EV updates

[Dr Mordrid]

More like the lack of noise issue.

Groups that support the blind have demanded a 'road noise' sound effect played to its exterior because it's almost silent.

They're concerned the blind won't hear it coming.

Ideas openly discussed include the ability to use audio 'skins' - the sound of a Corvette, Ferrari, semi or other conventional vehicles on SD, flash etc.

The use of such memory devices for programmable features would go right along with GM's stated goal to perform regular software upgrades for Voltec vehicles.

Might even be able to use 'skins' for the dashboard & console displays too.

[az]

More like the lack of noise issue.

Groups that support the blind have demanded a 'road noise' sound effect played to its exterior because it's almost silent.

They're concerned the blind won't hear it coming.

Ideas openly discussed include the ability to use audio 'skins' - the sound of a Corvette, Ferrari, semi or other conventional vehicles on SD, flash etc.

I've read about ideas like that last year, and it still is the most stupid thing I've heard about EVs. Audio "skins" would bring the merry world of cellphone ringtones to the roads, with high-output PA systems powering them.

Also, I don't see why all the world has to suffer excessive noise because very few people would have trouble hearing the vehicles - which they won't, once enough quiet cars are on the roads. A blind person should not cross a street without making himself noticeable, and a better solution would probably be blinds carrying some kind of transponder (or receiver for transponders built into cars) that beeps warnings.

[Dr Mordrid]

I agree, but that's not how things work - it's the loudest complainer that gets their way. See politics.

[Nowhere]

After those skins hit the road, the complaints will be mostly from "quiet" people, about the loud ones... (if they really have to, hopefully they'll build it around as good DRM/regulation as they can)

I agree, though the front looks a bit too japanese for my taste (Nissan 350Z, Toyota Celica). It's probably inaccurate as well, since a Tesla wouldn't need this huge an air intake (which also raises air resistance).

I like the "shoulders", though.

Technically it's more of a front spoiler than an intake...definatelly not a grill. I like it/doesn't seem out of place, though it still might have been a tad better.

[az]

There's a faux-grille there, which would restrict airflow over the spoiler, thus working against it while increasing drag.

This is just a concept from a magazine. It'll never make it into production like this: No room for a license plate, no bumper...

[gt40]

Lets hope GM has learned from it's previous hybrids, which fall significantly short of other manufacturers.
Read here for a comparison of current mid size models.