Photo: @SawyerMerritt, @AEONde via X
To many people, the Tesla Cybertruck is still a work in progress, with many missing features five months after delivery start. As revealed in a Top Gear exclusive video, the Cybertruck will soon gain some long overdue off-roading features. These include new off-road modes, working front and rear locking differentials, and a better off-road information screen.
Update: As promised, Tesla outlined the changes coming with the upcoming software update that would expand Cybertruck's off-road capabilities. You can find them in the X post attached at the end of the article, with the proper release notes expected closer to the update's rollout. The initial news continues below.
People criticized Tesla for not offering the Cybertruck all the features it promised during the 2019 unveiling. Most notably, they were disappointed by the underwhelming range and poor charging performance, but other shortcomings soon became obvious. People eager to take the Cybertruck off-road were surprised to see the pickup truck lacked locking differentials. Tesla admitted they are still working on them, and it will offer them later with an over-the-air software update.
Good news came in March, as Tesla announced that it's testing an update that brought the differential locks to life. The EV maker shared a video showing its test pilots fine-tuning the Cybertruck's software at the Hell's Revenge trail in Moab, Utah. Almost two months later, the coveted update was still missing in action, and people started wondering what was going on. Well, it appears it is very much alive and kicking, as revealed in a Top Gear video shared over the weekend.
Tesla gave Top Gear exclusive access to some of the advanced off-road features it is working on. The video shows that the update adds much more than just locking differentials to the Cybertruck. Probably the most important thing is the new Off-Road App, which provides access to all things off-road. These include four dedicated terrain options: all-purpose, rock, gravel/deep snow, and sand.
The off-road app offers an advanced screen to access all the off-road options, including advanced metrics that hardcore fans will highly appreciate. The screen provides real-time visual cues for pitch and roll angles, as well as battery, rear, and front motor temperatures. The same screen offers quick access to front and side cameras, helping to navigate difficult terrain. The Cybertruck now provides hill descent control, another welcome addition.
The off-road app offers three settings for the locking differentials: off, rear on, and all on. The feedback from the Top Gear team was very positive after testing the Cybertruck in various scenarios, including rock crawl and sand dune crawl. The video shows that the Cybertruck made a lasting impression despite initial skepticism. The abuse that the Cybertruck can withstand is nothing short of extraordinary.
Tesla Cybertruck's lead engineer, Wes Morrill, revealed that the upcoming software update will include many more features than those in the video. While detailed release notes are not yet available, Wes promised that Tesla will offer them soon. He declined to provide a timeline for the update, considering the many steps involved in the software's testing and validation processes. "Little bugs come up in every new release which need to get squashed before going public so the exact timing isn't easy to forecast with high fidelity," Morrill explained.
People criticized Tesla for not offering the Cybertruck all the features it promised during the 2019 unveiling. Most notably, they were disappointed by the underwhelming range and poor charging performance, but other shortcomings soon became obvious. People eager to take the Cybertruck off-road were surprised to see the pickup truck lacked locking differentials. Tesla admitted they are still working on them, and it will offer them later with an over-the-air software update.
Good news came in March, as Tesla announced that it's testing an update that brought the differential locks to life. The EV maker shared a video showing its test pilots fine-tuning the Cybertruck's software at the Hell's Revenge trail in Moab, Utah. Almost two months later, the coveted update was still missing in action, and people started wondering what was going on. Well, it appears it is very much alive and kicking, as revealed in a Top Gear video shared over the weekend.
Tesla gave Top Gear exclusive access to some of the advanced off-road features it is working on. The video shows that the update adds much more than just locking differentials to the Cybertruck. Probably the most important thing is the new Off-Road App, which provides access to all things off-road. These include four dedicated terrain options: all-purpose, rock, gravel/deep snow, and sand.
The off-road app offers an advanced screen to access all the off-road options, including advanced metrics that hardcore fans will highly appreciate. The screen provides real-time visual cues for pitch and roll angles, as well as battery, rear, and front motor temperatures. The same screen offers quick access to front and side cameras, helping to navigate difficult terrain. The Cybertruck now provides hill descent control, another welcome addition.
The off-road app offers three settings for the locking differentials: off, rear on, and all on. The feedback from the Top Gear team was very positive after testing the Cybertruck in various scenarios, including rock crawl and sand dune crawl. The video shows that the Cybertruck made a lasting impression despite initial skepticism. The abuse that the Cybertruck can withstand is nothing short of extraordinary.
Tesla Cybertruck's lead engineer, Wes Morrill, revealed that the upcoming software update will include many more features than those in the video. While detailed release notes are not yet available, Wes promised that Tesla will offer them soon. He declined to provide a timeline for the update, considering the many steps involved in the software's testing and validation processes. "Little bugs come up in every new release which need to get squashed before going public so the exact timing isn't easy to forecast with high fidelity," Morrill explained.
Off-Road Mode and more updates rolling out soon
— Cybertruck (@cybertruck) April 29, 2024
Here’s what’s coming...
–
Off-Road Mode
Overland Mode – More consistent handling & better overall traction while driving on rock, gravel, deep snow, or sand.
Baja Mode – Vehicle balance is improved & the vehicle handles more… pic.twitter.com/3h4MRWOVLw
Seems like they had a good time! https://t.co/XgbuCMDnB8
— Wes (@wmorrill3) April 28, 2024
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