Tesla's Cybertruck is already going to get an improvement, according to the CEO. We’ve also discovered a few more new and interesting pieces of information about the stainless steel beast.
Enhanced Turning Radius and Maneuverability
One of many cool things about Cybertruck is the four-wheel turning. But it is not good enough, according the Elon Musk. Cybertruck boasts a 9% better turning radius than the Ford F-150 Lightning. This translates to a turning circle of 43.5 feet (12.5 meters), an impressive achievement considering the size and design of the electric pickup. But Musk says it will get even better.
We have further improvements in the works to tighten the turning circle significantly
This maneuverability is largely due to the Cybertruck's four-wheel steering system, allowing the rear wheels to rotate opposite to the front wheels at lower speeds. This feature is especially useful in tight spaces, such as job sites and crowded parking lots, making the Cybertruck more agile and easier to handle.
Four-Wheel Steering gives Cybertruck a tighter turning radius than a Model S
At low speeds, rear wheels rotate opposite to the front wheels—enabling tighter maneuvering around the jobsite, parking lots, etc pic.twitter.com/nxDiRTZKEI
The Cybertruck is rated with a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. A unique feature of the Cybertruck is its hidden tow hitch, which is cleverly concealed behind a removable cover in the rear bumper. This cover, located under the license plate holder, can be easily removed by opening three bumper clips with a flat-head screwdriver, as demonstrated by @VoyageATXBen. This design choice not only enhances the vehicle's aesthetic but also adds an element of surprise and sophistication to the truck's functionality.
Cybertruck also features an enhanced off-road mode, giving drivers more precise control over the vehicle's speed, offering MPH readings in 0.5 increments. Posted on X by @itskyleconner, this level of granularity is particularly beneficial for navigating challenging off-road terrains, ensuring a smoother and more controlled driving experience.
In off-road mode Cybertruck gives you MPH in .5 level of granularity
Cybertruck's owner's manual has been shared online, offering detailed specifications and information about the electric pickup. This manual, featured in a video by T Sportline, is based on software version 2023.44.9 and includes a full table of contents. The video, described by the person who posted it as the world’s most boring video, scrolls through the entire Cybertruck manual. We didn’t see anything we didn’t already know, but if you spot something, let us know.
Since the delivery event, Cybertruck has dominated the EV headlines. While Cybertruck is now on the road, it is still a rare sight to see. That’s why these updates provided by the Tesla community, demonstrating interesting and cool things about this new vehicle, continue to generate excitement. For those million-plus holding a reservation, this is the closest we will get to our own Cybertruck for now.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
After canceling the in-house wrap program for the Cybertruck last month, Tesla has reintroduced the program with a lot of changes. Let’s take a look at the original program, then we’ll dive into what’s changed.
Tesla began the wrap program for the Model 3 and Model Y in the fall of 2023. With the arrival of the Cybertruck, Tesla launched Matte Black and Satin White options for the Cybertruck and later added 11 more colors.
Tesla initially offered high-quality PPF (Paint Protection Film) wraps, which protect the paint in addition to changing the color of the vehicle. PPF is thicker than traditional vinyl wraps, but the material costs more and is more time-consuming to apply.
Tesla’s updated program switches away from PPF wraps and now offers traditional vinyl wraps at a cheaper price. This makes Tesla’s wrap service more comparable to third-party installers.
Correction: We initially reported that the new wrap program offered PPF rather than vinyl and that the program was only available for new deliveries.
New Wrap Prices
First things first - the price of the wraps has dropped considerably, mostly due to the change away from PPF. While these prices are still a little more expensive than what you could find at a third-party location, you have the advantage of getting it directly from Tesla.
Vehicle
Original Cost
New Cost
Cybertruck
$8,000
$4,500
Model 3 / Model Y
$6,500
$4,000
Model S / Model X
Not available
Not available
Tesla initially offered 11 wrap colors, but that selection has now been reduced to eight per vehicle. Interestingly, the color options vary by model—Model 3 and Model Y owners have their own distinct palette. The Cybertruck also boasts its own unique set of colors, though unfortunately, the popular Satin White option is absent from its catalog.
Of course, the ever-popular Matte Black is still available, along with a fairly unique set of other vivid colors.
New Locations
Not a Tesla App
When the wrap program launched, it was limited to just three locations in California and one location in Texas. That meant that unless you were taking delivery at West Covina, Oceanside, Costa Mesa, or Santa Clara, you’d be unable to get a first-party wrap done by Tesla.
Under the new program, Tesla is offering wraps out of all the original locations and adding Seattle, Washington. What initially seemed like Tesla scaling back its wrap service has turned out to be them making it more affordable and efficient. While the switch to vinyl may disappoint some owners, in reality, a lot of owners probably didn’t know the difference between PPF and vinyl, making Tesla’s service seem disproportionally more expensive.
No Longer New Purchases Only
While the original wrap program was constrained to new vehicle purchases—you can now have Tesla wrap a vehicle that’s already been delivered. Paint damage and scuffs can impact the installation of wraps and require additional time to smooth out the vehicle surface, and most third-party installers charge additional fees to prepare the surface.
Tesla doesn’t appear to be charging any additional surface prep fees at this time and is able to install on any Model 3, Model Y, or Cybertruck that’s been delivered after 2023.
Either way, with cheaper wrap options, Tesla is now directly competing against third-party wrap shops. While it’s still a bit more expensive than you’d find elsewhere, it also comes with a level of care and precision from technicians intimately familiar with your vehicle.
For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.
Price Increase
The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.
The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series.
The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.
Free Lifetime Supercharging
For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.
There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.
We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.