Aerodynamic Prototype

Helping to define and refine the car’s mechanical layout and styling, development of the Tesla Roadster included multiple stages of experimentation following the construction of the company’s Lotus Elise “Mule 1” prototype. Though Roadster’s chassis was based on that of the Elise, its body featured completely new exterior styling. It was chosen from among submissions at a Tesla company Christmas party; created by automotive designer Barney Hatt, the design went through several phases before it would be ready for production.

Early development of this design involved the creation of a full-scale clay model to fine tune its aerodynamic efficiency. The dimensions of the clay model were scanned and used to create this full-scale mock-up, known as an “aerodynamic buck.” The mock-up, machined from composite board, was used during wind-tunnel testing to help Tesla engineers further refine Roadster’s shape. Considered a proof of concept for the production Roadster, this was one of the first aerodynamic models built by Tesla.

Courtesy of Tesla

This vehicle featured in the ‘Inside Tesla’ exhibit.

2005 Tesla Roadster “Aerodynamic Buck” Gallery

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