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Comment by MichailP | Hacker News Reader

Anyone else bothered by front of the car? I know it because of aerodynamics, but it just looks weird ...

To me, the front looks like a porsche. Model 3 : http://bit.ly/2p72kq6 Porche Panamera GTS : http://bit.ly/2p7ijV6

That was my immediate reaction as well. Also from the side the front half looks quite a bit like a Porsche I think.

I think what makes the Porsche not look weird but the Tesla does, is the fact that in the Porsche the front tapers down to below the top of the wheels, while the Tesla has a significant flat upright with a sharp edge at the top; it appears like they allocated space for a grille but didn't fit one. I think it'd look better if the front tapered down more and with a smoother edge, like the Porsche.

Porsche drag coefficient: 0.28

Model S drag coefficient: 0.24

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_drag_coefficient

It puts me in mind of:

https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2014-03/enha...

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1d4e0HFXXXXcNapXXq6xXFXXXn/The...

YES. I had those same mental images looking at the weird front clip. I get that a grille is not necessary, but the body panels creases are designed as if there should be one, and they then decided to leave a blank expanse there instead. It’s one of the ugliest front ends I’ve ever seen.

I’m not saying that a grille is necessary. Just that if you aren’t going to put one there, then don’t demarcate a space for it.

It's also possible they're trying to maximize front trunk space.

I believe the new Lexus RX design has created a severe shortage of grille components http://www.carworldinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2017-...

It looks like that scene from The Matrix: "What good is a phone call ... if you are unable to speak?"

I personally love how they look. No need for cars to have a grill. The aesthetic is sleek and modern.

Agree about no need for cars to have a grill.

However I felt the shape of the front nose on the original Model 3 unveil was aesthetically "incorrect" - like a streamline with an anomaly. It wasn't about grill or no grill, but wrong curvature (subjective of course, we can agree to disagree).

These new photos show a much improved nose shape.

They improved it noticeably from the first iteration: https://electrek.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/model-3-release...

If you've seen the front grilles of the new Lexus and Audi, this looks simple. I don't know what's going on with the front grilles these days but boy they're making the cars look like aliens. Ugh.

I get what you're saying, especially the Lexus grilles - the designers have gone insane. Audi has some similar bold shapes at the front but they pull it off much better. Also, the side view of modern Audi sedans are perfect - simple, clean, beautiful lines, and impressive unity of design language across the entire lineup[0]. This design of this Tesla is not in the same league IMO.

[0] https://www.audiusa.com/models/

Yes. I always felt Lexus and BMW should merge - Lexus makes awesome interiors and BMW makes stylish exteriors. The new Lexus styling is just awful.

they're making the cars look like aliens

Perhaps a return of 1950s styling?

http://www.kenyonreview.org/wp-content/uploads/blog/uploads/...

Haha. True.

I like it more than the snub / blank nose of the original concept.

Opposite for me. I think it looks modern, clean and stylish. I am starting to think air intakes look very old fashion.

Funny, I thought the model S with its black nose looked ridiculous and was very happy they got rid of it in the 3.

The new Model S doesn't have the black nose, and it looks great.

I suspect like the current Model S, it'll look much better with a license plate attached to it.

The front shots aren't bad but the car looks ugly as sin from the sides. Big and bulky in the back with a short front end. And what's up with the suspension 3 miles off the ground. It's got some rally car height there. I'm not feeling it at all.

They severely impaired the overall aesthetic appeal of the car to force the one-curve all glass roof. It was a poor choice, causes an ugly off-set bubble look from the side.

The BMW sedans are aging big time at this point (and BMW knows it), however when you look at the two cars side by side, as in with the recent street photos that were just released, the Model 3 looks like a cheap toy rather than a $35,000+ luxury sedan that is meant to take on the BMW 3 series.

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