Why didn't Elon think of that!
 

Tesla's immediate rival Rivian R1T and R1S (quad-motors) trucks have a useful trick of its own, tank steering system! 360 turns accomplished by opposite wheel rotation directions, allow the Rivian turn in place. Mindful a lot of (muddy) traction slip is required.
https://twitter.com/Rivian/status/1209806030437154818

It requires 4 motors, and the Cyber Truck tops out at 3. Then there's the fact that there's hardly a use case for that trick. It tears up whatever you're turning on.

So far the truck that has the most interest to me is the medium range 2 motor CT. 6 seats appeals to me, and I'd like to get back to exploring overgrown logging roads and such without worrying about paint scratches. Of course, I'd only buy a new vehicle if federal tax credits existed, otherwise I'd just buy ~4 years old.

What appeals to me about 4 motors is how well it will move over rocks and loose dirt with 2 wheel in the air never missing a beat. Even something like a Rubicon with lockers front and rear and a locking transfer case won't be as good because that manner makes every wheel turn at exactly the same speed. This 4 motor system can adjust each wheel which means it can not only claw it's way up a ridiculous hillside it can also make turns while doing it without having to unlock the front. Also being able to pivot the truck on some of the narley switchbacks will make a big truck handle like a little Jeep or even better.

The Cybertruck vs Rivian off road comparisons will show why the Rivian costs more if it actually does come delivery time.

Yep, pros and cons to everything. There's probably a reason why the Rivian will cost more. As I said, the medium range CT probably fulfills the majority of my need/want list in a vehicle. I could get an extra motor and range, but I don't think it would be that useful to me. Likewise, I don't think I'd have much use for the extra capability of the Rivian, though I can certainly see the appeal. I've had to back down trails 1/3 mile or so before due to not having enough room to turn around, and maybe being able to turn in place would solve that problem.

One thing I would appreciate about true independent 4-wheel drive is that normal road tires then become more useful in low traction situations. I had highway tires on the truck when I bought it and found that if the field grass was wet, I couldn't get enough traction even in 4-low to go up gentle grades. That was one reason I bought the on/off road tires; so I wouldn't have to pull the truck out of the field with an ATV when it rains.

Perhaps with true 4 wheel drive, some fuel electricity efficient highway tires could still be adequate for light off-roading.

Tesla is extremely good at leveraging "party tricks" for free marketing.



Looks like Rivian is very aware of that.

The Fast & Furious franchise, car stunt industry and bank robbers just found a new halo/hero vehicle for their particular purposes...

As cool as it looked they still had to put music in the background because it probably sounded like my Ryobi electric weed eater while it was doing it

The "Fast and the Quietly Irritated"?

Are those hub motors, or do they have the motors mounted inboard somewhere with an axle connection?

The skateboard platform has the motors inboard packaged for low & centered inertial stability. The front has unequal length double-wishbone and the rear with a multi-link suspension. Rivian looks like it is truck aftermarket-friendly, it could welcome well-engineered suspension lift kits, heavy-duty rock crawling products, wide-track suspension kits, etc https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploa...ard.gif?w=1000

tank steering
 

A solution for a problem that doesn't exist.

Rivian has both, Ackermann steering AND skid-steer, the utility handling expanded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdTqoUQpLUI

At 50 years old, I never understood what 'skid steer' really meant until now. ;)

That said, I see this as potentially very useful for some people. And sometimes it is a lot easier to get into situations forwards than to get out of them backwards.

Regardless, it is unlikely to be a mass market 'need'.

The Rivian is definitely targeting rugged outdoors/off-road type lifestyle truck. Very smart, why you see so many people spring for the $10,000 Rubicon packages on Wranglers and Gladiators that will never need even a basic Wrangler. The Rivain will be able to go toe to toe with the Rubicon which is currently the benchmark in off road ability. The Cybertruck is more like a jacked up 2500 diesel in comparison. Also popular but limited in it's actual off road ability.

https://www.designboom.com/wp-conten...gnboom-600.jpg

Rivian's slide out kitchen/pantry is also dynamite.

And people say Teslas are gimmicky. That explains the Rivian's 4.5' bed length, I mean really? That's what passes for a pick up nowadays? Couldn't even get a bike in there... :rolleyes: Expensive toy for people who just want the look.