George Rusu
Via Tesla
New spy photos have surfaced that give us a fresh glimpse into the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck all-electric operates similarly to the Ford F-150 Lightning
The photos were uploaded to the Cybertruck Owners Club forum Tesla
The Cybertruck's Frunk Will Rival The F-150 Lightning's
Cybertruck Owner's Club Forum
We owe it to the brave photographers that managed to capture spy photos of the Cybertruck at the SHPG before security intervened and even forced some of them to delete their evidence. They unfortunately missed the truck being unloaded from the trailer, but the new images do provide some insight. The prototype, sporting a military-style camo wrap
Thankfully, the spy photos do reveal the Cybertruck’s frunk. While it looks to be a sizable opening, the exact dimensions of the front storage compartment remain unknown. Considering the size disparity between the Cybertruck and the Model Y, however, it’s at least reasonable to assume that the frunk will offer more space than the one in Tesla’s electric crossover
Comparisons are also apt to the F-150 Lightning’s frunk, which opens similarly
Cybertruck Owners Club Forum
Integrating the front “grille” panel into the frunk lid was a clever design choice from Tesla
While the frunk space does appear to be quite spacious, it’s worth noting that the lid is likely to be quite heavy. This is due to its large size and the stainless steel material that makes up the Cybertruck’s exterior. The frunk will ideally be operated by a power mechanism that includes a push button to make opening and closing effortless.
Many questions remain when it comes to the Cybertruck’s frunk. Will it come with compartments to help organize stored items? Will it have DC power outlets to charge equipment? What other special features can we expect that will enhance its functionality? Unfortunately, we will only have the definitive answers to these questions on the day of the Cybertruck’s official launch
The Redesigned "Vault" Is More Rugged Than Ever
Tesla
The Cybertruck defies convention in many aspects, from its unique shape to its truck bed, which Tesla refers to as the “vault.” The vault measures 6.5 feet in length, providing ample space to transport longer items. What sets the vault apart is its motorized tonneau cover, which ensures that the contents remain secure and protected. The original prototype also incorporated lights that ran alongside the vault, illuminating the area and enhancing visibility for added convenience. This is a feature that will hopefully carry over to the production model.
The Cybertruck has gone through several notable changes since its initial unveiling. One significant change is its reduced size, which means that the electric truck may no longer be able to accommodate six passengers as originally anticipated. The vault seems to have also undergone a redesign. Videos captured at the Electrified Cars & Coffee meet held at the Petersen Automotive Museum
The vault on the original Cybertruck prototype from late 2019 raised some skepticism among automotive enthusiasts for its design choices. Concerns were expressed regarding the vulnerability of the thin and sleek motorized tonneau cover and its elegant controls, particularly in situations where the vehicle would become dirty or face challenging conditions. The potential for faults in these circumstances left some fans questioning the practicality and durability of the design elements.
Some of those concerns may have been squashed following the Cybertruck’s redesign, as seen at the Petersen Museum. Notably, the tonneau cover of the Cybertruck appears thicker, and the presence of rubber linings in the bed suggests increased resistance to rainwater. Also, the buttons responsible for controlling the motorized tonneau cover as well as the tailgate now appear to be optimized for enhanced durability. These updates reflect Tesla’s commitment to making sure the Cybertruck is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and resilient in various conditions.
Another feature present on the Cybertruck at the Petersen Museum is a slot near the tailgate, hinting that Tesla may add bed outlets in the truck. Although the outlets were not present on the showcased truck, it suggests that Tesla will incorporate more utilitarian features as we move closer to production.
Tesla's Truck Faces Final Winter Testing
Tesla is hopefully taking other steps to make sure the Cybertruck is rugged enough for the worksite. The Cybertruck that arrived in New Zealand earlier this month is a test mule that will undergo the conclusive phases of winter testing at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG). A video of the Cybertruck prototype being unloaded off the plane was shared on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum by user ModelAZ
The Cybertruck has already undergone some cold weather testing at Tesla’s proving grounds in Alaska the Cybertruck is expected to excel on roads covered in snow and ice
Tesla appears to finally be making good on its promises regarding the Cybertruck, despite facing multiple delays resulting from semiconductor shortages. There have been several prototype sightings in recent months, indicating significant progress in its development. The increased pace of activity from the Austin Gigafactory is also promising compare to its competitors like the Rivian R1T and Hummer EV