Cybertruck didn't need to go ugly early - Autoevolution article

[mkg3]

Pathological liar Elon Musk is the only source for the rumor there are between 1-1.6 million (number keeps changing) preorders. Not credible.

And there is a huge difference between $100 and $1000 to me. That’s why I waited until 2021 to make my deposit For my R1T after following Rivian very closely since day 1.

I agree there is no reason Rivian and Tesla both can’t be successful. That won’t stop me from mocking all the insane claims about this truck. Like this one:

There has been many amusing claims, like the one you've listed as well as the one about the new roadster with SpaceX package that can hover and accelerate shortly off the ground.

Who knows, if happens. But if it does, then what?

Sponsored

 

[DuoRivians]

You're just jealous that you missed out on $TSLA opportunity

Disclosure: I own both $TSLA and $RIVN

Sold all $tsla at $1050 pre split (trailing 15% stop loss). Then we went all maga.

 

[COdogman]

There has been many amusing claims, like the one you've listed as well as the one about the new roadster with SpaceX package that can hover and accelerate shortly off the ground.

Who knows, if happens. But if it does, then what?

If what happens? They make an ugly truck or they make an ugly truck that Tesla fans think they can drive into the ocean?

If 50 years from now there are amphibious or flying cars that doesn’t mean Musk was right. By then he will just be remembered as a really old liar with a million children and someone who purchased thousands of horses for all the women he sexually harassed.

 

[foxerson]

The thing I like the best about the CT is that it's provocative and gets people talking and makes other manufactures work harder and think bit more than just another iteration of the same - enhancing today's products at best.

^This^

Seems like the CT influenced the REV concept’s unique features. The midgate and frunk pass through were the standouts that got my attention. Too bad the fun stuff doesn’t seem to be making it to the production vehicle.

 

[shumdit]

Given that stainless steel is more expensive than normal automotive steel, combined with all the other promised goodies on this truck and the size of it I am very curious where they price it. I don't see how they price it less than an X.

I do think even though stainless is more expensive not having the time/expense of what corrosion/paint prep/paint/finishing/polishing involves likely make the stainless body cheaper than a conventional steel/aluminum body painted like most cars on the road today. The huge castings for the chassis also are a major cost saving to manufacture although maybe not to repair in a collision scenario.
I’m no fan of the CT, and while I don’t see it being as expensive as the Model X I see no way they can sell it for $39990 with the promised specs they provided. It will likely be at least $50K and at that price will be missing some features like the 4 wheel steering etc. that some people are probably expecting. I am awaiting the CT forum meltdown when the actual prices/specs are released.

 

[SANZC02]

I do think even though stainless is more expensive not having the time/expense of what corrosion/paint prep/paint/finishing/polishing involves likely make the stainless body cheaper than a conventional steel/aluminum body painted like most cars on the road today. The huge castings for the chassis also are a major cost saving to manufacture although maybe not to repair in a collision scenario.
I’m no fan of the CT, and while I don’t see it being as expensive as the Model X I see no way they can sell it for $39990 with the promised specs they provided. It will likely be at least $50K and at that price will be missing some features like the 4 wheel steering etc. that some people are probably expecting. I am awaiting the CT forum meltdown when the actual prices/specs are released.

Actually the 39.9k version was a single motor with 250 mile range, that spec likely will never be produced at any price, Tesla does not even make a single motor car these days.

The cheapest dual motor was to start at 49.9k, I will be surprised if they can keep that under the 80k federal tax cap.

 

[the long way downunder]

Stamping conventional steel or aluminum at scale is just as cheap, nay cheaper than brake forming stainless.

I don't know. I haven't built a few million cars. But Munro and Musk seem to think it's going to work out.
It's not the stamping, it's the reduction in the number of components and production line simplification, fewer assembly steps … no paint … and the CT is two castings with (presumably) a structural battery coming up through the floor completely with seats, like the Y.
If Highland sees Musk continuing to follow in the footsteps of Ford, it will mean fewer people on the assembly line, fewer parts brought in, more production within the footprint of Giga Texas, and higher commonality with S3XY (from computers and motors to cabin switchgear and touchscreens.)
From what I've read, the omission of a paint booth saves a ton of capital, costs and quality assurance handling (fully functional vehicles rejected because of paint, customers rejecting vehicles because of fit and finish.)
I'll take one as soon as it's ready, but I think it will be 3+ years before Tesla figures out all the puzzles they've created for themselves. : )

 

[the long way downunder]

Given that stainless steel is more expensive than normal automotive steel, combined with all the other promised goodies on this truck and the size of it I am very curious where they price it. I don't see how they price it less than an X.

Tesla isn't buying stainless in the open market, they have a supplier rolling out a special alloy that can handle the casting, another alloy that can be pressed and finished as the exterior "A" surfaces … the idea being that whatever they're contracted to pay for the next 10 years is known and the cost of building the CT will be a significant percentage less than the S or X, pound for pound.
That said, I expect the first million CTs will be high spec, highly equipped, premium priced.
Once they've fleeced the suckers, the CT has the cost basis to drop into the lower price brackets and be built with a delivery van body, or any number of bespoke contracts, e.g. shuttle van, roadside and mobile service.
I assume the CT is a seven year program and Tesla appears to have the contracts for materials and batteries, electronics and presumably they've gone deep into efficiency and will be showing the world a very light wheel with a very light tire with very low rolling resistance, so all those contracts must be in place and stretching out years.

 

[Zybane]

You guys are hilarious. Cybertruck will be sold out for 5+ years straight. People are tired of the same old thing and want something fresh.

The R1T isn't a particularly attractive vehicle either. The R1S is much better from an aesthetics point of view.

I literally know four friends and family that have Cybertruck reservations and plan on purchasing it. You think Hummer EV's and Rivian early flips made some nice cash. You haven't seen nothing yet.

 

[Ralph]

what is the towing capacity?

I'm guessing a more revealing question will be, "What is the payload?" As it was with the R1T/S. I still believe payload is the primary reason the max pack R1T was pushed back.

 

[moosehead]

 

[mini2nut]

I love my R1T, but the “designed by aliens, driven by humans” Cybertruck is going to shake up the traditional 1/2 ton pickup truck market.

 

[WSea]

I love my R1T, but the “designed by aliens, driven by humans” Cybertruck is going to shake up the traditional 1/2 ton pickup truck market.

That image is kind of interesting. The problem is the latest iteration looks like a compromised piece of shit. And the traditional 1/2 ton market will sell for 1/2 the cost

 

[HA-Opec]

I don't understand why so many tesla fanbois hand out on a Rivian forum.

Because I bought a R1t as a stop gap to my CT.. , unless the CT is a bust, Hedge your bets!
I do find it funny how niave the comments are about the CT, or Tesla in general.
Sure... keep betting against Tesla..see how that pans out.

( BTW.. I love my R1T, but it's got at least as many anoyances as my Teslas, but without the charging network..)

 

[Dark-Fx]

He even said if people hate it too much, Tesla would have to change the design.

That's why I have to call it out as being an awful design and wondering when the real truck is coming out every time I see it. Like all the Rivian price hike complainers. Maybe Elon will actually produce something that isn't the visual equivalent of a children's wood block derby car.

It'd be fun for Tesla to have a presentation like "oh by the way, the skin comes off" and there be something that's actually sort of a normal truck under there. But I'm not going to hold my breath.

Sponsored