Tesla says aero wheels improve vehicle efficiency +6.7%, adding 20 miles more range

[MetroMPG]

Tesla will aeromod a version of its coming "Model S" battery electric sedan to improve range to 320 miles with the biggest-battery-pack option:

“We’re also going to be offering aerodynamic wheels that will enable 320 mile range,” Musk told us earlier. “There were some skeptics who said we couldn’t do a 300 mile range, but we’re going to do better than that. We’re going to offer 320 mile range, as tested on the EPA 2 cycle test.”

source: BREAKING: Tesla Making Faster 2012 Model S, 0-60 In Under 4.5 Seconds

I wouldn't bet a lot based on Musk's quote that the wheels are the only aero mod in play to increase range by 20 miles (6.7%). But it does imply that's the case.

But surely just about anything will beat the atmospheric blenders that have been shown on the demo cars:

[brucey]

I love the fake grill up front. What a great compromise! You get the looks of a mean car with the aerodynamics of our dreams. The shiny-ness makes it look not only professional, but as if it's some sort of radome housing electronics.

[Kodak]

[QUOTE=MetroMPG;265338]I wouldn't bet a lot based on Musk's quote that the wheels are the only aero mod in play to increase range by 20 miles (6.7%). But it does imply that's the case.

You're right, the wording isn't all that precise. It's not entirely clear if the aero wheels account for the entire improvement, or are they just one component that got the vehicle into the 320 zone. In any event, that's very impressive.

[euromodder]

Would these be the eco-wheels ?



Nothing much aero about them.
Just less of a drag than their fancy turbine wheels.

[mwebb]

the grille actually appears to be a duct , designed to direct a stream of high pressure air to flow right past the center of the wheel , thus masking any negative effects of the wheel itself

kinda like
an
"air curtain"

see the same thing on many newer cars , especially on
Volkswagen

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Tesla will aeromod a version of its coming "Model S" battery electric sedan to improve range to 320 miles with the biggest-battery-pack option:

source: BREAKING: Tesla Making Faster 2012 Model S, 0-60 In Under 4.5 Seconds

I wouldn't bet a lot based on Musk's quote that the wheels are the only aero mod in play to increase range by 20 miles (6.7%). But it does imply that's the case.

But surely just about anything will beat the atmospheric blenders that have been shown on the demo cars:

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Nothing much aero about them.
Just less of a drag than their fancy turbine wheels.

Its a test mule.

[TXwaterdog]

Those rims look very functional. It appears to suck air out from under the car. I bet it cools the brakes quite well. And they probably help keep the car glued to the ground. Now if they used them well enough to route air through them and help cool the engine/ driveline then that's even better. If they channel forward then it might even propel the car forward a bit. Overall looks like a design I've had in my head for a while.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by SimonSellsAustin

Those rims look very functional. It appears to suck air out from under the car.

Quite the reverse.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Quite the reverse.

Reverse gear?

[TXwaterdog]

Oh, right it looks to suck air under the car... I'd flip those around then.