Tesla has been testing the Cybertruck on public roads for several months now, but without any external markings we haven’t been sure about what variant they were. While recent sightings have suggested the first variant to be built will be a Dual-Motor, CEO Elon Musk has teased the possibility that a tri-motor configuration could also be available at launch.
The most definitive information we have had on the Cybertruck so far came from leaked photos from New Zealand, where stickers on the inside of the frunk showed it was a Dual Motor Cybertruck undergoing winter testing at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG). This was at odds with Musk previously saying that a quad-motor configuration would launch first, but with the Dual Motor stickers it appeared as though plans had changed and the ‘Long Range’ variant would take its place.
Now there is a possibility a Performance trim could launch first. On Friday Musk said on X that he had just driven “the performance Cybertruck,” adding that it “kicks ass next-level.” Given that the quad-motor vehicles in Tesla’s lineup have been labeled as ‘Plaid,’ this suggests that the Performance variant would have a tri-motor setup instead. When Tesla announced the Cybertruck in 2019, the tri-motor variant was expected to come with over 500 miles (804km) of range, reach 60mph in 2.9 seconds, and have a top speed of 130mph (209km/h), all for $69,990.
I just drove the performance Cybertruck today and it kicks ass next-level
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 22, 2023
While speculation on the Cybertruck’s specs continues, a sighting of a new Release Candidate (RC) in California has revealed possibly two new features coming with the electric pickup truck. Also on Friday, the new blue digital wrap Cybertruck was spotted in Los Gatos with a round steering wheel, instead of the hybrid round-yoke steering wheel that has been seen on other RC Cybertrucks.
Along with the round steering wheel, this RC Cybertruck also had new branded tires, with ‘CYBRTRK’ printed on the sidewall.
Close up of the new blue digital camo Cybertruck, spotted in Los Gatos tonight.
This one has new CYBRTRK branded tires, and a round steering wheel.
Also some wires coming out of the front, and a device on the dash reading 47.3.
Also sounds like someone banging on it during… pic.twitter.com/mebPAGb02T
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 (@DriveTeslaca) September 23, 2023
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