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Telsa Cybertruck Performance Expecations and Specs
The Basics:
- Towing Capacity of 300,000 pounds
- 400-500 Miles of Range
- Dual Motor Setup
- Dynamically load-adjusting suspension
- 240-Volt Sockets for “all-day heavy tool useage”
- First deliveries in mid-to-late 2020 at best mid-2021 at the latest
Tesla Cybertruck Pricing Expections
- Entry-level price of $49,000-$50,000
- Mid-range price of about $75,000
- Range-topping model at least $110,000
Surprise Four-Motor Setup Could Give Crazy Capability
There’s no official confirmation, but we’re speculating that since the Rivian R1T will have a four-motor setup that the Cybertruck could too. If so, some minor programming and all-wheel steering could allow the monstrous Cybertruck to feature zero-turn capability, essentially allowing it to turn on a dime like a tank.
The Official Cybertruck Logo Can Be Arranged to Make a Silhouette of the Truck
That’s right – if you rearrange (and flip around) all of the letters in the official logo, it actually creates a damn-good silhouette representation of the truck.
The Tesla Cybertruck is the Most Anticipated Tesla Reveal Ever
If you think you’ve seen the Cybertruck in the news a lot lately, I’m happy to tell you that you’re not crazy. It’s been reported on, speculated on, and googled so much that there’s evidence that it’s the most-anticipated Tesla model ever.
Exterior
The Tesla pickup will likely share parts with the Model X – it only makes sense. However, we’re not expecting Tesla to pull an old-school GM and simply slap a pickup bed in place of the cargo area of its SUV. Rather, Tesla would be wise to give its pickup a familiar yet distinctive look, separating it from the Model X, yet still being undeniably Tesla.
When compared side by side, the pickup and Model X share a similar overall shape ahead of the B-pillars, but the pickup has a taller stance with more pronounced fenders and a more rugged lower fascia. It’s these cues that help define the vehicle’s “truckness.”
Behind the B-pillar, the rear doors drop the Falcon Wings in favor of a more conventional style. The C-pillar then blends nicely from the roof down into the cargo bed, making the transition between cab and bed more stylistic. In fact, the Honda Ridgeline’s design influenced our decision for this styling feature. Both trucks would ride on a reinforced unibody chassis, after all.
Chrome trim around the windows and Tesla’s signature door handles will help brighten the truck’s side profile. Black trim around the lower portion of the truck will help protect paint from rocks and mud, while perpetuating that rugged appearance. Wheel choices may look familiar, as the fan-style rollers in our rendering. Tire choices will be more aggressive than those found elsewhere in the Tesla lineup.
There’s no telling what sort of innovations Tesla has planned for the cargo bed. We’d bet the Ridgeline will serve as a guide for Tesla’s designers, though. Expect to see clever ways of managing smaller cargo, modular tie-downs, and even a variety of power outlets. Tesla will likely offer a Tonneau cover as standard equipment, helping improve the truck’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Interior
Note: Model X interior shown
We’d expect nothing less than Tesla’s high-caliber interior, perhaps a slightly modified version of the Model X’s cabin. Sporty bucket seats, a minimalistic dashboard with a massive touchscreen, and a fully digital gauge cluster for the driver are highly probable. Tesla might pull a surprise with a folding rear bench seat, or perhaps bucket seats attached to the rear bulkhead with open storage underneath. Those bucket seats could also fold up flat against the rear wall for hauling larger items.
Like the Model X, the Tesla pickup will likely feature a large windscreen that pulls back like a receding hairline.
Drivetrain
Note: Tesla Model X drivetrain pictured here.
Tesla will surely give its truck customers options when choosing an electric powertrain. The Model X offers four choices, which include the 60D, 75D, 90D, and the outlandish P90D. For truck duty, however, we’d bet the base 60D will be skipped. That leaves three possible choices if Tesla follows the Model X as an example.
The Model X 75D offers 237 miles of electric driving range with a 0-to-60 mph time of six seconds. Maximum horsepower is rated at 328 and torque comes in at 387 pound-feet. Those are similar numbers to the Chevrolet Silverado’s when equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8.
The 90D has an increased range, totaling 257 miles. Its 0-to-60 mph time happens in just 4.8 seconds thanks to a maximum of 417 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the P90D brings an impressive 532 horsepower in Ludicrous mode with a whopping 713 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to push the Model X to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. Top speed is listed at 155 mph for both the P90D and the 90D, while the 75D tops out at 130 mph.
What’s more, each battery option comes standard with all-wheel drive. This will be invaluable in the pickup market, allowing customers the confidence to tackle a slippery boat ramp or a snow-covered dirt road in wintertime.
Speaking of towing, the Tesla pickup will surely build off the Model X’s 5,000-pound towing capacity. Perhaps with suspension tuning and an integrated trailer brake system, the pickup could pull upwards of 7,000 pounds.
Prices
Pricing will be interesting to follow. Will Tesla push the pickup upmarket, making it a luxury item comparable to the Model X, or will it reduce the price more in line with the current crop of mid-size pickups? Only time will tell, but we’d be on a slight reduction in cost over the Model X. The pickup won’t be Model 3 money, but Tesla can’t price itself out of a customer base.
That suggests the Tesla pickup will carry a starting price around $50,000. That’s $18,000 less expensive than the Model X yet well above the estimated $35,000 starting price for the Model 3. Of course, the price will increase accordingly with the more powerful battery choices.
Competition
Mercedes-Benz GLT Pickup
Yet another mid-size pickup floating in the rumor mill is Mercedes’ offering. This is our rendering of it. We know for sure the pickup will find its way into countries around the world, but it’s still undetermined if Mercedes will offer the pickup in the U.S. If so, we expect the pickup to be the most premium pickup in the mid-size segment, offering Mercedes styling and comfort with the utility of a conventional pickup.
The GLT – our guess at what Mercedes will call the truck – will come with several engine options, including both gasoline and diesel powerplants. Expect Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic to be the gearbox of choice. AWD will likely be standard.
Pricing will be tricky, but if Mercedes does go the premium route, expect the GLT to start around $45,000.
Read our full review on the Mercedes-Benz GLT Pickup here.
GMC Canyon Denali
GMC added the Denali trim option to the Canyon mid-sized pickup for 2017, making it the most premium mid-size offering currently available. A long list of features, higher-end interior materials, and a slew of chrome make the Canyon Denali a solid choice for well-to-do truck buyers.
The 3.6-liter V-6 comes standard in the Denali, but customers can upgrade to the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel. A six-speed automatic backs both engines. A choice of 2WD or 4WD is also available.
Prices for the 2017 GMC Canyon Denali hasn’t been released as of this writing, but it’s suspected the truck will start around $42,000.
Read our full review on the GMC Canyon Denali here.
Conclusion
The Tesla pickup seems like a fantastic next step for Musk’s adventurous company. I mean, why not? Pickup sales are booming, the “active lifestyle” is trendy, and there’s no telling what gas prices will be in two years. Perhaps even mid-sized trucks with four-cylinder engines will be too expensive to refuel, leaving the Tesla pickup the unchallenged winner of the segment. It could happen.
More likely, however, is Tesla will target the upcoming Mercedes pickup and its luxury-loving audience. Other mid-size pickups like the GMC Canyon Denali and Ford Ranger (if they build it and offer a luxo trim level, that is) simply won’t have the clout as the Tesla and Mercedes. This will create a new sub-segment in the mid-size category for premium mid-size options. Obviously that could be completely off base and wrong, so until time proves the theory one way or another, enjoy our rendering of the Tesla pickup.
If Tesla does move forward with a pickup, don’t expect it before 2018.