Perhaps no other vehicle is more anticipated in 2023 than the Tesla Cybertruck. Now, as it inches closer and closer to production, the automaker is in the process of crash testing. A new video teasing that stage of pre-production shows the cradle, subframe, and suspension. They’re all details that we’ve not seen before.
While Tesla might be anxious to show off the Cybertruck in a number of videos and pictures, what it’s been light on are facts about the production vehicle. As the company also doesn’t have a personal relations department, we’ve had to rely on all sorts of non-official channels to obtain info about this opinion-splitting truck.
On April 1st, Tesla released a teaser video showing the Cybertruck headed down a crash test rig and clipped it so that we can’t see the actual crash. In the clip, we get one very clear shot of the undercarriage. Now, Jordan Arocha and Cory Steuben of Munro and Associates, a firm known for its vehicle teardowns, take us through everything the video reveals.
More: Tesla’s Cybertruck Crash Tease Leaves EV Untouched And Fans Crushed
Two large Xs appear to be the prominent figures under the Cybertruck. Connected to the larger of the two are the lower control arms that Arocha believes are likely stamped steel.
Utilizing an X-shaped cross brace and subframe allows Tesla to get more suspension travel than it might with another design. Steuben points out that both the Model Y and the Model 3 share a similar design and in fact, the Rivian R1S and R1T do as well.
The team compares and contrasts the front sub-frame that Rivian uses and demonstrates how it’s heavier and much more expensive without being considerably stronger. The smaller X that Tesla uses likely adds a secondary shear plane to increase strength and safety. The guys also think it could serve as a protection for components underneath it.
For now, we’ll have to wait for more information on the Cybertruck though it wouldn’t shock us if the first time we get a serious peek at it is whenever it gets into a customer’s hands.
