Joe Tegtmeyer, a drone pilot who has been providing aerial footage of Giga Texas for more than three years, posted more footage that will make Tesla Cybertruck reservation holders happy.
The latest insights paint a picture of revitalized activity at Gigafactory Texas, revealing that "most of the employees have come back to work." The busy parking lots and lines of employees awaiting transport, unseen for the past three weeks, underscore a renewed momentum.
Crafting the Master Candidates
Tegtmeyer's coverage goes all around the factory, but he caught a rare glimpse of what could be the unicorn, the actual production-ready Cybertruck. Weather conditions the night before had left the covers off what are believed to be two Master Candidates. "I was fortunate to capture these images while the car cover was off because of some storms that came through last night," he shares, showcasing the Cybertrucks' refined state and readiness for production.
"These are the final candidates being produced to ensure all the tooling is correct, all the training is correct," explains Tegtmeyer, highlighting the crucial role these units play in ironing out the nuances of production.
This series, also known as the 800 series, is notably closer to the final production version than the earlier release candidates of series six that we spotted around the country over the last couple of months. Insights suggest that Tesla's leadership was set to conduct a final evaluation of the Cybertrucks, a decisive step before giving the green light to official production.
Identifying these vehicles as Master Candidates has sparked online speculations and noticeable changes for reservation holders on Tesla's platform. "It's great to see," remarks Tegtmeyer, discussing the anticipation surrounding these vehicles, pivotal in validating the production line's final changes and operations.
Ensuring Precision and Final Adjustments
Tegtmeyer sheds light on Tesla's meticulous approach with the Master Candidates, emphasizing their significance in ensuring tooling precision, thorough training, and making last-minute adjustments. "These Master Candidates are great to see," Tegtmeyer stated, signaling the culmination of extensive preparation and refinement ahead of full-scale production.
Reflecting on the progress and the visible refinement of the Cybertrucks on site, Tegtmeyer observes, "It really looks great and it does look like it's probably a Master Candidate," we could not agree more! The detailed exploration at Gigafactory Texas has given potential customers and us a closer look at the much-anticipated Cybertruck. The revealed images, insider information, and Tegtmeyer's commentary collectively build anticipation as Tesla inches closer to officially rolling the Cybertruck off the production line.
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Two new features were uncovered in Tesla update 2023.44 by Tesla hacker Green (@greentheonly).
The first is firmware code that refers to a "front camera washer," which implies that upcoming models with a front bumper camera will also include a washer to hose off the lens.
The second appears to be available now with update 2023.44.1, and that's changes to the seat belt reminder system.
Front Camera Washer
The front-camera washer was revealed through Green's deep dive into Tesla's firmware code. An upcoming refresh to the Model S and Model X is expected to include a front bumper camera, as well as ambient lighting, similar to the new Model 3. When the new Model 3 lands in North America next year, it is also expected to carry this additional camera.
While its possible that the car will automatically clean the front camera based on when it sees dirt or rain droplets (similarly to how the wipers work), it appears that Tesla will also provide a button to manually clean the front bumper camera.
It's not clear where this additional button will live, but it could be added next to the Wipers and Sentry Mode buttons in Controls. Based on the icon, it doesn't look like it'll be its own icon in the bottom rows of apps, known as the launcher.
Seatbelt Reminder Changes
Another change Green discovered was a smaller change related to the seatbelt reminder system. In alignment with the standards set by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Tesla updated its seatbelt reminder tone. As per Green's findings, the new tone sounds more frequent and is higher-pitched.
Hazard Lights
Tesla has been tinkering with tone and patterns regarding safety aspects. The company recently changed how the hazardous lights function, introducing speed changes in flashing and light brightness after an accident.
These small changes reflect Tesla's commitment to consistently evolving their vehicles through hardware and software changes.
According to previous images of the Cybertruck's front bumper camera, the Cybertruck may be the first Tesla vehicle with the new lens cleaner. We should find out more this Thursday, when Tesla delivers the first trucks.
Tesla's Cybertruck is finally set to make its grand debut this Thursday, and it appears that the gang is all here. The latest sightings at Tesla's Gigafactory in Texas show an assembly of over 25 Cybertrucks. This fleet, captured by drone pilot and Giga Texas observer Jeff Roberts, is raising the excitement even more for what will be a monumental event.
Distinguishing Production Models from Test Units
Close examination of the spotted Cybertrucks indicates a mix of potential production models and test units. Some vehicles show signs of off-road testing, while others have different builds. They are all quite likely the ones that we have been writing about for months as production models would appear like Bigfoot sightings.
Despite the visible fleet, Tesla has announced plans to deliver only the first ten units at the launch event. This conservative start echoes Tesla's previous product launches, like the Model 3, where initial production was limited. Industry experts suggest a significant ramp-up in the coming year, with projections of substantial delivery numbers 2024.
What to Expect from the Cybertruck
Tesla has been tight-lipped about the final specifications of the Cybertruck. However, leaked details and hints from Tesla's earnings calls, Elon Musk's posts on X, and Joe Rogan's appearance suggest innovative features, like being arrow repellant, and being able to 'crab-walk'.
We also know the truck's towing capacity of 11,000 lbs and a payload of 2,500 lbs. It also has an advanced charging architecture and unique utility elements. These features are expected to set the Cybertruck apart from the truck and the electric truck segments, offering functionality and futuristic design.
Tesla's Strategic Approach to the Electric Truck Market
The Cybertruck launch is not just about introducing a new vehicle; it's about Tesla asserting its position in the electric truck market. The Cybertruck's journey from concept to launch reflects Tesla's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and design. The latest Elon Musk biography, written by Walter Isaacson, details many of the behind-the-scenes details of the production of this incredible vehicle.
The sighting of over 25 Cybertrucks at Gigafactory Texas indicates that Tesla is ready to put on a show for the delivery event. The event is scheduled to start at noon PST on November 30.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
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Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
TeslaBox delivers real-time video notifications for every Sentry and Dashcam event, continuously backs up all footage without hitting record, and enables remote file browsing. No wiring. Installs alongside your standard USB stick.
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![More Cybertruck Features Revealed: Light Bar Animaton, Cyber Owl's Glowing Red Eyes and Suspension at Startup [Video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2023/cybertruck-lightbar-animation.gif)
