Issue 295 - Holiday Update rolling out this week

Cybertruck

How do the Cybertruck wheels turn? 📹
With the introduction of steering by wire, some folks are wondering how the Cybertruck turns its wheels if there is no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. In this video, Sandy Munro explains it.

Cybertruck's performance in crash safety tests
Tesla has yet to release official data on the Cybertruck's crash-worthiness, but a recent video reveals its performance in various crash tests, including full frontal, side impact, and rollover tests. Compared to ICE trucks, the Cybertruck demonstrated superior structural integrity with less penetration in frontal crashes and effective energy absorption, attributed to its stainless steel body and underbody design. This was showcased at the Cybertruck Delivery Event, providing a glimpse into Tesla's approach to impact safety for the Cybertruck.

Cybertruck will be much safer per mile than other trucks
There is a lot of chatter about how safe the Cybertruck is going to be. Some people claim that its structure makes it too rigid and will be terrible for its occupants, while others believe that it will instantly kill any pedestrians. Elon Musk said this week, "We are highly confident that the Cybertruck will be much safer per mile than other trucks, both for occupants and pedestrians." To be honest, coming from Tesla, the company that delivers the safest cars on the planet right now, I believe it.

Software Updates

The 2023 Holiday Update rolling out this week 📷
The 2023 Holiday Update should start rolling out soon and we are really excited about it, here are some of the features:

Custom Lock Sounds: Replace the horn lock sound with different sounds, like a screaming goat.
LAN Partu on Wheels: Ability to play games on the rear touchscreen.
Rear Screen Bluetooth Headsets: Rear passengers can use wireless Bluetooth headphones for entertainment.
Apple Podcasts: Integration to listen to a vast collection of podcasts.
According to Greentheonly, this new version brings speed cam and red light camera awareness, and a way to avoid construction on route.
Tesla App Trip Planner: Plan multi-stop trips on the mobile app and send routes to the vehicle.
Speed Cameras on Route: Navigation will now include speed cameras, stop signs, and traffic lights.
Automatic 911 Calls: The vehicle will call 911 automatically if airbags are deployed in an accident.
Blind Spot Indicators: Alerts with red shading when a car is detected in the blind spot during turn signal use.
High Fidelity Park Assist: 3D reconstruction of surroundings for enhanced parking assistance.

Wade Mode 📷
The Cybertruck includes 'Wade Mode' as part of its off-road Baja settings. The setting says, "Raises ride height and pressurizes battery when driving through water".

Tesla Bot

Bumblebee 📹
Tesla has released the second version of their robot, now called Bumblebee. In the video, we can see how the robot can perform delicate tasks like handling eggs, there is a 30% walking speed boost, 10 kg weight reduction. Watch until the very end to see the dance party. 😀

Under the hood

Cybertruck hits parts catalogue 📷
In case you were curious about some internals, the parts catalog now includes the Cybertruck.

Tesla Cybertruck DEEP DIVE with 5 Tesla Executives 📹
Sandy Munro was able to interview five Tesla executives and do a deep dive about the Cybertruck, making it the best deep dive out there yet. The folks that he interviewed were:

Lars Moravy, Head of Vehicle Engineering
Franz von Holzhausen, Head of Design
Drew Baglino, Head of Powertrain (battery + motors) and Energy
Pete Bannon, Head of Low Voltage
David Lau, Head of Software

🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.