Cybertruck in new RC (Release Candidate) wrap!

[FutureBoy]

But those are not remote. FSD is internal self control. So maybe call it:

SC - Self Control
IC - Internal Control
ISC - Internal Self Control
DC - Directed Control

That last one because technically you do tell it where you want it to go.

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[wtibbit]

all “prototypes” of a certain level, and for certain purposes
...
where do all those unsaleable units go?......, hung from rafters in corporate HQ

I vote for at least one "hung from rafters in corporate HQ"

 

[SparkChaser]

I vote for at least one "hung from rafters in corporate HQ"

or sent to the Peterson and like venues. Used for exploded display and long-term testing. My foundation gets prototypes donated all the time and the donating company (Defense Contractors) wants it off their books but can still get it back for research and development.
Not sure what Tesla will do, but it will be something even if it just means scrapped and destroyed.

 

[CyberTW]

all “prototypes” of a certain level, and for certain purposes

alpha “prototypes,” beta “prototypes,” release candidate “prototypes” etc.

All of these prototype category units are to varying degrees and purposes fleshing out the intended final design, function, product, tooling, parts, processes, etc.

Notably, this testing and validation is not just of the brand new unit built, but also regarding after-care service and maintenance procedures and costs, manuals, and eg collision repair processes and outcomes, etc.

What’s more, some but not all of those validations have to occur in concurrent streams for differing trim or mechanically distinct units - eg dual vs tri motor, or even just the trim parts offered in different colorways, or finding alternative trim suppliers if discovered issues, etc.

All of this also involving longevity tests of different parts, to try and ensure that the entire vehicle “ages” similarly (which info also then validates or reflects their warranty regime).

Taking all that in, maybe it starts to sound more reasonable as to why they need eg 100 RC1 units. There are probably dozens of departments that all need their respective validation unit(s). At the same time, to do it fast.

other OEMs, prepping for a high-volume model on a new or cousin platform, might do 500 such validation builds, and still be 2 years from first production.

Tesla does things a bit more lean and fast, for better (eg faster to market) and for worse (eg Model 3 ‘hell’).

after all these validation builds, when they believe everything is dialed in as expected, will be “confirmation builds” which are basically the first to be created entirely on the high volume production line with the expectation that they pop out as true production “test” vehicles.

some final rounds of confirmation - that in fact all things popped out as expected - before then next and finally executing on ramp to build saleable units intended for the general public

THAT is the moment of true “first production” - when first a saleable unit comes off the line.

Otherwise, if one uses some loose, colloquial, sense of “production” then we might as well say the CT has “in production” since whenever Musk first uttered the thought that they’d build an electric truck.

so, one could rightfully parse various meanings of “production” or “prototype” etc., but if we agree to tether those words to the objective facts we care about - eg when are they making a unit intended and capable of being sold to the general public - whatever one chooses to call *that* inflection point, none of these are that.

and there could still be another 50-200+ built and needing validation before they’re ready for that.

where do all those unsaleable units go? Destroyed, disassembled, hung from rafters in corporate HQ, made into Musk’s vegetable garden planters - pretty much anything other than sold to John Q Public

Wow, awesome reply! Thank you very much !

 

[CyberGus]

The first DeLorean off the manufacturing line was VIN serial #500. The VINs 1-499 were all tests, and were destroyed (some of those VINs may have been skipped).

 

[anionic1]

all builds to date are precisely that

and will also be true of additional builds for the near term

anyone who suggests otherwise has bad information or bad intentions

how do you know? Aren't you also making an assumption. I wouldn't think they would need 100 vehicles for validation purposes. Of course they are tweaking the production and they will continue to for a long time.

 

[anionic1]

Yup, the only branding on it will be the door sill on the driver/passenger entrance.

I bet they get sued for no branding.

 

[FutureBoy]

Good point. That one is ambiguous.

 

[cvalue13]

Aren't you also making an assumption.

no

 

[Cyberman]

I just realized it doesnt have a tesla branding / logo on it?

It's the Cybertruck. No introduction is needed. It's not going to be confused with any other vehicle.

 

[FutureBoy]

It's the Cybertruck. No introduction is needed. It's not going to be confused with any other vehicle.

Hope so. Don’t want to need cousin Vinny to get called.

 

[CyberGus]

Only if I can get it with a Raptor engine

 

[Stuck4ger]

I don’t think you’d like how it would hold up to shopping cart dings or getting keyed.

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