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Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

teslamotors.com

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Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#21

Post by symmetricsaurus »

"With a track record of zero deaths or serious, permanent injuries since our vehicles went into production six years ago, there is no safer car on the road than a Tesla."

I don't doubt that the Tesla Model S is a very safe car as tests have shown. With that said, how many deaths and serious injuries would have been expected considering the same number of miles driven with normal cars? Are Teslas actually substantially safer than other cars or are there just few enough out there that no serious injuries have happened?

Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#22

Post by Already__Taken »

madeofpalk wrote: post #14
sz4kerto wrote: post #3

"However, to improve things further, we provided an over-the-air software update a few months ago to increase the default ground clearance of the Model S at highway speeds" I know this is not specific to Tesla, but it's still really cool. :)

Is someone able to explain this more? "Default ground clearance" means the distance between the ground and underside of the car, yeah? How are they able to control that with software?

All the suspension is electronically controlled for stability and responsiveness. Most expensive cars to that these days.

The software must tell the dampers to ride a bit stiffer stopping the car body being pushed lower at high speeds.

Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#24

Post by bullsbarry »

madeofpalk wrote: post #14
sz4kerto wrote: post #3

"However, to improve things further, we provided an over-the-air software update a few months ago to increase the default ground clearance of the Model S at highway speeds" I know this is not specific to Tesla, but it's still really cool. :)

Is someone able to explain this more? "Default ground clearance" means the distance between the ground and underside of the car, yeah? How are they able to control that with software?

Modern luxury/sports cars have active suspension systems that allow for adjustments in firmness, response, and in this case the ground clearance of the vehicle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_suspension

Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#25

Post by loceng »

zacharycohn wrote: post #5

"We believe these changes will also help prevent a fire resulting from an extremely high speed impact that tears the wheels off the car, like the other Model S impact fire, which occurred last year in Mexico. This happened after the vehicle impacted a roundabout at 110 mph, shearing off 15 feet of concrete curbwall and tearing off the left front wheel, then smashing through an eight foot tall buttressed concrete wall…

Exactly why. They're gently poking fun that Tesla vehicles are extremely safe, especially compared to fires - and then sticking it to critics further by actually announcing improvements to further reduce the already very low numbers of fire and further increase the already highest rating ever for a safety check for a vehicle. Well done Tesla and Elon.

Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#26

Post by craigwblake »

madeofpalk wrote: post #14
sz4kerto wrote: post #3

"However, to improve things further, we provided an over-the-air software update a few months ago to increase the default ground clearance of the Model S at highway speeds" I know this is not specific to Tesla, but it's still really cool. :)

Is someone able to explain this more? "Default ground clearance" means the distance between the ground and underside of the car, yeah? How are they able to control that with software?

Traditionally with adjustable pneumatic 'springs' (rubber air bags) that inflate or deflate to change ride height, often in response to increased vehicle weight. Not sure if that is approach Tesla takes.

EDIT: Looks like Tesla does indeed use air suspension: http://www.teslamotors.com/de_AT/forum/forums/air-suspension...

Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#27

Post by jkap »

madeofpalk wrote: post #14
sz4kerto wrote: post #3

"However, to improve things further, we provided an over-the-air software update a few months ago to increase the default ground clearance of the Model S at highway speeds" I know this is not specific to Tesla, but it's still really cool. :)

Is someone able to explain this more? "Default ground clearance" means the distance between the ground and underside of the car, yeah? How are they able to control that with software?

The suspension in the Model S is computer controlled, so they just push an update to control it differently!

Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#28

Post by FleshGordon »

madeofpalk wrote: post #14
sz4kerto wrote: post #3

"However, to improve things further, we provided an over-the-air software update a few months ago to increase the default ground clearance of the Model S at highway speeds" I know this is not specific to Tesla, but it's still really cool. :)

Is someone able to explain this more? "Default ground clearance" means the distance between the ground and underside of the car, yeah? How are they able to control that with software?

Digitally controlled suspension

Re: Tesla Adds Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates to Model S

#30

Post by adamrneary »

Cause and effect: A statistically insignificant number of fires in Teslas caused a disproportionate amount of news coverage (there was much less news coverage about Tesla's best-ever safety rating). This perception needs to be overcome, even if it means informed consumers having to pay for titanium underneath otherwise safe cars. Tesla is doing their part, but it's a shame to see so many outside factors driving up the cost.
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