Tesla Cybertruck: The Biggest Mistake or Triumph?
Tesla Cybertruck: Everything You Need to Know!
Remember the Cyber Truck, that was quite a while ago. It has been almost four years since Elon Musk announced the Tesla Cybertruck, and there are still none of the vehicles on the road. It appears the automaker is finally getting ready to release a final version late in 2023.
Here’s we know about the truck, Tesla hasn't released full specs or pricing, despite having taken thousands of deposits. Even so, there have been enough leaks and spy shots of the truck that we can form a fairly complete picture. Of course, things could always change, knowing Musk, between now and the truck's release.
Tesla initially showed the Cybertruck as an affordable, sub-$40,000 truck, but that changed. CEO Elon Musk admitted that pricing and configuration availability for the truck would shift, but has not given a new starting price. So where are we now.
This is what we do know about the Cyber Truck. The base single-motor rear-wheel-drive version will be the most affordable, while the upcoming tri-motor configuration will be significantly more expensive. Tesla doesn't offer options and packages like many other automakers, instead it offers most features in its vehicles base price. However, buyers can add two extremely expensive driver assistance packages that can drive the price up by as much as $15,000. That would include the not self driving Auto Pilot.
Tesla hasn't detailed the Cybertruck's safety equipment yet, but we expect it to be similar to other Tesla models. The truck will likely get the most advanced features as standard, including automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. It will also likely offer Tesla's semi-autonomous driving assistance features for an added cost, and there could be exclusive features for towing and hauling.
We haven't seen much of the truck's interior, but a few spy shots and renders have surfaced on the internet. They show a minimal cabin with a large center screen that controls everything like all Teslas and an oval steering wheel. In some shots, the truck has Tesla's controversial yoke steering wheel, but the automaker will likely offer a traditional wheel for buyers that prefer it.
The Cybertruck has a glass roof like other Tesla models, and its massive center screen includes the transmission. The angular exterior shape, which may be changed due to NHTSA regulations, as the sharp lines where the two panels meet could be dangerous to other drivers.
Tesla interiors are typically upscale but minimal, and the Cybertruck appears to be the same. The screen appears to be at least 17 inches, if not larger, which would be similar to the Model S. Features like the air conditioning and heated seats are controlled the center screen. Air vents appear to be behind interior panels for a cleaner look.
The truck will also likely be offered in interior color choices, like other Teslas with light and dark color schemes. The glass roof's shape offers more light for the cabin area but appears to restrict rear visibility, so it will be interesting to see the final version.
The Cybertruck seats up to six, with two buckets up front, a middle drop-down seat and a bench in the back. It's similar to a crew cab truck with four doors, so the interior seating space will likely be generous, and accessing the back seats should be easy.
Exterior design is easily the most unique design feature of the Cybertruck. Tesla calls it an "exoskeleton," the truck is built entirely from stainless steel. Although it won’t be shiny due to regulations, it could be brushed or even a possible color in the future. The exoskeleton doesn't appear to have any curves on its body, as the truck looks very smooth and many be different on the final version.
The Cyber Truck has a lot of interest, the design has its share of detractors and has presented Tesla with manufacturing challenges. In an early test drive with Jay Leno, Musk admitted the original prototype truck was too big, and said that it was extremely difficult to get the glass panels right because of the angles. Ultimately, the Cybertruck has to meet all U.S. road safety rules while also looking crazy, so we'll still get windshield wipers and sideview mirrors, as required by law.
The Cybertruck gets adaptive air suspension and will offer up to 3,500 pounds of payload capacity. Heavy batteries mounted under its floor will give it a lower center of gravity, which should improve handling and performance over a traditional gas pickup truck. But the testing against the Ford Lightning, GMC Hummer EV and Silverado Electric will tell us the real results.
Cargo space in the Tesla has been quoted at 100 cubic feet of space in its bed and has shown multiple renders of the truck's sliding bed cover. More exterior storage is available under the bed and in the sail panels. The truck will also offer frunk space, and there's additional storage under the rear seat like many electric trucks.
Tesla has promised a zero to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a range of up to 500 miles, and given its performance with Tesla EVs, we shall see the final results soon. The single-motor version will come with rear-wheel drive and will likely be much slower to 60 mph than the upgraded tri-motor configuration.
That would make it Tesla's longest-range vehicle to date, but we don't know the specs of the entry-level model. The automaker also hasn't shared charging specifics, but the truck will be able to use its Tesla Supercharger network.
You can place a $100 refundable deposit, prices are estimated at $40,000-$78,000. Do you want one? What do you think?
You can support me by buying me a cup of coffee - the link is in the description. Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/laurenfix
We will be reviewing all of the newest cars on our YouTube channel Car Coach Reports.
Additional articles on our website
https://www.CarCoachReports.com
"LAUREN FIX'S GUIDE TO LOVING YOUR CAR” Book - https://amzn.to/3ifDi3j
Total Car Score Podcast ► Hosts: Lauren Fix, Karl Brauer and Javier Mota. https://www.revolverpodcasts.com/shows/total-car-score/