A stealthily camouflaged test Cybertruck has been spotted by keen locals in the bustling Bay Area tech hub just south of San Francisco, indicating that the highly anticipated futuristic vehicle is inching closer to its release. Notably, one Twitter user even managed to catch a glimpse of the vehicle’s interior, revealing that the test truck featured a conventional round steering wheel rather than the controversial revised ‘Yoke’ design that has caused a division among Tesla fans.
The black, white, and gray camouflage design deviates from the shiny steel plating that has captivated enthusiasts since the Cybertruck’s unveiling in 2019. Enthusiasts were initially thrilled by Elon Musk’s announcement that they would have the freedom to wrap the $39,000 electric vehicle (EV) in any color or pattern of their choosing. Although the cost of such customization remains undisclosed, reports speculate that it could amount to thousands of dollars.
During its time traversing Californian streets, the Cybertruck, adorned in blocky camo, even made a pit stop at an In-N-Out Burger joint. Public testing is an essential phase in evaluating test vehicles, or ‘mules’ as they are often called in the automotive industry. However, these vehicles run the risk of attracting unwanted attention from zealous fans, curious passersby, and automotive paparazzi before they are ready for the limelight.
To maintain the secrecy of genuinely confidential vehicles, manufacturers sometimes resort to fitting clunky foam pads, fake headlights, and other deceptive measures to conceal novel features from rivals and the press. However, a sleeker disguise is sufficient for vehicles like the Cybertruck, which are nearing market readiness. This ensures that engineers can focus on assessing performance indicators such as aerodynamics, drag, and cooling. The solution lies in the utilization of an intricate full-vehicle vinyl wrap, known as ‘magic eye’ car paper, which effectively obscures the vehicle’s shape by confusing both digital cameras and the human eye.
Al Wilkinson, Ford Motor Company’s camouflage coordinator, noted the prevalence of image-capturing devices and the challenges faced by automakers in preserving the secrecy of their prototypes. He revealed how vigilant photographers with specialized equipment would eagerly wait outside the plant, eager to capture an elusive prototype. They would conceal themselves in trees, rocks, and walls, ready to pounce on unsuspecting engineers during testing sessions.
Given the sleek disguise adorning Tesla’s Cybertruck prototype spotted in Palo Alto, automotive industry observers believe that the highly anticipated all-electric pickup truck will be hitting the market very soon. Tesla has already communicated with its parts suppliers regarding Project Everest, the codename for the Cybertruck, instructing them to prepare for the production of 375,000 units annually.
However, test vehicles, also known as ‘mules,’ must undergo real-world testing to assess their performance under various conditions. Unfortunately, this exposes them to the unwanted attention of curious civilians and automotive paparazzi before they are deemed production-ready. To combat this issue, automakers rely on shape- and eye-confusing camouflage. While Tesla has experimented with more rugged appearances for the Cybertruck in recent months, the iconic ultra-hard cold-rolled stainless steel look, which garnered widespread attention upon its unveiling, remains the favored option.
Tesla’s most recent official statement regarding the Cybertruck’s launch timeline indicates a delivery event slated for ‘around the end of Q3.’ Some interpret this as the final days of September 2023. Consequently, sightings of the Tesla Cybertruck have become increasingly frequent over the past six months. The vehicle’s journey has been long and eagerly anticipated; it was first unveiled in November 2019 and has encountered significant delays. Rumors suggest that the automaker has continually experimented with the EV’s design over the past four years, considering unique and rugged features such as a single windshield wiper blade. While the finalized features, including the steering wheel design and dashboard display, remain uncertain, excited customers may soon spot a test Cybertruck on the road near them.
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