Jay Leno was spotted driving Cybertruck VIN #005. He said, “It’s incredible. It’s as fast as a Tesla Plaid.” That is high praise by a person many consider the most prominent car guy in the U.S. It seems Leno is not alone in his love for the Cybertruck.

Jay Leno spotted driving the Cybertruck!
It’s his friends, Vin #5 and he says it’s “incredible!”

📸 FB Dallas Sapp pic.twitter.com/BdRs6R2cm6

— Zack (@BLKMDL3) December 6, 2023

A whopping 33% of respondents to a recent survey are interested in purchasing this stainless steel beat straight from the future. Of course, the mainstream media and the Tesla haters put a negative spin on these results. But, a closer analysis reveals a more optimistic picture of Tesla’s innovative venture into the electric truck market.

Embracing the Unique Design

Let’s remember that the designer of the Cybertruck did not like it at first. However, Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen (who got VIN #002), came around and kept his engineering team from revolting. That doesn’t sound like a vehicle destined to be in demand. Elon Musk said he didn’t care if they didn’t sell the avant-garde design, believing the company could go the safer route later.

The fact that one-third of survey respondents support a vehicle that looks this different from anything on the road is remarkable. It showcases a significant market segment that applauds boldness and is eager to embrace future trends in automotive design.

Appreciating the Advanced Technology

Tesla’s Cybertruck isn’t just about looks; it’s a technological marvel. From its 48-volt electrical system and innovative steer-by-wire technology to an ultra-hard stainless-steel exoskeleton, the Cybertruck is a leap into the future of automotive technology. The survey results suggest a strong interest in advanced technology among consumers, similar to the excitement generated by the iPhone’s debut.

While the Cybertruck’s price has risen since its initial announcement, it reflects the value of cutting-edge technology and unmatched performance. In electric vehicles, where innovation and sustainability command a premium, the Cybertruck’s pricing is competitive, especially considering its advanced features and capabilities. While the price may have moved some people out of the buyer’s pool, 33% still are ready to dive in.

Tesla’s introduction of the Cybertruck is not just about selling a new model; it’s about reinforcing the brand’s position as a leader in innovation and sustainable technology. The 33% approval rate is a testament to Tesla’s ability to maintain its brand appeal and attract a dedicated consumer base despite higher price points and unconventional designs. The initial 33% interest lays a strong foundation for future growth and market penetration in the U.S. and globally.

Elon Musk has always maintained that he wants a Tesla to be the most fun you can have in a car. During the holiday season, Tesla is by far the most festive automobile on the road. Tesla owners are a little more festive this time of year as well because we all know the best update of the year will soon be downloaded to all the good Teslas.

This article, the third in our series on the Holiday Update Wish List, focuses on advancements in in-car entertainment and digital connectivity.

App Store for Third-Party Apps

A significant leap in Tesla’s software offering would be an official App Store. We’ve seen a few hints of this, but clearly, owners want it as this feature would open a new realm of possibilities, allowing drivers and passengers to download and use third-party apps directly on the vehicle’s interface.

Integrating an App Store could bring various applications, from navigation aids to productivity tools, and more entertainment options. This move would actually help free up Tesla engineers from the continuous cycle of developing and integrating additional streaming services, such as SiriusXM, YouTube TV, Fubo, Amazon Music, and many others.

Games would also be a major attraction to Tesla’s App Store. With an App Store, Tesla could rely on game publishers and other third-party developers for porting andn developing games that could be played in the vehicle. This move would shift how we perceive car infotainment systems, turning Tesla’s impressive touchscreens into hubs of personalization and utility.

Elevating the Music Experience with Spotify

The Tesla community has long requested improved Spotify integration, particularly regarding streaming quality. With the potential increase in Spotify’s streaming bitrate to 320 kbps, Tesla could offer an audiophile-grade listening experience, leveraging the vehicle’s premium sound system to deliver rich, high-fidelity audio. Such an upgrade would not only please music enthusiasts but also reinforce Tesla’s commitment to offering premium, cutting-edge vehicle features.

A realistic possibility is the inclusion of Apple Music podcasts which has been hinted at by Greentheonly after finding some references to them in one of Tesla’s recent software updates.

Advanced Bluetooth Audio Support

In line with enhancing audio experiences, Tesla owners are asking Santa Musk to support higher-quality Bluetooth audio. This improvement would cater to an increasingly discerning customer base that values superior sound quality for their media consumption. Musk previously hinted at lossless audio and AirPlay integration in Tesla vehicles, but its not clear whether Tesla ever started development on these features.

By introducing an App Store, enhancing streaming quality, and upgrading Bluetooth audio support, Tesla would build upon its already good set of entertainment offerings. These features are not just about providing entertainment though; they’re about creating an immersive experience that resonates with the lifestyles and preferences of Tesla drivers, who are often at the forefront of technology. Are these items on Santa’s shopping list? We will have to wait until the holiday update is released.

The first Cybertrucks will be part of a limited edition called the Cybertruck Foundation Series. Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane), unearthed source code showing that this limited edition, fully optioned series will offer a suite of premium accessories and features.

According to some early Cybertruck reservation holders, they’re now being invited to configure their Cybertruck Foundation Series at a price of $119,990.

Lifetime Premium Connectivity and Accessories

One of the most notable inclusions in the Foundation Series is the lifetime premium connectivity. This feature currently costs $99 a year. The only other vehicles that include free premium connectivity for the life of the vehicle are vehicles ordered before June 2018. After this date Tesla introduced the premium connectivity package for $10/month or $99/year. By reintroducing it as a lifetime offering, Tesla is enhancing the value proposition of the Cybertruck, possibly saving owners $1,000 or more over the vehicle’s life.

PowerShare: The Next Level in EV Technology

In addition to this, the series comes with an updated universal wall connector with “PowerShare” capabilities. It also includes a new PowerShare mobile connector, which Tesla has yet to unveil.

The new universal wall connector with PowerShare capabilities is a standout feature. This innovative technology allows the Cybertruck to receive power and send it back to the home. It transforms the vehicle into a mobile power source, a concept that blurs the lines between automotive and home energy solutions.

Similarly, the new PowerShare mobile connector is a step forward in bi-directional charging technology. There’s little that’s known about this new mobile connector, but some text on Tesla’s site reveals that there will be outlets on the connector itself. This will allow owners can hook up devices directly, using the Cybertruck as an alternative to traditional generators. This feature particularly appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals requiring portable power solutions.

Although details are scarce, the PowerShare home backup seems to be the final piece in Tesla’s puzzle to enable the Cybertruck to power a home. This feature would control and limit when the Cybertruck could feed energy back into the house. These new features could position the Cybertruck as a critical component in home energy management, especially in emergencies or off-grid living.

Also, there is a mention of Exclusive badges, which seems a little off-brand considering there are no logos or badging on the vehicle, as the Cybertruck doesn’t need it. Foundation Series trucks will have the words Foundation Series in a Cybertruck-typical font displayed on the vehicle’s fender. There will also be a special “badge” for Cyberbeast on the bottom right of the tailgate, which will three wolf-like heads joined together.

Community Response

The announcements has many enthusiasts expressing eagerness to configure their truck; however, others are understandably shocked at the price and are ready to wait for prices to fall in the future.