#IAA: Germans Getting DESPERATE With Similar Model S Design AS Tesla Closes Virtually ANY Opening Into THEIR Market?

Everyone knows that Telsa is the brand to beat when it comes to the EV segment, and Audi just acknowledged that in Frankfurt with the Aicon 2+2 Concept.

Aicon is a level 4 autonomous concept that has no steering wheel or pedals and has a wheelbase that is longer than the current A8. The lack of internal controls allows a more lounge like interior so long stretches on the road can be more relaxing.

Four motors send power to each wheel, with 349bhp and 406lb ft of torque on offer brisk acceleration, although with the computer dictating things the focus is understandably on range and efficiency, a claimed 497 miles per charge.

An 800 volt system means rapid charging is possible, with an 80% juice-up possible in 30 minutes.

But maybe the biggest shocker is how similar the styling it is to the current Telsa Model S. When was the last time you saw ANY German company copy someone else? Is this #ihearttesla design a desperate move as the walls close in on marketshare as Tesla gets larger?

Frankfurt Motor Show

Frankfurt Motor Show

MDarringer - 9/11/2017 6:25:41 PM

-10 Boost

Terribly unattractive. Yeah it's totally fresh Audi styling, but not a step in the right direction.

atc98092 - 9/11/2017 6:32:57 PM

+12 Boost

I think you're reaching to say this looks like a Model S.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 9/11/2017 7:38:39 PM

-8 Boost

I think Agent 009 must have it his head. This is a teenage styling effort that has no bearing on the design of the handsome Model S or any other car. Maybe a Ital Design/Bertone/Pininfarina effort from the past. It is just a skin for the drivetrain for the show in this case.

valhallakey - 9/11/2017 10:45:05 PM

+13 Boost

Nice profile, greenhouse... not that similar to Tesla S though... if it is similar then maybe 1) I am blind and 2) every car is now a copy of the model S...

Agent001 - 9/11/2017 10:46:08 PM

-9 Boost

You'd have to be blind not see see the #iheartmodelS queues (eight pics down in article) ESPECIALLY on the front and side view.

I assure you, within the German corporate walls, they are REALLY scared. Nothing they're throwing at the wall is sticking.

001

edwardfrancis - 9/12/2017 12:37:39 AM

-3 Boost

Not at all like the Model S, which is simply a good looking sports sedan, made possible by the simplicity of packaging a battery-electric propulsion system.
Tesla has definitely forced incumbent car makers into action...although we do not yet know how serious all the concept cars and press releases might be. This is what the IAA logo should have explained:

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cf5f61fdbdb9336f294ee9486ef07243a1447b3a91d4955be42af86c575755de.png

TomM - 9/12/2017 7:15:36 AM

+7 Boost

Tesla is not the brand to beat in the market yet- and we can safely say that because they were the first mass produced one - they benefited from those who wanted to be green. However - because they lack competition - NO ONE can really say if they would be the preferred brand until competition ramps up and people have choices.

Ford was not the first car maker - but it did dominate the market when it introduced a car for the masses. Who is to say that another manufacturer will be able to do that and get the attention of the buyers over Tesla. Remembering all of the NEGATIVES of buying a Tesla - not the least of which is FEW place to even test one - when the initial green buyers dry up - Mainstream manufacturers will be the ones who will have both ICE and EVs on their showroom floors in local neigborhoods - and might be able to do EV conquest sales. TEsla has backed itself into the EV corner - and into the Limited distribution pionts. THERE are still a lot of folks who would not travel accross a state to get to a place to see one.

Truthy - 9/12/2017 9:33:06 AM

+7 Boost

Before Agent 001 gets too excited, Tesla sold 76,000 cars in 2016, the top three Germans sold over 6.2 million cars globally AND made money doing so. Tesla's losses are mounting and they are currently near junk bond status.
And this car looks nothing like a Tesla.

hangtime010 - 9/12/2017 12:20:43 PM

+8 Boost

Looks like the majority sees no real similarities between this and the Model S and I completely agree.
I even think this resembles a Volt on some serious steroids. But even that's a bit of a stretch.

MorePower - 9/13/2017 4:59:16 AM

+4 Boost

This looks somewhat like the Faraday Future vehicle, but not a Model S