Tesla Model S

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  • 2015

  • Product
    Automotive and Transport

Designed By:

Commissioned By:

Tesla Motors

Designed In:

USA

Model S is the world’s first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle. It has been engineered to deliver unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. Model S is the world’s fastest four-door vehicle ever built. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from the world’s best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a luxury performance sedan. Model S has received many awards and accolades, including Motor Trend 2013 Car of the Year©, TIME’s Best Invention of the Year 2012, Consumer Reports’ highest score ever given to a car and Drive.com.au Best Luxury Car Under $80,000.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
  • MORE
  • The physique of an athlete is a finely tuned machine, developed to accomplish a specific goal. Like a world-class endurance athlete, Model S was designed to be the epitome of efficiency. Built from the ground up, the Model S embodies grace and performance, overcoming many preconceived ideas of what an electric vehicle (EV) should be. Our goal is to modernize the design of the classic sedan silhouette, although unique to Tesla. We streamlined the greenhouse (area enclosed by windows) and stretched it to feel lower and leaner than usual. Aiming to express speed and motion, even when at rest. And emotion, just watch an owners expression when the door handles expose when needed, also aerodynamic in function.

  • There are 2 ways to look at the function 1. The way it is used day to day by owners; 2. The ability it has to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport. The 1st has provided the user with a unique experience in user operations and driving. With a 17inch touch screen and regular software updates, the Model S will be at its worst the day the owner receives their car. Regular improvements are provided across the air at no cost. Performance and ease of driving are also key features of the products function, delivering energy back into the car when braking and also providing immediate acceleration. The simplicity of use is another. All of these things combined ensure we are delivering against point 2.

  • The Model S achieved a 5-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was labelled as the safest car ever tested. The Model S received a perfect score for all impact tests, and also broke the roof crushing machine after the weight of 4 Model S vehicles were applied. More recently, Model S also achieved 5-star rating in the European NCAP testing. Model S has been tested locally, however results are yet to be published.

  • SUSTAINABILITY - That is our Mission

    For the second year running, Consumer Reports named the Model S as the number one automotive pick due to its quality - stating "For all of the impressive new vehicles released in 2014, none was able to eclipse the innovation, magnificence, and sheer technological arrogance of the Tesla.…The Model S is a technological tour de force, a high-performance electric vehicle with usable real-world range, wrapped in a luxury package." Tesla allow the future owner to design their own Model S, including materials, colour and performance. One factory also allows for consistency.

    Tesla looks to provide as close to price parity as possible across the globe, which is unique in the automotive industry. In Australia the price includes exchange rate, transportation and the local taxes. Tesla do not undertake any paid advertising or sponsorships and reinvest this money into infrastructure for the owners - whether it be the Supercharger Network, service centres and stores or owner events. The design is a major component of the value. The owners receive a sports sedan with supercar performance at a luxury sedan price.

    Unlike a gasoline internal combustion engine with hundreds of moving parts, Tesla electric motors have only one moving piece: the rotor. As a result, Model S acceleration is instantaneous, silent and smooth. The 'skateboard' chassis allows for near 50/50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity. Air-suspension allows raising of the vehicle that is remembered via geo-location. Front trunk provides additional storage, not offered in a traditional sedan. Autopilot combines a forward looking camera, radar, and 360 degree sonar sensors with real time traffic updates which offers safety features, and has the capacity to automatically drive on the open road. Model S is an evolution in automobile engineering.