[bobbles]

Is there some kind of diagram that explains how this works? I can't really see how this works just by imagining it.

[curiousDog]

Not exactly a diagram but the a video of the test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz2FMfv-CSc

A bmw 3 series (not full frontal): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XG8BQt4sHY

[ISL]

Modern crash engineering is really impressive (that under-car view is really neat!)

This 2009 vs. 1959 offset crash shows how much things have changed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g

[bradleyland]

It's really unfair to compare offset and frontal crash tests. You can't draw any conclusions by comparing the two. For years, auto manufacturers were able to perform competently in the frontal crash test, but when the offset test was introduced, the failure rate went through the roof.

I don't mean to diminish the performance of the Tesla Model S. It is, without qualification, an incredible car. I just don't think comparing it to the offset video of a BMW are relevant.

[trafficlight]

Wow. The windshield doesn't even crack.

[kmfrk]

You have to consider that there is no engine in the front - just empty space for storage. That changes the game of frontal collisions completely.

[klinquist]

0:58 - 1:07 of the first video link... the car continues to attempt to propel itself into the wall.

[_mulder_]

Only for 0.3 seconds. The first camera shot at normal speed show's how quick this is all happening.

[sliverstorm]

It sounds like it's a special band running around the car, made of multiple layers of aluminum with space in between each layer. The layers crumple and transfer impact across the side of the car like a ski resting on soft snow.