A number of hours (sure, hours) after Musk left the stage, I used to be capable of sit, very briefly, within the large steel sequence of trapezoids cobbled collectively, generally known as the Cybertruck. It is a very early pre-production car, however my first response was, “this can be a very snug again seat.” It was extra snug than the pre-production Mannequin Y I rode in after that launch.
I am unsure why that was my first impression of the inside. Perhaps I used to be bored with standing in line (it was a really lengthy line). Whereas the outside was all “stabby,” the seating was comfortable. If something, many of the trip wasn’t all that totally different from simply sitting in another giant car.
The trip felt like a truck. When the brakes had been utilized after arduous acceleration, the entrance finish dove like a truck. There was no slalom course or arduous cornering throughout the fast jaunt, so I used to be unable to see simply how a big steel car with a really heavy battery reacted to fast turns. I am guessing it isn’t precisely switchback-corner prepared, however in a straight line, it continues the Tesla heritage of accelerating like a rocket.
Oh, that Tesla acceleration. I am unsure why you desire a truck that does zero to 60 in below three seconds, however that is what the Cybertruck is able to. The truck took off like a shot, and I watched because the digital show shot as much as 65 miles an hour in virtually no time. It is quick, and if that is your factor, that is your truck.
Perhaps.
This isn’t going to be a mainstream car, by any means. It is simply too odd trying. It is also not going to attraction to people in search of a truck for purely utilitarian functions. In different phrases, it will not unseat the Ford F150 for contractors, mechanics and deliveries. One difficulty is you can’t readily toss something into the truck from the facet of the mattress. These buttresses that slope down from the cabin simply get in the way in which.
It’ll attraction to those that need one thing totally different. One thing unusual. The inside, whereas following the trail laid down by the Mannequin three with a single show for every thing, can also be stuffed with stark angles. The sprint is made from pressed paper and appears like a kitchen countertop. Even the rearview digital camera is devoid of any smooth angles. It is basically a rectangle.
There was loads of leg and headroom for my six-foot three-inch body within the again seat, which is at all times a plus once you’re attempting to impress your mates along with your loopy ’70s sci-fi area truck.
Total it was a really nice — however quick — trip in a truck that has lots of options (locking mattress, autopilot assist, automated alignment for hitching a trailer, loopy bizarre lights) for one thing that begins at below $40,000.
Sure, the design is insane. Most likely too insane for many. And Tesla should regulate a few of that to adjust to laws. It will must redo the headlights — you simply cannot have a string of lights within the US. In truth, all of the lights will in all probability want some rethinking to adjust to the legislation. I do not assume it even has blinkers at this level. Additionally, it will need facet mirrors. The steering wheel is not truly a wheel, proper now. Oh, and Tesla should crash that 9mm bulletproof physique into a number of partitions to be sure that, whereas it will possibly stand up to a blow from a hammer, it’s going to nonetheless deflect and take up the influence of one other automobile or truck. And the glass will in all probability want some work.
However whereas all that occurs, I am unable to let you know what I consider the Cybertruck’s design. I am actually unsure the place I fall on this. Is it so outrageous I find it irresistible? Or do I hate it as a result of it is a sequence of triangles mashed collectively? Perhaps I am simply someplace in between. What I do know is that there is nothing else prefer it on the street, and for that cause alone, it is at the least worthy of our consideration and admiration.
