Tesla's Cybertruck: Unexpected Discoveries and Candid Observations

By Kevin Armstrong
A close up view of the Cybertruck's tires
A close up view of the Cybertruck's tires
triggertx

Tesla's Cybertruck is not for everyone. Tesla's Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen has admitted as much several times. With its unorthodox design and cutting-edge technology, this pickup continues to generate buzz as its expected release date nears. Recent sightings have unveiled intriguing insights and sparked a candid reaction from an Instagram user known as @triggertx.

A Refrigerator on Wheels? A Unique Discovery

While stopping by @petrol_lounge in Austin, Texas, to drop off something, @triggertx was invited to witness what was humorously described as "peak vaporwave." Expecting to see something cool, like a "Vector W8," @triggertx was momentarily perplexed, comparing the Cybertruck to a refrigerator on its side. This unexpected metaphor serves as a fitting reflection of Cybertruck's unapologetically unconventional appearance.

Beyond the initial humorous observation, @triggertx posted more about the Cybertruck, particularly the tire size. Noting the 285/65R20 dimensions, he observed that this translated to about a 35" tire on a 20" rim, with a considerable amount of sidewall. The six lug nuts spotted suggested a vehicle ready to handle robust use.

These discoveries were augmented by the new wheel design recently observed, featuring thicker black spokes and a square shape near the center. The visible tire air nozzle hints at Tesla's patented automatic tire inflation system, further emphasizing the blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

A Game-Changer with Mixed Reactions

The less-than-polished appearance of the Cybertruck, coupled with these design quirks, has created a portrait of a vehicle that’s been tested hard, yet may still have some aesthetic challenges to overcome - mainly the gigantic wiper.

The Cybertruck's design and features have sparked contrasting opinions, with some praising its innovation and others expressing reservations. Though likely tongue-in-cheek, the comment about the Cybertruck resembling a refrigerator indicates the vehicle's divisive appearance.

As Tesla remains tight-lipped about the exact specs, even as the start of deliveries looms, we are left to glean insights from sightings and speculations.

Tesla's Cybertruck is certainly not for everyone, and its groundbreaking design has inspired both awe and skepticism. The Instagram posts by @triggertx, candidly capturing his surprise and confusion, encapsulate the ongoing dialogue surrounding this futuristic vehicle.

The unique blend of rugged wheels, innovative technology, and an appearance that leaves no one indifferent demonstrates Tesla's commitment to pushing the envelope in automotive design.

Whether it becomes a revered icon or continues to remind some of a household appliance, one thing is clear: the Cybertruck is set to redefine pickups and perhaps even the automotive landscape.

Tesla Claims All Top 5 Spots for Most American-Built Cars

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

As a Tesla fan, you’re likely already aware that most American-made cars are Teslas, but we wouldn’t be surprised if many people still think it’s one of the Detroit Big-3.

Tesla produces most of the parts for the North American versions of the Model 3 and Model Y in the United States, with some parts coming from facilities inside Canada, so it's all kept relatively local. As a background fact, both the study and the United States government consider parts from Canada as domestic content, and there is no differentiation between US-made or Canadian-made parts.

Tesla’s supply chain is designed with a strong emphasis on reducing transportation costs. By streamlining the movement of goods between part production facilities and their Gigafactories, Tesla not only lowers expenses but also secures its position as the leading manufacturer of American-made vehicles.

First, Second, Third, Fourth… and Fifth!

According to a study from American University’s Kogod School of Business, Tesla not only makes the most American-made car but actually makes the top five most American-made cars, with the Model S and Model X being tied for the number four spot.

Rank

Model

US Domestic Content

1

Model 3 Performance

87.5%

2

Model Y

85%

3

Cybertruck

82.5%

4

Model S

80%

4

Model X

80%

4

Ford Mustang GT Models

80%

The Model 3 and Model Y easily dominate the top two spots, coming in with US Domestic Content rates of 87.5% and 85%, respectively.

For comparison, the first non-Tesla on the list has an 80% rate, while the 10th most American car has a 73% rate. So, the Model 3 and Model Y are significantly more American-made than the other leaders on the list.

Every Tesla vehicle is mostly American-made, and even the Cybertruck is ranked 82.5% American just a year after its launch.

The closest competitor is Ford’s Mustang GT - in a couple of variants, meeting the 80% mark. Many would normally think Ford, GM, or Stellantis would have taken up all these spots, but this isn’t the case. In fact, tied for #5 is the Honda Passport with 76.5%.

Tesla not only produces some of the safest vehicles in the world, but they’re easily the most American made year after year. We’d love to see another study at the manufacturer level, where the maker’s whole lineup of vehicles is considered instead of just specific models. It seems that there would be a stark difference from number two.

With the current list of incentives running through the end of the year, now is a great time to buy a new Tesla.

Tesla FSD V13.2.1 Is Going Wide: When to Expect It and Its Holiday Update Features

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s latest FSD Release - V13.2.1 began to go out in small waves just a few days ago. It included a bevy of new features and was the first release of FSD V13 to go past the early-access testers. While this release requires AI4/HW4, it’s available on all Tesla models, including the S, 3, X, Y, and, for the first time, the Cybertruck.

Now, Tesla’s VP of AI - Ashok Elluswamy, has confirmed that this release is going wide, meaning most HW4 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada should receive it in the next couple of weeks.

Ashok also said that vehicles on FSD V13 won’t have to wait much longer for Tesla’s Holiday update.

When Will You Receive FSD V13

Right now Tesla is rolling out FSD V13.2.1 to vehicles on an earlier version. So if you were already on FSD V13, or V12.5.x, then you should receive Tesla’s latest FSD build very soon.

However, if you’ve already received the Holiday update, then you’ll have to wait until Tesla’s FSD V13.2 build supports the Holiday update with version 2024.44.25.x. Once that’s available, you’ll be eligible to receive FSD V13.2 as well.

Should I Subscribe?

A question we hear often is whether someone should subscribe or unsubscribe to FSD in order to receive a certain update. If you don’t currently subscribe to FSD, now may be the perfect time to do so. It’ll instantly unlock FSD V12.5.4.2, which is included in the Holiday update. However, it’ll also make you eligible for the newest FSD updates, which should include FSD V13.2 with the holiday update features included in the near future.

When Is the Holiday Update Coming For V13 Users?

The 2024 Tesla Holiday update introduced many fantastic new features and changes, including the much-anticipated Apple Watch app. In addition, Tesla added a Dashcam and Sentry Mode viewer to the Tesla app and the ability to start a Light Show from the app.

On the safety and accessibility side, we also received Rear Cross Traffic Alert, another hotly-awaited feature.

There were a ton of navigation-related improvements, too, including Search Along Route - which also provides estimated detour times - and Arrival Energy at Destination. Weather got a rework, too - vehicles with AMD Ryzen processors received a precipitation map, while all vehicles received Weather at Destination.

We also got the SiriusXM streaming app for the Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck, as well as an updated TuneIn App. There are also a bunch of other smaller features, including Custom Cybertruck Wraps, Santa Mode and Rainbow Road Updates, and some future potential for Steam Gaming. Tesla also announced that the custom wraps and license plate feature will be available for other models in the future.

While the majority of users have already received the Holiday update, the Tesla VP says that FSD V13 users can expect it within a week. So, hopefully, by this time next week, you’ll be playing with all the Christmas goodies.

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