The Cybertruck has a lightbar animation when the doors are unlocked
@omg_tesla / Not a Tesla App
We got another glimpse into the future of Tesla's Cybertruck. As the much-anticipated delivery event approaches on November 30, the stainless steel beast is now available in showrooms across the U.S. and Canada. Even now, just days before the big event, the Cybertruck still offers surprises.
The Cybertruck Owl: A Nod to Personalization
A recentsighting by omg_tesla has unveiled more elements. The Cybertruck owl is displayed on the infotainment system screen while Sentry Mode is activated. It's a unique element that adds a touch of personalization to the already over-the-top Cybertruck's interior experience. Everyone loves the owl as the t-shirt has been sold out in all sizes for months.
It's hard to say what the most iconic symbol of the Cybertruck is, but indeed, the headlights and a straight light bar across the front bumper symbolize this truck. The vehicle's light bar activates when the vehicle is unlocked. Seeing that bar turn on as the driver gets in is a showstopper.
Moreover, the Cybertruck's suspension behavior caught the eye. The truck raises to a medium suspension position once the driver gets inside the vehicle and presumably touches the brake. This observation also hints that the Cybertruck defaults to the lowest suspension setting when parked. While it's unclear if this is a standard feature or customizable, it certainly answers questions some of the less-tall potential owners had about getting in the beast.
Understanding Tesla's Suspension Philosophy
So many things will set the Cybertruck away from the pack, but the suspension is undoubtedly a headliner. Viewers of the video often mistook the truck's medium suspension setting for its highest due to the impressive elevation.
A few months back, Munro Live provided a deeper understanding of Tesla's suspension strategy. Contrasting competitors like Rivian, Tesla appears to favor a robust yet straightforward design, evident in the presence of an anti-roll bar and a dynamic damping actuator.
Munro Live's analysis emphasizes high-strength materials, balancing weight and durability. The unique design and layout of the suspension components, crafted for both on-road comfort and off-road prowess, highlight Tesla's dedication to efficiency and performance.
The latest sightings and insights into the Cybertruck's features, such as the adaptive light bar and suspension, reinforce Tesla's reputation for innovation. With the delivery event around the corner, Tesla enthusiasts and potential customers can look forward to a powerful, efficient vehicle packed with unique, user-centric features.
BREAKING: 2 UNSEEN FEATURES FROM CYBERTRUCK Cybertruck wake up light sequence, and raise to start (sitting in low, raising up to medium aka ride height) pic.twitter.com/IXmtaj6RqT
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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