Can you feel that? It's the anticipation building for Tesla's big Cybertruck delivery event, which is set to be held at the firm's Gigafactory in Texas tomorrow. A few lucky shareholders will be there in person, as Elon Musk hands over the keys to a number of Cybertruck customers – although rumors speculate it might be as few as 10 new owners.
It has been four years since Tesla's electric pick-up was first announced and since then, we’ve had to cling on to drip-fed morsels of information surrounding its spec, range, performance and price details. In fact, it’s a still a bit of a mystery now.
So much so, that new and previously unannounced features are still being surfaced via Musk’s social network, X. It was here that some eagle-eyed Cybertruck fan (or carefully placed muse, whatever your view is on social media marketing) spotted a unique start-up routine that has previously gone unnoticed. We’re not sure how, considering smartphone videographers and Tesla hype-merchants have had four years to spot it.
BREAKING: 2 UNSEEN FEATURES FROM CYBERTRUCK Cybertruck wake up light sequence, and raise to start (sitting in low, raising up to medium aka ride height) pic.twitter.com/IXmtaj6RqTNovember 27, 2023
In the clip, which first surfaced on TweakTown, we see a fancy LED light-up sequence occur at the front, where the enormous width LED lighting signature does a fancy strobing dance as the owner unlocks the vehicle. What’s more, the suspension lifts from a lower ride height (making it easier for the occupant to get in) to a – presumably – standard or medium road-going height once the doors are closed and the vehicle is ready to be driven away.
The speed at which the suspension lifts appears to confirms rumors that the Cybertruck will pack an air suspension system that allows the driver to select different heights depending on the terrain. Unfortunately, there's been no confirmation of the various measurements or increments available from said suspension system, while it certainly doesn’t look as fast, smart or reactive as Porsche’s recently announced hydraulic system found in the upcoming Panamera.
However, some commentators on X, formerly Twitter, were quick to point out that the 'regular' drive-away height looks pretty tall, which could lead to a very roly-poly driving experience through corners. But that's unsubstantiated, as the owner could have easily selected the highest suspension setting for the camera.
Analysis: We've seen it all before
As a writer that has been covering the automotive world for almost 20 years, it’s difficult to be enthused by some strobing LED front lights and some basic air suspension. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Land Rover and numerous EVs have already covered that ground. Just look at the Merc EQS – it's basically a mobile disco when it comes to fancy LED illumination.
In addition to this, Chinese EV brand HiPhi arguably takes the crown for most madcap lighting in its Z model, which features a light strip that runs around the entire car and programmable Matrix Lighting at the front and rear that can display emojis. Sad face, Tesla.
The fact of the matter is, we’ve seen it all before, especially seeing as adjustable air suspension is pretty much an essential feature on any vehicle that claims to be able to venture off-road these days.
With other leaked 'highlights' including external power outlets in the Cybertruck's mediocre-sized bed and the fact that it's likely to come in a powerful three-motor version, the upcoming delivery event could be a damp squib.
Let's just hope that Musk announces that the Cybertruck comes with rocket thrusters, or maybe that more than 10 customers will be handed their keys, so we genuinely have something to celebrate.
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