there might not be a lot of new material for you here, though interestingly, the Model S does get the year 2011 attached to it. That seems a little soon seeing as a factory hasn't been built or acquired yet, but we digress.
Even if you do happen to know every bit of Model S minutiae, it is nice to hear the passion and excitement Franz has for the project as he talks with ardor about proportion and aerodynamics. You can see why Tesla chief, Elon Musk hired him on in the first place. But enough of our jabbering, hit the jump and check it out for yourself.
Gallery: Tesla Model S
Gallery: Tesla Model S: LIVE REVEAL
[Source: On Cars]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick P. 4:40PM (6/09/2009)
Tesla is positioning Franz von Holzhausen like Apple has done with Johnathan Hives (http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/#unibody). This is another thing Tesla get better than GM/Ford/Chrysler: people identify with the designer.
Then again, maybe it's impossible for GM to single out one person (no, Bob Lutz is not a designer) when all their cars are made by committee.
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jwer 1:23PM (6/10/2009)
I dunno, I found it particularly interesting that he would use the term "skateboard" without blushing. Yes, he's a DESIGN GENIUS!!! And GM clearly could never have come up with something so brilliant. Certainly not 7 years ago.
jwer 1:24PM (6/10/2009)
the missing link that makes that less nonsensical:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_Hy-wire
meanderingthemaze 4:41PM (6/12/2009)
now they just have to get Musk out of the picture. his public image is going downhill. and for good reason.
Chris M 6:16PM (6/12/2009)
jwer, GM may have "invented" the skateboard chassis idea, but it wasn't patented, and after the initial hoopla GM quietly dropped the idea, as it didn't offer enough radiator space to cool the fuel cell or enough space for sufficiently large H2 storage tanks. All of GMs current H2FC offerings are based on standard SUV chassis, that gives them a huge radiator and lots of space for a big H2 tank.
But for a BEV, the "skateboard" chassis design works well, as cooling requirements are less and batteries can be neatly arranged in the space.
Tesla Motors Concepts 5:51PM (6/18/2009)
I agree. This is useful and provides more transparency in the brand. Tesla is smart for modeling after Apple.
You know, however you feel about the Model S deign, there really is nothing on the road like it. Biggest trunk of any car and many SUVs, 17-inch infotainment center, instant linear torque. 0-60 5.6, on a sedan!
Let's support their efforts! ~ TMC
(http://www.teslamotorsconcepts.com)
Throwback 5:22PM (6/09/2009)
If the 2011 date is correct, it won't be built in a new factory. My guess is MB has some extra capacity somewhere.
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jpm 5:45PM (6/09/2009)
mmm i feel all warm and fuzzy
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fuel.shy 9:57PM (6/09/2009)
Me too! I want them to succeed!
Ken 8:34PM (6/09/2009)
LOVE IT! (but that front/grill area is kinda a rip off of the Maserati Granturismo)
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Dave M. 6:52AM (6/10/2009)
Maybe they can get things rolling in a Mercedes factory slowly for the Signature series while they build their own factory.
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Nakal 7:04AM (6/10/2009)
I have the same opinion with ken, the front part of the car especially the headlamp and the grill its just too Maserati GT while at the back, kinda Aston Martin DBS sort of way. overall the looks of this car is quintessentially european. Obviously there's no American design language in it
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boo 8:11PM (6/10/2009)
I think that's why I like it though... I've been looking for vintage cars online the past few days and was amazed at how few American cars have stood the test of time.. Many of the foreign cars, even as far back as the 60s would still turn heads today, while many of the American cars looked like grandpa's old saloon. (the Mustang and Corvette were really the only exception, which is why there's no excuse for the Volt being so bland and ugly.)
Holden 10:38AM (7/07/2009)
Where are the second and third parts of the interview? Any news on when they'll come out? (I was figuring that a week or two after the first segment would keep readers / watchers hooked -- rather than forgetting, as is the case now!)
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Domenick Yoney 10:59AM (7/07/2009)
The second one is here. http://www.oncars.com/video/496/2011-Tesla-Model-S-Part-2-of-3-Pure-Electric
The third one is here. http://www.oncars.com/video/499/2011-Tesla-Model-S-Part-3-of-3-Showtime
Holden 11:01AM (7/07/2009)
Thanks a bunch for the quick reply!