FYI: The Tesla Cybertruck, with its angular and unique design, is proving to be a force to reckon with in the EV drag racing scene, thanks to impressive performance attributes.
There’s no question that electric vehicles (EVs) outshine comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles due to the instant torque delivered by electric motors. This superior acceleration made the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Rimac Nevera favorites among YouTube drag racing enthusiasts.
### Cybertruck’s Surprise Performance
But what about Tesla’s bulky, angular Cybertruck? As demonstrated in a recent DragTimes video, the tri-motor Cybertruck, also known as the Cyberbeast, holds its ground quite commendably in a straight-line drag race.
#### Speed and Acceleration: Dual-Motor Edition
According to Tesla, the dual-motor variant of the Cybertruck, priced at $80,000, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and maxes out at 112 mph. This performance is hindered by its top speed, stopping it from completing a quarter mile in under 11 seconds.
#### The Potency of the Tri-Motor Cyberbeast
Enter the $100,000 tri-motor Cyberbeast. With an impressive 845 horsepower, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 130 mph. This power gives it a significant edge over the dual-motor variant.
### Real-World Testing: Dual vs. Tri-Motor
DragTimes’ footage makes apparent the obvious performance gaps between the different Cybertruck versions. In real-world conditions, the dual-motor Cybertruck reaches 60 mph in around four seconds, whereas the tri-motor achieves it in under three seconds. In the quarter-mile race, the dual-motor version manages a 12-second run, while its tri-motor counterpart enters the exclusive 10-second club as a stock vehicle.
### Enhanced Capabilities and Upgrades
Although the Cybertruck might not appeal to everyone’s taste due to its unconventional design, it’s steadily evolving into the functional vehicle Tesla always intended, largely thanks to frequent over-the-air software updates that enhance its features.
#### Off-Road Competency Boost
One notable enhancement is the update enabling tri-motor Cybertruck owners to engage a mechanical front locking differential, significantly boosting its off-road capabilities—a fact confirmed by Kyle Conner from Out of Spec Reviews during his tests.
### Awaiting Autopilot and Full Self-Driving
Despite these advancements, the much-anticipated Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability for the Cybertruck have yet to be rolled out. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has indicated that these features should become available with the 12.5 version update, a milestone already reached by models like the Model 3 and Model Y but not yet by the Cybertruck.
### Conclusion: The Future of Electric Trucks
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Cybertruck’s distinctive design, its performance, supported by continuous software improvements, is undeniably impressive. As the Cybertruck continues to mature, it is shaping up to be the powerhouse vehicle that Tesla envisioned.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
