Blade Runner Redux - Tesla Cybertruck!

[freebeard]

I think artists (with basic engineering knowledge) drew up a bunch of concept sketches, Elon picked this one. Then they started modeling it sticking to the sketch and fine tuned a few things aero wise

The real trick is picking the artist/engineers. The fine tuning is completed?

I think that Franz von Holzhausen started out with a couple of restrictions....

Then they made a simulation model ... to build and test in the wind tunnel and the one that came out best is what they've shown.

It's designed around the human body so H-point, sight-lines, etc., are given. The rest is just aerospace technology.

I agree with you to the point of "the one that came out best in the wind tunnel won". Just simply losing the fender flairs (the most common pickup feature on the thing) would help a ton. I also think limiting the front headroom more and using a flat panel going back to the back seat would also improve aero but at the expense of looking more normal.

Are you quite sure? Somewhere I saw Elon Musk discussing the 'bubbles around the wheels' [citation needed]. Are there air curtains yet/already?

The limitation is the refractive index of the glass.

[redpoint5]

Flares are probably necessary to keep the wheels out of the bed.

[Xist]

The roof peak is also supposed to provide structural integrity.

[Xist]

Would it be too much to hope that one could create wheel skirts that fit the flares? Can you modify the flares to taper aerodynamically?

[RedDevil]

I would not be surprised at all that when push comes to shove Tesla patents and uses an amazing new method to create complex curves in hardened steel panels, then reworks the truck in a way that would make Luigi Colani squint with envy.
If he were still alive, as he sadly passed away a couple of months ago. But yeah.

[freebeard]

https://www.outerplaces.com/science/...x-starship-bfr

It's already figured out with the Starship. Weld up the steel sheets and then inflate it like a balloon.

You notice that Elon Musk converged on the same solution for windows as my flat-sheet folded teardrop motorhome.

_________________

RIP Colani.

edit: First principles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1kUtlnxYhw

I suspect they'd use cryogenic tempering.

[Piotrsko]

Originally Posted by RedDevil

I would not be surprised at all that when push comes to shove Tesla patents and uses an amazing new method to create complex curves in hardened steel panels

You can form hardened steel with a couple of caveats: need lots more force, material formed doesn't always repeat, sometimes causes stress cracks.

If you couldn't form hardened steel, how could you destroy battle tanks?

[ldjessee00]

I have been doing some research, comparing reports, analysis, and just giving it a bit of thinking since the reveal.

This is the math that has me ready to approach the family comptroller (my wife) with putting $100 down.

Tesla Cybertruck
Stainless Steel Dual Motor AWD $59,400
Full Self-Driving ($7,000)
Solar Panel bed cover (guestimate is around $2,500)
Trailer brake controller (guessing standard?)

Compare to Jeep Gladiator
Hydro Blue Pearl Rubicon $58,655
Winch Capable Steel Front Bumper
3 piece hard top with liner and trifold tonneau cover with bedliner and cargo rail system
Clothe seats, upgraded sound system, all weather matts
Trailer Package, remote start, Cold weather group,
Active Safety group and Adaptive Cruise control

Compare to Tesla Model Y
Deep Blue Metallic Long Range AWD Model Y $60,000
18" Aero Wheels
Black, Five seat interior
Full Self Driving ($7,000)
$2,500 down (Fully refundable) a time of order.

The small and large individual decisions that lead to the final decision to why someone buys a particular vehicle are weighted by that individual and I get why some people think the Cybertruck is not for them.

Our main car has been a stationwagon of some kind since I bought a Subaru Legacy Wagon (used). A Jetta Sportwagen TDI and a couple of Outbacks (on our second) have also been in the mix over the last few decades. Selling the TDI back to VW and using it to get a Leaf for commuting and short trips broke us into the world of EV ownership.

By the time the Cybertruck is actually shipping (and the initial cost balancing has happened in the first year or so as happened to the Model 3) to people who are putting down their reservation now, I am guessing the current Subaru will be closer to the cost to maintain (both money and mental) point that might not balance against the willingness to deal with a loan payment. Also should be able to save some money towards putting more money down on Cybertruck, lowering finance costs.

Sure, this is planning for 3 or more years out, but fingers crossed, I will be in a similar situation employment wise and this will be something that can be done.

I would be happy to elaborate on my thinking on this and my research, if any one is interested.

[Hersbird]

In 3 years you will be able to get a Gladiator for $10,000 off msrp. If you were comparing size and capability, then the Ram 2500 would be your choice. If you want an off roader then the Powerwagon would be the most similar. A jeep Gladiator or Wrangler are better off road but tiny when comparing towing and payload ability.

[freebeard]

So how would those fulfill the use case of replacing a family station wagon?