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Tesla’s radical design choices continue to spark industry-wide debate, and nowhere is that more evident than in the long-awaited teardown of the Cybertruck. At Munro & Associates, we recently acquired the Foundation Series “Cyberbeast”—a tri-motor, $121,000 spectacle—and we’re gearing up to analyze its engineering from top to bottom. Captured here are our initial impressions, firsthand driving experience, and the unique structural and functional features we’re excited to dissect. If you’re an automotive engineer, EV enthusiast, or investor, these Cybertruck teardown engineering insights will help you understand what’s really under the steel skin.
Meet the Cyberbeast: Tri-Motor, 123kWh, Full-Self Driving
The unit we evaluated is Tesla’s tri-motor variant, appropriately dubbed the “Cyberbeast.” This model includes a 123 kWh battery pack, full self-driving capabilities, and bidirectional charging. While the price tag rang in just above $121,000, Tesla has loaded the Foundation Series with nearly every available feature. Jordan from the Munro team noted, “It’s got everything on the planet,” and we’re eager to uncover what’s behind the bold exterior.
Notably, this Cybertruck features extensive camera arrays and advanced driver-assistance systems. However, Munro’s focus is not only on feature content but also on the underlying design, execution, and integration of these technologies. We were especially curious about Tesla’s exoskeleton claim—how the structural stainless steel integrates with the Giga castings and other critical components.
Driving Impressions: A Space-Age Experience
Sandy Munro took the Cybertruck on a road trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and described it as “the biggest pickup truck I’ve ever been in.” The driving experience was smooth for such a large vehicle, though its sheer presence required constant awareness—comparable to driving a Class 8 truck. The standout challenge? Attention from fellow drivers.
“Whack jobs,” as Sandy put it, would veer dangerously close to snap photos, treating the truck like a celebrity sighting. Even children were magnetically drawn to it, likening the angular, metallic exterior to a spaceship. At one Tesla charging stop, the Cybertruck drew such a crowd—possibly from a school bus—that Sandy had time for a second Chick-fil-A sandwich.
This public fascination underscores Tesla’s success in turning the Cybertruck into a cultural icon. But now comes the more difficult question: does the Cybertruck’s engineering deliver the same impact as its aesthetics—or will the teardown reveal deeper insights beneath the surface?
What Makes an Exoskeleton?
A major focus of this teardown was to scrutinize Tesla’s use of the term “exoskeleton.” While many vehicles include structural elements in their exterior shells, Tesla’s approach appears unique in material and execution. Jordan emphasized that Munro will be examining how Tesla integrates stainless steel panels with Giga castings, paying special attention to joints, interfaces, and attachment methods.
The Cybertruck doesn’t have the internal structure common in most unibody vehicles. Instead, the strength seems to come from the panel thickness and the rigidity of the stainless steel. If successful, this novel architecture could drastically reduce parts count and production complexity—but only if the interfaces are executed with precision.
Fit, Finish, and Functional Details
Despite early skepticism, Sandy found several fit-and-finish elements surprisingly well-executed. Gaps between panels were consistent—within the 1mm tolerance Munro typically allows. Impressively, many of the truck’s square edges were aligned with a precision difficult to achieve without radius curves that hide imperfections.
One standout feature? The massive windshield wiper and its integrated water dam. During a rainy drive, it performed flawlessly, keeping the windshield clean and drip-free—a testament to practical design amid aggressive styling.
That said, Sandy did admit to backing into a wall, misjudging the rear camera’s estimate. The damage was cosmetic but highlighted a potential usability concern, especially in a truck with limited rear visibility and unconventional dimensions.
Bed Design: Practical Yet Polarizing
The Cybertruck’s bed impressed both Sandy and Jordan. It comfortably fits standard 4×4 plywood sheets, includes ample tie-down hooks, and benefits from an air suspension system that adjusts load-in height. Still, Jordan noted some downsides. Adjustable hooks, while versatile, require manual repositioning. And the high bed rail posed a challenge for shorter users.
The tonneau cover—essentially a modern, ruggedized roll-top—earned high marks. Tesla opted for a narrow-slatted design, drawing inspiration from roll-top desks and aerospace applications. This contrasts with Rivian’s wider, more failure-prone approach. Tesla’s method appears more reliable, easier to package, and better at minimizing caulking and mechanical complexity.
Cybertruck vs. F-150 Lightning: Sport vs. Work
Sandy made a clear distinction between Tesla’s Cybertruck and Ford’s F-150 Lightning. “This truck is for a hunter…a sportsman,” he said. “The F-150 Lightning is the best work truck. This is the best sport truck.” That framing positions the Cybertruck less as a jobsite tool and more as a premium, adventurous lifestyle vehicle—designed for off-roading, towing quads, or hauling camping gear rather than loading drywall and toolboxes.
Still, Tesla has taken advantage of its EV platform by opening up storage space. The under-bed storage bin rivals those found in the Honda Ridgeline or Rivian R1T. It adds useful cargo room without sacrificing bed space—something traditional ICE pickups can’t easily achieve due to their exhaust systems.
What Comes Next: Structural Insights Await
With the teardown just beginning, the Munro team plans to dive deep into the Cybertruck’s structural skin. Expect detailed engineering analysis on:
- Giga casting integration: How Tesla joins castings to steel panels.
- Joint design: The strength, geometry, and repeatability of structural connections.
- Stainless steel behavior: Crashworthiness, formability, and repairability concerns.
- Manufacturing trade-offs: Is this a lean approach or a complexity risk?
Sandy, Jordan, and the Munro team will also examine battery placement, thermal systems, and cost-cutting strategies that align—or don’t—with Tesla’s historical push toward manufacturing efficiency.
Cybertruck Teardown Takeaway
The Cybertruck isn’t just bold in looks—it’s bold in structure, materials, and market positioning. As the Cybertruck teardown progresses, Munro will reveal more engineering insights into whether Tesla’s bets on stainless steel and exoskeletal design pay off in terms of manufacturability, performance, and value.
Stick With Munro
Our upcoming breakdowns will expose every layer of this controversial EV. Keep it on Munro for updates, sponsor announcements, and engineering deep dives.
Explore more teardown reports and expert analysis at Munro & Associates.