The Tesla Cybertruck has only been on the roads for a few months, but it will soon be getting even better. According to CEO Elon Musk, the company is working on a software update that aims to improve the Cybertruck’s turning radius. Musk didn’t provide the exact details, but he mentioned that the turning circle will increase substantially to 10 degrees
One of the more notable features of the Cybertruck is its rear-wheel steering, enhancing its maneuverability. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Rear-Wheel Steering:
- When the driver turns the steering wheel, the front wheels move as expected, but the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction, albeit to a lesser degree.
- Result: Significantly reduces the turning radius, making the Cybertruck feel more agile, akin to a sedan
- Steer-By-Wire System:
- Accompanies the rear-wheel steering, allowing a u-turn with just one full turn on the steering wheel (called “squirlce”), eliminating traditional hand-over-hand movements.
- Result: Offers a more streamlined and efficient steering experience
- Turning Circle Comparison:
- The Cybertruck boasts a curb-to-curb turning circle of 43.5ft (13.26m), emphasizing its exceptional maneuverability.
- In contrast, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a larger turning circle of 47.8ft (14.57m).
- Result: The Cybertruck’s smaller turning circle contributes to a more nimble driving experience, especially in tight spaces
However that’s apparently not good enough for Tesla. Over the weekend Elon Musk revealed on X that the company is working on a software update that will “tighten the turning circle significantly.” Musk didn’t provide exact details on the level of the improvement, but a Tesla employee has.
As we noted above, the rear wheels turn less than the front wheels. According to Paul Mangiamele, the current rear steering angle is 3°, but after the software update that will increase substantially to 10°. Mangiamele also shared a few videos showing how the combination of the rear-wheel steering and the steer-by-wire makes completing a u-turn with the Cybetruck effortless.