As we approach the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck delivery event on November 30th, sightings of the prototype have been increasing. Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, was recently spotted driving a Cybertruck with a matte-black finish around Southern California. I had the opportunity to take a close look at the truck when von Holzhausen brought it to a cars and coffee event in Malibu. Unfortunately, I found the Cybertruck to be quite unappealing in its current state.
Having been around numerous prototype cars in my career, I have never seen an automaker proudly present a vehicle of such poor quality, especially so close to the start of production. It is baffling to me that Tesla’s lead designer would showcase a vehicle in this condition just weeks before deliveries are supposed to begin. The Cybertruck looked downright horrible under the Southern California sun.
This is not an early prototype; the finishes and details of the Cybertruck match what we have seen from other “Release Candidate” models that Tesla has showcased. Components like the lights, window glass, cameras, fender liners, and underbody trims all appear to be final. Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory has already started pilot production of the Cybertruck, further indicating that this prototype is representative of the production version.
However, the build quality of the Cybertruck is a major concern. The gaps between panels are significant, with some large enough to stick a finger through. There are no visible seals or trim pieces, even for the frunk. The fender flares are misaligned, the tailgate has poor fitment, and the overall construction does not seem to meet Tesla’s claim of “sub-10 micron accuracy.” The A-pillar seam looks terrible, and several edges appear dangerously sharp. The plastic parts, such as the fender flares and bumpers, do not appear very durable.
Additionally, the visibility in the Cybertruck is severely compromised. The A-pillar is thick from the inside, creating a substantial blind spot. The rear visibility is also poor, with the bed’s fairings and short side windows obstructing the view. It is unclear if the Cybertruck has a rear-view camera for when the tonneau cover is closed. The triangular window ahead of the main pillar support helps, but the overall visibility is concerning, especially considering the raked windshield and reflections it creates.
Furthermore, I find the design of the Cybertruck to be unappealing. While it may have a unique and futuristic look, it is poorly executed and lacks the dramatic proportions of the original concept. The rear diffuser and other details also appear ungainly. The bulletproof body panels claimed by Tesla are questionable, especially considering the truck’s lack of bulletproof glass.
With just three weeks until the delivery event, there is still a lack of concrete information about the Cybertruck’s specifications and pricing. The truck is not prominently featured on Tesla’s website, and the imagery still shows the concept version from 2019. Tesla estimates an annual production of 125,000 Cybertrucks, with the possibility of increasing to 250,000 per year. However, Musk has acknowledged that production will be challenging and may not be profitable.
Overall, I am unimpressed with the current state of the Cybertruck. As a close-to-production prototype, it does not inspire confidence in Tesla’s ability to deliver a high-quality and visually appealing vehicle. There are plenty of other automakers producing excellent electric vehicles that offer a more attractive and futuristic design.
My Close Encounter with the Tesla Cybertruck: It Remains Unattractive
As an avid automotive enthusiast and a strong proponent of sustainable transportation, I have followed Tesla’s journey with profound admiration. Elon Musk, the visionary behind the company, has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and challenged conventional norms. Naturally, the announcement of the Tesla Cybertruck intrigued me, and I eagerly awaited the opportunity to see it up close. Recently, I had the chance to attend an event where the Cybertruck was displayed, and unfortunately, my initial excitement was met with disappointment as I found myself underwhelmed by its overall aesthetic appeal.
Firstly, its design is unconventional and divergent from the usual sleek lines found in traditional vehicles. The sharp angles, flat surfaces, and the large stainless-steel exoskeleton combine to create a futuristic and eccentric appearance that might appeal to a niche audience. However, for a broader market, the Cybertruck’s unconventional shape may deter potential buyers looking for a vehicle that merges both functionality and style seamlessly. In an era where car designs are becoming more elegant and sophisticated, the Cybertruck seems to antagonize accepted norms, and in doing so, fails to attract mainstream consumers.
Moreover, the size of the Tesla Cybertruck presents challenges for everyday usability. With its vast dimensions, maneuverability becomes an issue, particularly in congested urban areas and tight parking spaces. Furthermore, the protruding shape of the vehicle poses limitations when it comes to fitting the Cybertruck into standard garages or car washes. While space and utility are indeed important factors for a utility vehicle like the Cybertruck, it is essential to strike a balance between functionality and practicality to cater to the diverse needs of potential buyers.
Beyond its unconventional looks, the Cybertruck boasts impressive performance capabilities. Its electric powertrain promises impressive range and acceleration, while the robust exoskeleton provides commendable durability. However, even with cutting-edge technology and remarkable power, the Cybertruck’s aesthetics remain a crucial factor in attracting buyers. A vehicle that costs a significant amount should not only perform exceptionally well but also appeal to its users on an emotional level, reflecting their personal style and taste.
Tesla has a remarkable track record of revolutionizing the automotive industry and driving forward the transition towards a sustainable future. The company’s previous models like the Model S, Model 3, and Model X have garnered praise for their attractive designs, seamlessly blending aesthetics with sustainability. As such, the unattractiveness of the Cybertruck appears as a jarring deviation from Tesla’s usual finesse in automotive design.
To their credit, Tesla has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to learn from customer feedback and iterate on their designs. The final production version of the Cybertruck may address some of the concerns highlighted here, as the company refines its concept before bringing it to market. Perhaps, as with the Model 3, Tesla will introduce design updates that better align with consumer expectations for a sleeker and more appealing appearance.
While my close encounter with the Tesla Cybertruck left me feeling unimpressed by its unconventional design, I am hopeful that Tesla will be open to refining its aesthetics based on public feedback. As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, competition will intensify, and the importance of striking a harmonious balance between form and function will be paramount. Ultimately, it is crucial for Tesla to create appealing vehicles that not only push the boundaries of sustainability and performance but also captivate hearts and minds, making the electric revolution irresistible to all.