Here's the inside scoop on one of the world's most highly anticipated trucks.
Exciting new details surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck have been brought to light by a Tesla fan and investor, who claims to have uncovered information pertaining to the EV's performance, specifications, and even off-road capabilities. These revelations are said to come directly from engineers and other company insiders.
Via his Twitter account and YouTube channel, Matthew Donegan-Ryan has shared that the long-awaited electric truck will be only slightly smaller than a Ford F-150 Raptor, noting that it will be around 1.5 inches shorter and 2.5 inches narrower than the SuperCrew body style. Thanks to the shorter hood and clever packaging, the bed will be six inches longer than that of the truck from Dearborn.
Interestingly, the report claims that Tesla has reduced the Cybertruck's size by around 5% when compared to the concept car first previewed in 2019. This decision was reportedly made so that the company's first pickup would fit in more customer garages, explains Donegan-Ryan, something that many first impressions noted.
Initially, it was believed that the Cybertruck would have a conventional frunk opening like the Model X. However, a Tesla employee has since alerted the Tesla fan to the fact that it will have an F-150 Lightning-style frunk that extends all the way down to the front bumper. If this is true, it would make the Cybertruck's frunk far more practical than originally thought.
Donegan-Ryan also says the Cybertruck will be offered in two flavors: Dual Motor and an as-yet-unnamed high-performance model. Company CEO Elon Musk previously said a quad-motor model will be made available, but it seems Tesla will go back to the tri-motor setup that was originally discussed.
There's a possibility it will get the 1,020-horsepower setup seen in the Model S and Model X Plaid derivatives, which will give it the kick it needs to take on the mighty Rivian R1T. Disappointingly, the more affordable single-motor variant seems to have been scrapped. Then again, some analysts believe Cybertruck demand will be very low.
The Cybertruck will reportedly receive rear-wheel steering at no additional cost. As per Donegan-Ryan, the mechanism for this feature is stored between the wheelhouse and the cab, which is why there's no open space beyond the wheelhouse.
Standard air suspension is another feature buyers can expect to see. Not only will this provide the electric truck with a supple ride quality, but Tesla engineers are claimed to have said the Cybertruck's suspension has been tested for rough "Baja-style terrain." Staff members are reportedly confident that the EV will be able to take plenty of abuse off-road and stand up to almost anything the desert can throw at it. We have no doubt there will be plenty of eager fanboys ready to test this theory as soon as possible.
18-inch wheels will be the standard, according to Donegan-Ryan, but Tesla will offer various rim/tire packages that include all-terrain and all-season rubber.
Inside, we can expect seating for five, which is one less than Tesla originally claimed. This is due to the smaller body, with engineers being forced to remove the front-row center seat to accommodate the 5% reduction in size. The Cybertruck will reportedly receive the company's biggest-ever centrally-mounted touchscreen at 18.5 inches, which is slightly bigger than the screens found in the Model S and Model X. No other screens will reside in the front row.
A second-row console screen, mounted between the front seats, will also be available. As for the steering wheel, there are no plans to offer the Cybertruck with the pesky Plaid steering wheel. Instead, the electric truck will receive a more traditional flat-bottomed wheel, despite the wishes of Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen.
Cybertruck owners also won't enjoy the self-presenting doors found on the Model X. Donegan-Ryan notes the doors will be opened via release buttons located on the B- and C-pillars.
The overall design hasn't changed much and, last year, we got our best look yet at the production-ready electric truck. The steel bumpers worn by the prototype have made way for more sensible plastic items. When he asked whether customers can fit aftermarket steel bumpers, Tesla officials reportedly replied that customers"won't have to go aftermarket."
This may have to do with the fact that the automaker has a dedicated accessories team that is working on developing equipment to suit different lifestyles. This includes camping and off-roading add-ons (Rivian's Camp Kitchen and Gear Tunnel come to mind) and maybe even racing parts.
Elsewhere, the Cybertruck will reportedly be the first Tesla to use 48-volt architecture. Other interesting tidbits include the fact that the EV won't have a practical passthrough from the bed to the cabin.
As a reminder, Tesla's long-awaited truck will (supposedly) go into production at the end of this year. Price-wise, Musk has said it will no longer come in under $40,000.
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