I read some conjecture on a previous forum (but I couldn't find it since there's no search function) about whether the upcoming Model S cars would contain proximity sensors and whether the current ones were pre-wired for it. Apparently, the answer is no. Here's an excerpt of an email from ownership@teslamotors.com:
Parking sensors are not part of current Model S and are not being planned for the near future. However, we are evaluating the option for future models.
There are currently no provisions for parking sensors in Model S, so retrofitting would be quite involved, and would not be integrated with the other features of Model S. No warranties would be voided unless significant dissembly and modifications to parts is required to install an aftermarket parking sensor system. It is hard to recommend any options as none will integrate cleanly with Model S, but other owners on the forums have explored various solutions and some might be to your liking.
guess vouteb is out
Or we could just use, I don't know, mirrors?
Personally I hate parking sensors, all that confounded beeping. Same goes for lane departure warnings. I'm awake already!
They've adapted this technology for forks. The beeping gets louder as the fork nears your mouth.
Every car has audible parking sensors build in - even the Model S - they are called bumpers. On youtube search for parking in Paris then you get an idea how they work.
@tork:
I am baaaaaack!
my favourite topic and gripe!
:)
Well, if that holds, that is a mistake by Tesla, and I suspect it also applies to blindspot detection. I can't understand why they would be this stubborn about a relatively easy addition to the car (at least for future builds of the MS), given all the comments on the forums about this issue. Face it, this is a big car.
You purists can dump on us advocates over these and other features as much as you like, but the fact is that if I'm paying 85-90K for a car, I want it to have comparable convenience and safety features to its competitors, because ownership surveys show that people want these features. I know I do. Once the reservation list runs through the true believers and the fan boys, Tesla is going to have to compete more heads up with BMW, Audi and Mercedes, and features like these, not to mention a darned coat hook inside the car, matter to people. Hopefully Tesla changes its mind before I get my build email, because I will regretfully but almost definitely cancel over this issue and what it represents.
Remember everyone, Musk said he wanted this car to be the best car in its class, period, not just the best EV car. That menas having the features people want and that have become widely available (BECAUSE PEOPLE WANT THEM), in competitive vehicles.
@brooklynrab - if you have a reservation in place now, I am certain that nothing significant will change about the hardware before your order comes up, so you should plan on cancelling. They have to fix issues in what they already have and get cars out the door before they can start adding new features.
Elon also has a vision for what he thinks the car should be. For example, no handles above the doors and an open interior with no storage space. They made a tiny compromise with the chin cubby and will likely do a minimal Opportunity Console to appease those of us who want more storage (personally, I plan to get a CCI if it isn't too expensive). The car can't be all things to all people, so picking a vision and sticking with it seems a fine way to go.
Why no parking sensors? Remember, Model S is designed and built in California, where parallel parking is a lost art. Not a priority.
The best car in the world? Not if they persist with this kind of idiocy!
It's one of the most voted for features on the desired features list:
http://teslatap.com/questions/parking-assist-proximity-sensors/
(add your vote if you really want them).
If you want to look at aftermarket solutions, here's a page for some of the options available:
http://teslatap.com/modifications/parking-assist-proximity-sensors/
Robert22:
That is scary, next they will have collision avoidance so that the fork never reaches the mouth!
dborn +1 notwithstanding am both a reservation and stock holder...
To all reservation holders - if you feel strongly about wanting the parking sensors, just write to your Tesla sales person. Am sure if they get say a few thousand customer wish email they may change their mind.
dborn;
In a sh presentation(?) Elon qualified that claim thus: "in all the dimensions that matter". Performance, safety, etc. make the shortlist. Parking sensors, not so much.
jgreenhall;
use volkerize.com to search, or include site:www.teslamotors/forum/forums in the Search in any engine's query field.
Here's the thing though. Look at these beautiful Audis:
http://models.audiusa.com/s5-coupe
but then look at those ugly squares and circles and stuff cut into the front and rear fascias. I hate those things. Almost makes me hate the whole car.
Actually the two squared under the headlights are the headlight washer nozzles. They are required by law on xenon-equipped cars in Europe.
@olanmills - look at these http://www.parkingdynamics.co.uk/. No holes and completely invisible. I would like them integrated with th the touchscreen. Can't be so hard can it? That company will do the integration if Tesla provides the info.
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