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14 November 2017

This man is 'wagonising' his Tesla Model S to be more dog friendly, and it's awesome

By James LisleJames Lisle

There are things you do for friendship, there are things you do for love, and there are things you do for your doggo. Like converting your Model S into a wagon.

While it may sound pretty absurd - boofing out (some would say ‘ruining’) the back of your car for a dog - but Phil Hayton doesn’t think so. Featured on the FullyChargedShow for having English coachbuilder, QWest Norfolk, make his P90D more practical for his day-to-day needs, Hayton says the ‘wagonisation’ is purely a reaction to the lack of fully electric, dog-friendly vehicles on the market.

  • Jim Router (R) is an ex-Jaguar engineer who also worked at Lotus. (image credit: QWest Norfolk/Twitter) Jim Router (R) is an ex-Jaguar engineer who also worked at Lotus. (image credit: QWest Norfolk/Twitter)
  • The original car had only covered 15,000 miles before its transformation. (image credit: QWest Norfolk/Twitter) The original car had only covered 15,000 miles before its transformation. (image credit: QWest Norfolk/Twitter)

Think of Hayton's dream car as something that offers the electric performance and engineering efficiency of a Tesla Model S P90D, mixed with the arse from a huge Land Rover Disco.

Which also happens to be a car that he owns and drives every day. Makes sense...

*Grand Designs theme song* This is where the magic happens. *Grand Designs theme song* This is where the magic happens.

Put the practical and ownership reasons aside however, and this project gets much more interesting. Jim Router, QWest Norfolk engineering director, not only says the modifications make the car more aerodynamic, but shouldn't add much weight, either.

Not only do the extensions make extensive use of carbon-fibre, but they will also replace the rear sunroof. Not only do the extensions make extensive use of carbon-fibre, but they will also replace the rear sunroof.

From what we can see from the development process, the design alters the front sunroof, rear window brace, and will also incorporate a single lift-up tailgate. Hopefully, once all of the fabrication work is done, the car will be painted with the two-tone paint scheme as seen on the clay model.

Many joys, very ecstatic. (image credit: QWest Norfolk/Twitter) Many joys, very ecstatic. (image credit: QWest Norfolk/Twitter)

Incredibly, the project is expected to be completed in just three weeks. Not only that, but Router has also considered the possibility of QWest Norfolk offering its ‘wagonisation’ fab work on a low-volume production line, should the first car gain some positive attention.

What do you think of the Tesla Model S wagon? Does it improve the styling of the original car? Tell us what you think in the comments below.