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Comment by dnautics | Hacker News Reader

The Mission E's aesthetic appeals to a certain class of person that would buy a luxury sports model.

The Tesla appeals to a different class of person who is purchasing a car for different symbolic reasons.

Initially, the Toyota Prius 2nd Gen was panned for its ugly look, but ultimately its distinctiveness became a marketing point as it became a status symbol of its own right - as evidenced by Honda copying it in its 2nd generation Insight.

The subjective qualities that define the 'desirable look' of the Misson E may be rejected by some segments of the Tesla market.

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I feel like Tesla's Slighty-More-Practical-Astin design is pretty solidly aimed at the the same crowd as Porsche's Slightly-More-Practical-911 design.

Astin?

you can probably assume aston martin here.

That look is decidedly generic these days. Ford copied it on the Fusion, a solidly middle-class family car. The 911 look is classic, distinctive, and timeless.

i think you are confusing the front grille with the entire look. they do not look more alike than other random cars.

modern 911s only vaguely hint at the originals. the size difference alone is enormous. http://a3.files.airows.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1....

The Mission E looks good. 911 styling cues aren't the reason though - see the Panamera for how bad the 'turn the 911 into a sports sedan' can look.

Indeed. I see a Tesla Model S and instantly think "run of the mill Hyundai Genesis." My loins don't tingle nor do I think "that's one hot car."

The Model S looks have never been wonderful, nor distinctive. It's a great car. It's just not a great looker. The Porsche is a looker. We'll have to wait and see how the finished product performs.

I like the Tesla, but I can't spot them. I was sitting in a parking lot in Sausalito, enjoying the view of the bay. Two older couples got off a yacht, and were about to get into a vehicle. I immediate knew they were very well off. I over heard the conversation between the men.

One guy said, "Do you want to drive it? Other guy responded, "I've had a few--and just don't want to risk a DUI. You know how they are here."

I thought it was a slightly weird conversation. The vehicle just looked like a typical four door sedan. Typical for this area.

When it drove by, and I couldn't hear the engine, I realized why they had that conversation. My inner thought, while sitting on my tailgate of my old truck, was if I won the lottery---I would buy a yacht, and a Tesla.

Of course--a few good friends, to enjoy the toys, is the real wealth.

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