Can you feel that? It’s the anticipation building for Tesla’s big Cybertruck delivery event, which will take place tomorrow at the company’s Gigafactory in Texas. 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 may be as few as ten new owners.
It’s been four years since Tesla’s electric pickup was first announced and since then we’ve had to cling to a trickle of information about its specs, range, performance and pricing details. Actually, it’s still a bit of a mystery now.
So much so that new and previously unannounced features continue to surface via Musk’s social network, previously went unnoticed. We’re not sure how, considering smartphone videographers and Tesla hype traders have had this four years to spot it.
BREAKING: 2 INVISIBLE FEATURES OF CYBERTRUCK Cybertruck wakes up in a light sequence and raises to start (sit low, up to medium aka ride height) pic.twitter.com/IXmtaj6RqTNovember 27, 2023
In the clip, which surfaced for the first time TweakTownwe see a beautiful LED lighting sequence occur at the front, with the enormous LED lighting signature doing a beautiful flashing dance when the owner unlocks the car. Additionally, the suspension rises from a lower ride height (making it easier for the occupant to get in) to a – presumably – standard or medium ride height once the doors are closed and the vehicle is ready to be driven away.
The speed at which the suspension appears to rise confirms rumors that the Cybertruck will be equipped with an air suspension system that will allow the driver to select different heights depending on the terrain. Unfortunately, there’s no confirmation of the various measurements or increases available for the said suspension system, while it certainly doesn’t look as quick, smart or reactive as Porsche’s recently announced hydraulic system in the upcoming Panamera.
However, some commenters on But that is 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 who has been covering the automotive world for almost two decades, it’s hard to get excited about a pair of flashing LED headlights and some basic air suspension. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Land Rover and countless electric vehicles have already entered that territory. Just look at the Merc EQS – it’s basically a mobile disco when it comes to fancy LED lighting.
In addition, Chinese EV brand HiPhi may take the crown for the most amazing 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 is, we’ve seen it all before, especially since adjustable air suspension is pretty much an essential feature of any vehicle that claims to be able to go off-road these days.
With other leaked “highlights” including external power outlets in the Cybertruck’s mediocre bed and the fact that it will likely come in a high-performance version with three motors, the upcoming delivery event could be a damp slog.
Let’s hope that Musk announces that the Cybertruck will come with rocket engines, or perhaps that more than ten customers will receive their keys, so that we really have something to celebrate.