Side-by-side comparison of prototypes shows how Tesla botched the production redesign process

[CYBRSMTH]

I can’t be the only one who thinks Tesla has nearly ruined the design by making the body shorter, narrower, and more boxy, while the bumper is much thicker. Thoughts?

I think they probably HAD to make some of these changes when they went from an exoskeleton design to an exoskeleton skin. Now there’s a body-in-white, stainless steel panels, etc. I bet A LOT of it has to do with safety and meeting those standards.

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[CYBRSMTH]

I think it evolved a bit (had to) but stayed very true to the original. In the OP, the rear of the prototype from that angle always reminded me of a 1968 Chevelle(!) and I do not get that from the current builds. But looking at the two straight on photos in cvalue13's comment above, those two vehicles are just about identical. As Luke42 replied above, there's never been a zany prototype design that came to market anywhere as close to the original as the CT is going to.

I agree. It’s very close to the original compared with other automakers outlandish concepts that never see the light of day.

 

[CYBRSMTH]

2019 lifted vs 2023 squatted

I’d *strongly* expect the “squatted” position will be the ride height in all but limited “offroad” settings that are speed limited

collectively, the changes seen make the difference of a roadworthy production vehicle, capable of achieving marketable range numbers

You’ll be able to lift it at will with the air suspension, but as you said it won’t hit the range numbers on the highway.

 

[cvalue13]

You’ll be able to lift it at will with the air suspension, but as you said it won’t hit the range numbers on the highway.

if that’s true, it would be the first adaptable air suspension from an OEM that would allow that sort of behavior

Until Tesla shocks and surprises by ignoring/changing the reasons for that, I’m gonna stick with assuming that those reasons continue to apply

 

[CYBRSMTH]

The concept bumper allows body damage if you tap a brick wall at low speed while parking.

I'm interested in the Cybertruck *despite* its looks, so I prefer a bumper that offers practical protection for the vehicle.

If I cared about vehicular looks, I'd scratch the Cybertruck from my list and just be happy with my MYLR.

They also moved the main headlights from the lightbar to the bumper below it, created space to add a winch, and redesigned the frunk, so that it opens similarly to the F-150 Lightning.

 

[CYBRSMTH]

if that’s true, it would be the first adaptable air suspension from an OEM that would allow that sort of behavior

Until Tesla shocks and surprises by ignoring/changing the reasons for that, I’m gonna stick with assuming that those reasons continue to apply

I don’t know that you’ll be able to do it while you’re driving, but Rivians have an air suspension that allow them to be raised and lowered as well.

 

[CYBRSMTH]

This change was probably made for production reasons. It’s going to be easier to produce a flat rectangular panel vs. an angled one.

 

[cvalue13]

I don’t know that you’ll be able to do it while you’re driving, but Rivians have an air suspension that allow them to be raised and lowered as well.

Yes exactly - unless Tesla surprises, I expect it’s adjustability will be similar to that in Rivian and other OEM offerings:

“The five different suspension heights and drive modes give the R1T a variability unmatched by other vehicles. Not every height is available with every drive mode, and most of them can go one notch above or below the standard ground clearance of 11.5 inches. The air suspension travels 6.5 inches, topping out at 14.4 inches in Offroad mode, and bottoming at 7.9 inches when parked. … The permanent four-wheel-drive system becomes less permanent in Conserve mode. The suspension lowers to 9.5 inches. Above 50 mph, the suspension automatically lowers to 10.1 inches for better aero and efficiency, and that is also the standard ride height for Sport mode. The closest the R1T gets to the road while driving is 9.5 inches in Sport mode. ”

the 2019 CT proto onstage is at “topped out”

the 2023 proto with Franz, is parked/at max low or standard drive height (if it doesn’t have enabled or selected an “entry/exit mode)

What I meant to be saying above is: if Tesla allows one to put the CT in its upper heights - to look like the 2019 proto topped out in the on stage phot- while even around-town driving but def at >45/50mph, I’ll eat my shoe

 

[Luke42]

It's not about how much they extend horizontally but rather vertically, there's a significant compromise in approach and departure angles. Which is why Tesla might offer off road oriented bumpers given the existence of a Cybertruck accessories team, if they won't the aftermarket will likely take care of it.

Full-sized pickup trucks are rarely offroad-optimized.

They're more capable than a car, but not exactly Jeeps.

My GMC Sierra has 4WD/AWD, but I bought the 4WD variant to make up for the handling deficiencies of a BOF pickup truck: they're only properly balanced when the bed is fully loaded, otherwise they're nose-heavy.

My use-case for this truck is fairly typical of FSPU owners.

It's possible that the Cybertruck will be different, but if they're benchmarking the F-series and Silverado, they're likely optimizing it for the same tasks as other FSPUs. If, on the other hand, they're benchmarking the Tacoma and the Rivian trucks, they're likely going for more of an off-road approach.

I point this out because a lot of people on this forum are new to pickup trucks and are just learning to see the market-segments within the pickup truck space.

 

[CYBRSMTH]

Yes exactly - unless Tesla surprises, I expect it’s adjustability will be similar to that in Rivian and other OEM offerings:

“The five different suspension heights and drive modes give the R1T a variability unmatched by other vehicles. Not every height is available with every drive mode, and most of them can go one notch above or below the standard ground clearance of 11.5 inches. The air suspension travels 6.5 inches, topping out at 14.4 inches in Offroad mode, and bottoming at 7.9 inches when parked. … The permanent four-wheel-drive system becomes less permanent in Conserve mode. The suspension lowers to 9.5 inches. Above 50 mph, the suspension automatically lowers to 10.1 inches for better aero and efficiency, and that is also the standard ride height for Sport mode. The closest the R1T gets to the road while driving is 9.5 inches in Sport mode. ”

the 2019 CT proto onstage is at “topped out”

the 2023 proto with Franz, is parked/at max low or standard drive height (if it doesn’t have enabled or selected an “entry/exit mode)

What I meant to be saying above is: if Tesla allows one to put the CT in its upper heights - to look like the 2019 proto topped out in the on stage phot- while even around-town driving but def at >45/50mph, I’ll eat my shoe

Ah, I see. I think a saw a video of the CT not that long ago driving in a parking garage with the drive height maxed out. It was a prototype though, so who knows.

 

[JGTESLA]

From this angle I think the side mirrors actually enhance the design a bit.

 

[John K]

Let’s not forget the leader in EVs side by side comparison accuracy

 

[Rutrow]

if that’s true, it would be the first adaptable air suspension from an OEM that would allow that sort of behavior

Until Tesla shocks and surprises by ignoring/changing the reasons for that, I’m gonna stick with assuming that those reasons continue to apply

There is an OEM who has a manually adjustable air suspension that can be adjusted on the fly. This automaker also allows any height adjustment to be geotagged so that it will raise the suspension any time you return to that same spot (i.e. your driveway).

This OEM is... Tesla.

The Model S has had this ability since 2012. It will automatically lower itself by increments when it reaches certain speeds, but you can override that. It will likely override any high acceleration launches when fully raised because of the stress on the axle CV joints at extreme angles (like the Plaid).

 

[Rutrow]

I've got to admit that I don't really like the "full diaper" look of the newest rear end.

I hope that isn't to accomodate a spare tire. The reduced angle of departure would be a disadvantage when off roading, ironically the situation when a spare tire is most essential. I've come to terms with running without a spare a majority of the time, but I'd toss one in the bed anytime I went way into the backcountry. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if a spare resided under there most of the time and was able to be moved to the bed for off-roading and the "diaper" compartment could be raised up out of the way when you need the clearance?

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