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Tesla Model S Roof Rack System (Whispbar) Review

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The Tesla Model S Whispbar Roof Rack System is hands down the most technological and elegant roof rack system on the planet, period.

The designers and scientists behind Whispbar, a brand now under the Yakima umbrella, have long been known for designing the world’s quietest roof rack system through relentless pursuit of engineering perfection. We had a chance to review the new Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System over the last 500+ miles and came up with some findings that may surprise you.

Tesla Model S Roof Rack System by Whispbar

Initial Impression

The Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System is comprised of two individually packaged components – a universal Whispbar Flush Bar and a Tesla Model S specific mounting kit that secures the Flush Bar to four fixed-point mounts on the roof of the vehicle. Packaging is near Apple caliber and all around superb, with full color printed boxes psychologically gesturing that an amazing road adventure awaits. It worked. Before we knew it, the Whispbar components were unboxed, installed and off on an epic journey.

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  • Aerodynamic design reduces wind drag and noise up to 70%
  • Low drag results in negligible impact on EV battery range
  • Low profile and tapered-wing shape makes for an ultra-quiet ride
  • Super-lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminum construction
  • Quick disconnect and built-in channel technology lets you mount a variety of carriers and accessories onto the Flush Bar
  • Innovative SmartFoot towers ensure quick and easy installation on your roof
  • Patented Yakima Same Key System (SKS) technology uses lock cores that lock and unlock with the same key, eliminating the hassle of multiple keys.
  • Ultra-sleek design blends into the curves of the Tesla Model S and hardly noticeable

 


Whispbar Technology

 

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Flush BarDesign and Aerodynamics: The unique wing shape of the Whispbar Flush Bar is what really makes this roof rack system stand apart form its competitors. We’ve never seen anything like this before, both from a design perspective and aesthetic point of view.

The beautifully sculpted shape, said to reduce noise and wind drag by 70% over other crossbars, is an art piece in itself, and frankly made us instinctively handle the component as if it were a piece of fine jewelry. We found ourselves constantly wiping our fingerprints off of the polished aluminum finish in order to keep it as pristine and elegant as it naturally is. But don’t let the gorgeous looks fool you. The Whispbar Tesla Model S Rook Rack System is as rugged and durable as they come – capable of carrying cargo and withstand up to 165 lbs (75 kg) of load.

 


Installation

Having installed several roof rack systems before, we were armed with our usual Phillips screwdriver, Torx drivers and our folding hex key set, all which turned out to be valueless. Whispbar comes prepackaged with everything you’ll need for the installation which consists of a single T-handle hex key and some basic instructions.

Installation was fairly simple after we figured out how to mount the first of four mounting points, however documentation could have been a bit clearer especially when describing the procedure of replacing the Flush Bar slide-out plastic mounting blocks with those from the Tesla Model S SmartFoot kit (#K704W). We spent a good 15 minutes trying to figure out this portion of the installation process, presumably because we received one of the earlier versions of the documentation right as it was about to hit market, or we have a much lower brain cell count than the average human (most likely). We’ll let you figure that one out.

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Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-2

Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Latch Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Latch-Mount Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Rubber-Foot Tesla-Model-S-Whispbar-Roof-Rack-Adjustable

 

Installation Summary

  1. Flip up factory mounting-point covers
  2. Attach stainless hardware to mounting-points
  3. Fit weather-proof Tesla Model S specific mounting pad and block over stainless clamps
  4. Hand-tighten plastic knob and secure Flush Bar to the vehicle

Installation video provided by Tesla Motors.

 


 

Ultra-Quiet, Low Drag, Battery Efficient

Sound: The low profile mount and wing shape design of the Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System creates an amazingly quiet driving experience. At speeds below 40 mph (64 km/h) we barely noticed any noise at all, contrary to what we’ve experienced with other roof rack systems on the market. The Whispbar system exhibits some audible wind noise as expected during highway speeds, but the sound is much more soothing, and almost melodic in a way. It’s much softer, quieter and not the usual turbulent wind noise that’s often associated with round or square style crossbars.

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The unique shape and design of the Whispbar is the result of extensive wind tunnel testing as seen in the video below.

 

Wind Drag Effect on Battery Range: This one surprised us the most. After 500 miles of testing with the Flush Bar mounted we noticed a negligible increase in energy consumption when compared against the vehicle’s lifetime average energy usage.

  • Energy usage lifetime avg (10,180 miles):

    318 Wh/mi

  • ROAD TEST 1 with Tesla Model S Roof Rack System (~ 500 miles): 

    322 Wh/mi

  • ROAD TEST 2 with Tesla Model S Rook Rack System + Ski/Snow attachment + 2 snowboards:

    328 Wh/mi

    (leave us a comment below if you’re interested in having us perform any special tests)

We concluded that the 1.26% increase in energy over the vehicle’s lifetime average is negligible and therefore it’s inconclusive that the change is a result of wind drag from the Tesla Model S roof rack system. Although we drove the same path over the course of the 500 mile sample, there’s not a large enough disparity for us to make a correlation. This is a remarkable testament to Whispbar’s pursuit of engineering excellence. We think they succeeded.

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar System Seamless Elegance

 


No Tools Required, Quick and Easy Attachments

One of the great features of the Whispbar QuickDock System is that it can quickly attach and detach accessories without the use of tools. Removing attachments (ski, snowboard, cargo, bike ..etc when not in use maximizes the aerodynamics and maintains the clean look of the Whispbar Flush Bar.

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Below are pictures of the optional Whispbar SnowMount (#WB300) attachment mounted to our Whispbar Tesla Model S roof rack system. We loved the large integrated push lever, which was extremely easy to open, even while wearing heavy gloves.

 

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300 Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300 Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300 Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount WB300


Conclusion

The aerodynamic Whispbar roof rack system brings innovative design and technology to deliver the quietest crossbar on the market.

To our knowledge, Whispbar is currently the only manufacturer that offers the Tesla Model S roof rack system. We know that there will eventually be plenty of roof rack systems out on the market for the Tesla community, but when compromise is not an option and you’re seeking unparalleled perfection, then the Whispbar Roof Rack System is the obvious choice.

 

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Tesla Model S Whispbar Roof Rack System

Note: Use the vehicle selection dropdowns from the Flush Bar page.

Whispbar Snow Mount Attachment

 

NOTE: The Whispbar Tesla Model S Roof Rack System is only available for models that have the panoramic roof option.

Tesla Model S Roof Rack Whispbar Snow Mount

 

Lifestyle

Tesla Model S Plaid battles China’s 1500 hp monster Nurburgring monster, with surprising results

There is just something about Tesla’s tuning and refinement that makes raw specs seem not as game-changing.

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Credit: Carwow/YouTube

The Tesla Model S Plaid has been around for some time. Today, it is no longer the world’s quickest four-door electric sedan, nor is it the most powerful. As per a recent video from motoring YouTube channel Carwow, however, it seems like the Model S Plaid is still more than a match for some of its newer and more powerful rivals. 

The monster from China

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is nothing short of a monster. Just like the Model S Plaid, it features three motors. It also has 1,548 hp and 1,770 Nm of torque. It’s All Wheel Drive and weighs a hefty 2,360 kg. The vehicle, which costs just about the equivalent of £55,000, has been recorded setting an insane 7:04.957 at the Nurburgring, surpassing the previous record held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.

For all intents and purposes, the Model S Plaid looked outgunned in Carwow’s test. The Model S Plaid is no slouch with its three motors that produce 1,020 hp and 1,420 Nm of torque. It’s also a bit lighter at 2,190 kg despite its larger size. However, as the Carwow host pointed out, the Model S Plaid holds a 7:25.231 record in the Nurburgring. Compared to the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s record, the Model S Plaid’s lap time is notably slower. 

Real-world tests

As could be seen in Carwow’s drag races, however, Tesla’s tech wizardry with the Model S Plaid is still hard to beat. The two vehicles competed in nine races, and the older Model S Plaid actually beat its newer, more powerful counterpart from China several times. At one point in the race, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra hit its power limit due to its battery’s temperature, but the Model S Plaid was still going strong.

The Model S Plaid was first teased five years ago, in September 2020 during Tesla’s Battery Day. Since then, cars like the Lucid Air Sapphire and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra have been released, surpassing its specs. But just like the Model Y ended up being the better all-rounder compared to the BYD Sealion 7 and the MG IM6, there is just something about Tesla’s tuning and refinement that makes raw specs seem not as game-changing. 

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Check out Carwow’s Model S Plaid vs Xiaomi SU7 drag race video below.

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500-mile test proves why Tesla Model Y still humiliates rivals in Europe

On paper, the BYD Sealion 7 and MG IM6 promised standout capabilities against the Model Y.

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Credit: Tesla China

BYD is seeing a lot of momentum in Europe, so much so that mainstream media has taken every opportunity to argue that the Chinese automaker has beaten Tesla in the region. But while BYD sales this year in Europe are rising and Tesla’s registrations remain challenged, the raw capabilities of vehicles like the Model Y are difficult to deny. 

This was highlighted in a 500-mile challenge by What Car? magazine, which showed that the new Tesla Model Y is more efficient, cheaper to run, and more reliable than rivals like the BYD Sealion 7, and even the nearly 400 KW-charging MG IM6.

Range and charging promises

On paper, the BYD Sealion 7 and MG IM6 promised standout capabilities against the Model Y. The Sealion 7 had more estimated range and the IM6 promised significantly faster charging. When faced with real-world conditions, however, it was still the Model Y that proved superior.

During the 500-mile test, the BYD nearly failed to reach a charging stop, arriving with less range than its display projected, as noted in a CarUp report. MG fared better, but its charging speeds never reached its promised nearly-400 kW charging speed. Tesla’s Model Y, by comparison, managed energy calculations precisely and arrived at each stop without issue.

Tesla leads in areas that matter

Charging times from 25% to 80% showed that the MG was the fastest at 17 minutes, while Tesla and BYD were close at 28 and 29 minutes, respectively. Overall efficiency and cost told a different story, however. The Model Y consumed 19.4 kWh per 100 km, compared to 22.2 for MG and 23.9 for BYD. Over the full trip, Tesla’s charging costs totaled just £82 thanks to its supercharger network, far below BYD’s £130 and MG’s £119. 

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What Car? Magazine’s testers concluded that despite BYD’s rapid sales growth and the MG IM6’s seriously impressive charging speeds, Tesla remains the more compelling real-world choice. The Model Y just offers stability, efficiency, and a proven charging infrastructure through its Supercharging network. And as per the magazine’s hosts, the Model Y is even the cheapest car to own among the three that were tested.

Watch What Car? Magazine’s 500-mile test in the video below.

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Tesla Cybertruck slapped with world’s least intimidating ticket, and it’s pure cringe

One cannot help but cringe and feel second-hand embarrassment at the idea of a person just driving around with a stack of these babies.

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Credit: Ryan Torres/X

A Cybertruck parked at Stanford Shopping Center in California was recently hit with what might be the most try-hard piece of paper ever slipped under a wiper blade: a “fake citation” accusing the driver of supporting a “fascist car.” 

The note, shared on X by Tesla staff program manager Ryan Torres, quickly made the rounds on X, where it quickly gained attention as an example of how not to protest.

The world’s least intimidating ticket

According to the citation, the supposed “violation” was “driving a fascist car.” The remedial action? Take the bus, call an Uber, or ride a bike. The note also dubbed Elon Musk a “chainsaw-wielding Nazi billionaire.” Now, protests against Tesla and Elon Musk have become commonplace this year, but one cannot help but cringe and feel second-hand embarrassment at the idea of a person just driving around with a stack of fake anti-Tesla/Musk citations.

Torres pointed out the irony himself in his post on X. Tesla currently employs over 140,000 Americans, and SpaceX has put the U.S. firmly back at the top of space technology. As Torres put it, maybe the person behind the world’s least intimidating ticket should “read a book on innovation before vandalizing” other people’s property.

Peak performative clownery

Not to mention that the fake ticket’s logic collapses under its own weight. EVs like the Cybertruck are literally designed to reduce emissions, not “destroy the economy.” If anything, Tesla has bolstered the United States’ economy by fueling jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and clean energy. It’s not the first time a Tesla has been the target of vandalism or politically charged notes, but this one stands out for sheer cringe value. 

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Torres summed it up neatly: “Peak clownery.” On that point, at least, the citation earns full marks. In a way, though, perhaps cringe fake tickets are not as bad as the literal firebombs that were being thrown at Tesla stores and cars earlier this year because some critics were gleefully misinformed about Elon Musk.

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