Tesla's Cybertruck is Capturing the Imagination of the Next Generation

By Kevin Armstrong
Cybertruck is a showstopper
Cybertruck is a showstopper
@MatthewDR/X

The arrival of the Tesla Cybertruck on our roads has been nothing short of a futuristic revelation. More than just a new vehicle, it's a symbol of innovation and a vision of the future, much like the one Elon Musk's child imagined when questioning, “Why doesn't the future look like the future." This profound insight from Saxon Musk became a seed that blossomed into the Cybertruck. This vehicle not only challenges traditional automotive design but also captures the imagination of youth in a remarkable way.

Capturing Young Hearts: The Cybertruck Phenomenon

Since its release just over a month ago, the Cybertruck has been turning heads and sparking excitement among all age groups, but the reaction from children is most telling. Social media is filled with videos of kids cheering and expressing their awe as a Cybertruck glides by. This excitement is more than just about seeing a new car; it's about witnessing a piece of the future right here in the present.

The Cybertruck's design is a radical departure from conventional automotive aesthetics. Its angular, metallic body looks like something from a sci-fi movie. During the early days of the design stage, Elon Musk instructed his team, “Let’s be bold; let’s surprise people.” This design choice was about standing out and redefining what a vehicle can be. The Cybertruck doesn't conform to the status quo – it shatters it, creating a new paradigm where vehicles are not just modes of transport but bold statements about innovation and the future. It is so outside of the box, that a second Tesla pickup truck was secretly being designed at the same time as the Cybertruck.

Designing the Extraordinary: The Cybertruck's Unique Appeal

Elon Musk's vision for the Cybertruck aligns perfectly with his child's query. In creating a vehicle that looks and feels futuristic, Tesla has inspired a generation that has grown up surrounded by rapid technological advancements but often in a world that visually looks much the same as it did decades ago. The Cybertruck changes this narrative, presenting a tangible example of what the future can look like. One of these youngsters could be the next Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer, who drew inspiration from his favorite cars growing up.

Children are naturally drawn to the novel and extraordinary. Their cheers for the Cybertruck are not just about the excitement of seeing something new but about seeing a future they've imagined come to life. This enthusiasm is a testament to the Cybertruck's impact in a short amount of time. It's more than a vehicle; it's a source of inspiration and a catalyst for imagination.

Beyond Aesthetics: Eco-Friendly and Future-Ready

Moreover, the Cybertruck's appeal goes beyond its appearance. Its electric nature speaks to a growing awareness and concern among younger generations about environmental issues. Tesla's commitment to sustainable transportation resonates with these values, making the Cybertruck not just a cool vehicle but a responsible choice for the future of our planet.

Tesla Cybertruck is more than just a new addition to the roads. It manifests a future that was once only in the realms of imagination. Elon Musk, inspired by his child's perspective, has brought this vision to life, and the response from the youth is a clear indication that the Cybertruck is not just a vehicle but excitement, innovation, and the endless possibilities of the future. As videos of children cheering for the Cybertruck continue to circulate, it's evident that this vehicle has struck a chord with the next generation, inspiring them to dream of a world where the future truly looks like the future.

Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

By Karan Singh
@brandonhd

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.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

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.

  • Manhasset, New York

  • West Covina, California

  • Los Angeles, California

  • Houston, Texas

  • Orlando, Florida

  • Westmont, Illinois

  • Tucson, Arizona

  • Phoenix, Arizona

  • Delaware

Musk Confirms 'Actually Smart Summon' is Coming in a Revision of FSD V12.5

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

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.

Just recently, Tesla returned the Model X’s self-presenting doors, using Tesla Vision. Vision has seen some fantastic improvements, and many people are waiting for ASS to bring forth these improvements to Smart Summon.

Smart Summon Today

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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