Is the Cyber Truck a Flop?

   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #401  
Surprised they put in such a large engine to power the generator.
I was too, but after looking into it -

The 3.6L V6 is typically rated 275-305 HP.
They have it acting as the engine for a 130kW generator; 130kW = ~174hp. Assuming 10% power loss in the electrical generation, to generate 130kW needs about 193hp.

So, why are they using a 275-305HP engine to do a 193hp job?
Because 275-305HP rating is the max for that engine (depending on tune), and those engines are typically only at max output for a relatively short period of time - but the 130kW generator will be running not just occasionally (for extra boost) but for some lengths of time, when the battery needs recharging to some safe level, plus to run the truck itself when the battery is low or needs recharging.

So, they needed an engine that could kick out nearly 200hp for a decent amount of time, and that's not a 200hp peak output engine - that's an otherwise 300hp peak output engine, though this one is likely tuned for reliability and efficiency at the specific RPM range it's going to be used at for this generator job.

Essentially the answer is the same as "why does a 6.7L ps diesel make 475hp/1050lbft in the F350, but only 330/950 in a F550?" and the answer is that the F550's engine is expected on the average to put out more power (ie, higher duty cycle) and it needs to be able to handle that.
 
   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #402  
it will suck the paint off all of them other than maybe a Tesla Plaid.
I'm no Tesla fanboy, but I have to admit that your 2014 Focus RS - a very impressive hot hatch - probably won't "suck the paint off" any of them other than the standard range units. The extended range, or dual motor ones will easily walk all over the Focus, and probably require very little skill to do it either, unlike the skill required to max out a turbo car.

My money wouldn't be on you in any of those races, even against the slow Teslas, unless I got to witness your driving first, and even if you're a damn good driver, it would probably be pretty close to even money vs even the more basic T's...
 
   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #403  
Every color for Ford Maverick 2025
Nice too see there are some colors available. I like the red, blue, and even the green metallic. I have seen only one in color (blue).

There is another interesting compact hybrid 4x4 PU that is similar to the Maverick, but it is built of unobtanium: the BYD Shark.

Why did it take so long to get a 4x4 PU in the US that could get over 30 MPG? And nothing like my ancient 1600cc 71 Datsun PU.
 
   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #404  
I'm no Tesla fanboy, but I have to admit that your 2014 Focus RS - a very impressive hot hatch - probably won't "suck the paint off" any of them other than the standard range units. The extended range, or dual motor ones will easily walk all over the Focus, and probably require very little skill to do it either, unlike the skill required to max out a turbo car.

My money wouldn't be on you in any of those races, even against the slow Teslas, unless I got to witness your driving first, and even if you're a damn good driver, it would probably be pretty close to even money vs even the more basic T's...
Admittedly, at 74 years old, I'm not. I bought it years ago on a impulse and I'm glad I did actually. I drive it like the old fart I am. It has one major drawback and that is, it's a GDI engine so every oil change necessitates an application of Sea Foam top end engine cleaner to keep the intake from carboning up. If I had known about that issue beforehand, I'd never have bought it though they really hold their value in as much as they are no longer made. The engine was built in Germany but the car was built in Wayne, Michigan. Insures like a economy buggy too. Don't have to worry about charging it which is a good deal.

I just modified my leas agreements with my tenants. Added a paragraph to the leases that state if any of them purchase a plug in EV or a hybrid, it cannot be parked in the attached garages and if they want to install a level 2 charging station they have to obtain my express written permission before hand. Got a notice from my insurance carrier that they wouldn't pay if they found out an EV or Hybrid was parked in the attached garages if there was a fire. I covered my butt...
 
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   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #406  
What I find interesting today is, you have to purchase a hybrid or a plug in EV to get MPG that isn't dismal. My 14 Focus RS turbo gets 40 mpg if I drive it conservatively with a normal ICE motor. No hybrid junk or fire trap battery required and with over 300 ponies on tap, it will suck the paint off all of them other than maybe a Tesla Plaid.

Seems to be that the automotive industry is going backwards not forwards and the price of ownership has risen to insane levels.
What was the price of your little turbo hot hatchback that you keep bragging and bringing up , and what would it be adjusted for today’s prices?
How’s the rear seating room?
What’s the storage capacity?
Towing capacity?
 
   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #407  
I wouldn't drive a free one.
 
   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #408  
First off, I don't give a hoot about backseat room as it's just my wife and me and she usually drives her Suburban LTZ anyway. Being a hatchback it has ample room for 8 bags of groceries which is about what a new short bed pickup truck can accomodate. Paid 15 off lease for it with under 22K miles on it and I see them selling on the net for 20+ currently.

Paid cash for it, like I do for everything. I don't believe in financing unless it's 0 percent.

Paid cash for the Suburban as well. It was a tad more 15 however.

Not for towing though it can be used as a towed vehicle behind an RV.
What was the price of your little turbo hot hatchback that you keep bragging and bringing up , and what would it be adjusted for today’s prices?
How’s the rear seating room?
What’s the storage capacity?
Towing capacity?
I paid 15 off lease for it and currently they are listed used for around 20, if you can find one as they are no longer made. Bought it at a Ford dealer who took it back in when the lease expired. Had 22K on it with the balance of the factory warranty Rummaging in it I discovered it was leased to a gal, probably a younger one. Had the original tires on it and they had a ton of tread.

Not bragging but it was a heck of a deal anyway.

Don't care about rear seat room as it's just my wife and I and she usually drives her Suburban LTZ which she bought off lease as well and paid cash for it. We don't believe in financing anything. I usually keep the back seat folded and cargo capacity is around 8 bags of groceries. Not a tow vehicle in the first place however, it can be towed behind an RV.

Very comfortable. Has Recarro bucket seats in the front and racing harnesses for both seats that I find a PITA.

It was built an Fords Wayne assembly but the engine was built in Germany.

I'm all good with 40mpg combined city and highway.

Of course being a transverse engine front wheel drive, it torque steers a bit if you mash on the pedal, which I rarely do. All I know is, if I romp on it, it will do triple digits on a freeway on ramp and the speedometer goes to 160 mph not that I've ever explored that but I imagine it's capable.

I do get to drive Tesla's as my cousin owns 3 of them. A Plaid, an S and a Cyber Truck and I've motored all of them and I find them quite comfortable and quite capable but I'd never own one nor would I own any EV or hybrid. Think I posted that we went on a late fall Whitetail hunt in North Central Michigan on out remote hunting property only accessible via unplowed seasonal road. 3 of us went and it did admirably on the unplowed seasonal road. Never even spun a wheel and hauled out 3 gutted deer, 2 bucks and one doe in the bed, all our hunting gear and the 3 of us, no issue. Very impressive vehicles, just butt ugly.
 
   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #409  
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   / Is the Cyber Truck a Flop? #410  

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