The Tesla Cyber Truck is staggering, no matter your background. It is breathtaking, distinctive, strange, whether you like it or not.

It’s not often that cars are this controversial, the styling is extreme and will serve as an example of what is possible now in automotive design.

I am of the opinion, however, that it only exists because it can, that there is no logical reason behind the design, it doesn’t help with aerodynamics, with function, it doesn’t even optimize interior space.

The truck was designed to be controversial, to make a statement, and then given to engineers to make it function.

This being said, It’s an engineering marvel, Steer by Wire, (electric steering), a full 48 volt electrical system and an exoskeleton are all features that the world hasn’t seen before in cars. Its a shame really, to many, that it’s all wrapped up in that body.

The strikingly flat panels intersect in a way that has simply never been seen in automotive design. The cybertruck is staggering and original but reflects designs of the past without as much compromise, cars such as the Aston Martin Bulldog and the Delorean dmc-12 come to mind as similarly striking, ahead of their time in design. These examples however, are extremely compromised in comparison with the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck has no noticeable curves or fillets, whereas even the distinct Bulldog has curved and beveled edges which detract from the angular nature in comparison with the Tesla.

The flat, stainless steel panels make for an “easier” manufacturing process, however it also makes noticing imperfections extraordinarily easy. The panel gaps are a perfect example, they simply don’t seem to line up. looking down the body side, the panels seem to warp and twist which creates the allusion that the panels are not correctly manufactured. The light patterns on the doors do not line up which adds to the feeling of faulty manufacturing.

A flow from the windshield to the roof is the norm in automotive design, however the cybertruck abandons this Idea. The windshield simply stops, creating a sharp angle unlike any car or truck around.  The front and rear facias have incredibly sharp angles which miraculously passed safety regulations.

Cars such as the Cadillac Eldorado or the Chevy Belair have featured pointy and sharp edges which challenge the norms of safety similar to the Cybertruck but aren’t nearly as controversial. The Belair has chrome spikes jutting out from the grille while the Eldorado has large fins which could impale anything in their path, And yet, The cybertruck attracts the controversy.

Points and fins were once the norm, playing an important part in the fun and exciting design of 50s and 60s americana cars. Crash and Safety regulations since changed, Modern cars are subject to extreme tests which involve pedestrian safety and crumple zones. These regulations are responsible for the heavily curved and bulbous cars that we see in the modern day.

With these points made, the overall design is striking and fresh. The angles and simple nature of the design is refreshing because of it’s rarity. It’s not often that we see purity of design like the cybertuck, modern cars are often riddled with creases and graphics which dilute the freshness of designs.

As for Safety, It is unclear whether the Cybertruck is truly a safe vehicle.

“ It’s worth noting that while Tesla is confident in the Cybertruck’s safety, the vehicle has not yet received official crash test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS. The NHTSA has added preliminary safety ratings for the Cybertruck, but these do not include specific crash ratings.”

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The Cybertruck is a testament to the freedom of modern car designers as well as engineers, it’s design has sharper angles than we have ever seen, it opens new possibilities for sharper angles and styling choices even if it means unsafe streets.

Advances in material and computing technology have created new options for designers and engineers. Engineers can experiment with new battery systems, chassis dynamics (exoskeleton) and even think about throwing away once necessary mechanics (steering shaft, which the cybertruck does not have).

Designers will be able to try fins and sharp edges which previously were not allowed for in regulations. Its exciting yet worrying for consumers who have to share the road with these creations.

Sharp, fast objects roaming the streets in the hands of anyone with the funds necessary is a scary reality which we live in now, because of the Cybertruck.