Looks better in those pics but the rear end treatment is SO bad. Seriously, it looks like something you would find on a customized '88 Firebird...
Too many black fins everywhere. But, my biggest problem with it is that it tries to evoke the F1 -- and fails. The F1 has the proportions and details of a masterpiece of engineering and purposeful design. The MPC-- whatever this car is called-- just looks overdesigned -- and even tacky at times. I'm sure it goes like stink. I'm sure it's going to be a great car. It just doesn't float my boat in the looks department. But hey... where are all you "I'd never buy it because it doesn't have a manual" guys? The crickets are chirping...
What I was getting at. They look like louvers on a 3rd gen Camaro/Firebird http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z283/toxikiroc/UMDMEET006.jpg lol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Roadster The Wikipedia article seems to make that claim appear a bit exaggerated. I'd be highly surprised if Lotus designed the aesthetics of the Tesla Roadster.
What made you think Lotus did not design the Tesla 10 minutes ago, before you hit Wikipedia? I get that Tesla likes to take all of the credit for the car and minimize Lotus involvement.
Much rather have a MP4-12C over any Lambo POS any day, but against a 458 not so sure, even if it performs better.
I never thought Lotus designed the Tesla. You made a claim with some merit, but I wouldn't say Lotus 'designed' the car. Maybe it's the reason the cars looks similar, maybe not.
I DESIGNED THE TESLA. ALSO, I AM WEARING WOOL SOCKS ON A CARPET. I DARE ANYONE TO COME OVER HERE AND TELL ME DIFFERENT.
That rear 1/4 shot of the McLaren just shouts Ferrari 360/430 rip off to Me!, as do the profile shots. Apart from the materials used in it's construction and some details, I don't see anything in this car that hasn't been seen before on Ferrari's. Back on topic, I can guarantee that Ron Dennis wouldn't allow the McLaren group to go into debt if he had the slightest doubt that they could get out of debt again quickly. One thing Ron is never going to do is put his beloved company at risk of going out of business. Were that to happen, they'd better get him on suicide watch pretty damn fast because, I don't think he would be able to live with it!.
A lot more models are designed out of house than people realize. With the Tesla its more apparent because they share bodies. Its the electric tech that makes the Tesla different and I'm not sure how much of that work was done by Lotus.
Very true, Lotus has a very big engenieering consultancy business. They also did the suspension for the GTR and do loads of secret work for some of the largest automakers. I think Tesla brought the batteries and electric motor to the party and Lotus took it from there with the chassis and body.
That's pretty much how I understand it as well. With the Tesla the really ground breaking stuff has to do with the batteries and related items. Going with the Elise as a base was a smart move though. BTW Porsche has been doing design consulting for a very long time as well
The F1 was built with cost no object, the GTR with street worthiness no concern. The MP4-12C confronts a very different set of challenges, and will no-doubt be a gotta-have-it hit with a small cohort, but where do the break-even sales come from? Something they have NO 'track record' for.
If I recall correctly, the break even point was touted as a nice round 100 units so, using the Ron Dennis-to-Truth Converter, it was probably nearer to 125.
You are correct that McLaren do not have a track record for making engines just as they had no track record for making road cars before the F1... Do you think they will not be able to build an engine for a road car? I am sure they will do just fine.
The Tesla Roadster is an electric car designed by Tesla, made using ELISE chassis/body technologies adapted and produced by Lotus.
