A Tesla Cybertruck prototype was recently found abandoned by the roadside, providing an unexpected opportunity to peek under the proverbial hood. A passerby named Wayne shared images of the Cybertruck's suspension with Electrek, giving us a clearer picture of Tesla's plans for the much-anticipated electric pickup. We will couple Electrek's takeaways with an analysis by the renowned automotive experts at Munro Live.
Bastien Theron, CEO of Theron, a manufacturer of electric ATVs, told Electrek Tesla seems to be embracing a straightforward design, focusing on robustness rather than complex hydraulic solutions like some competitors, such as Rivian.
A close-up look at the Cybertruck's suspension
Electrek
The images reveal the presence of an anti-roll bar and an actuator to modify damping dynamically. Interestingly, the Cybertruck's rear lower A-arm is constructed from two pieces of welded steel, contrasting the casting at the front. This, however, could be specific to the prototype.
Munro Live's Insightful Breakdown
Munro Live's in-depth analysis (video below) of these pictures adds layers of understanding to the bare components. Led by Sandy Munro, an automotive engineering expert with years of experience, the team dissected the images, providing detailed insights into materials, design, and potential performance.
According to Munro Live, the Cybertruck's suspension employs high-strength materials carefully selected to balance weight and durability. The control arms, in particular, appear engineered using top-notch metals that promise resilience without excess bulk.
The suspension's design also stands out. Munro notes the unique geometry and layout, emphasizing Tesla's approach to efficiency and performance. This innovative design could be key to delivering the Cybertruck's promised capabilities.
Munro Live's examination of the Cybertruck's suspension suggests it's crafted for both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. The team believes the substantial shock absorbers and precisely engineered control arms may provide a smooth highway experience and rugged trail performance.
Innovations Behind the Suspensions
Tesla is no stranger to innovation, with every model pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The Cybertruck is shaping up to be no exception. Beyond just the obvious strong and simple design spotted by Electrek, the Cybertruck's suspension system hints at more beneath the surface.
Tesla's decision to avoid the hydraulic solutions of its competitors may seem counter-intuitive. However, Munro Live's deep dive suggests this is a deliberate choice, perhaps favoring long-term reliability over complexity.
Weight and Efficiency
Tesla ensures that the vehicle remains efficient without compromising durability by choosing high-strength, lightweight materials for the Cybertruck's suspension, as Munro Live indicates.
Rivian's complex hydraulic suspension offers impressive adaptive capabilities but might present long-term reliability issues. Tesla's more straightforward approach could be advantageous in such scenarios.
Cybertruck recently exposed suspension system, scrutinized by outlets like Electrek and industry experts like Munro Live, is just one of many innovative aspects of this futuristic pickup. As we move closer to its official release, the Cybertruck promises to redefine what electric vehicles—and pickups—are capable of.
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Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
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