The Controversial Design of Tesla’s Cybertruck Divides Car Designers

A Polarizing Design

The upcoming Tesla Cybertruck has created quite a stir in the automotive world. Some view it as a groundbreaking design that showcases Elon Musk's unparalleled genius, while others see it as a crude and toy-like monstrosity. To get some expert opinions on the design, we reached out to three car designers, and their responses were not overwhelmingly positive.

Not Everyone's Cup of Tea

Paul Snyder, chair of the transportation design department at Detroit's College for Creative Studies, expressed his reservations about the Cybertruck. He questioned whether such a threatening-looking vehicle would be suitable for everyday use in a residential neighborhood. He criticized the truck's flat surfaces and angular lines, saying that it's not something he would personally choose to drive or buy.

This sentiment was shared by Matteo Licata, a former car designer and design history professor at Italy's IAAD. While he appreciated Tesla's attempt to break norms, he felt that the execution fell short. Licata mentioned that small changes could have made a huge difference in the final product's aesthetic appeal. He emphasized that car design often requires attention to detail, and given the amount of time Tesla had to perfect it, he believed that the Cybertruck could have been better.

Geoff Wardle, former executive director of the transportation systems and design department at California's ArtCenter College of Design, also wasn't a fan of the Cybertruck's design. He described it as crude and extreme-looking, but acknowledged that it might find favor among Musk's loyal fanbase. However, Wardle highlighted the challenge of producing the truck with good fit and finish due to its unusual design.

Breaking the Mold

The Cybertruck's design stands in stark contrast to traditional pickup trucks, which feature an upright and boxy shape. Instead, Tesla chose to go for a triangular body shape with straight body panels. This design choice has garnered attention and sparked debate among car enthusiasts.

Snyder mentioned that the Cybertruck's design aims to send a provocative message, particularly to Detroit pickup trucks and their customers. It's a deliberate departure from convention, making a bold statement about Tesla's vision for the future of transportation.

While the Cybertruck may not appeal to everyone's aesthetic sensibilities, it has the potential to become a timeless and controversial design. Snyder compared it to a child's toy made of Legos, suggesting that its simplicity and purity could keep it relevant and divisive for decades to come.

The Verdict

The Tesla Cybertruck has certainly sparked conversation and divided opinions among car designers. While some admire its unconventional design and see it as a symbol of innovation, others find it crude and unappealing. Only time will tell if the Cybertruck will be embraced by the mainstream market and endure as a design icon or fade into obscurity.

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By: tlevin@insider.com (Tim Levin)
Title: The Controversial Design of Tesla’s Cybertruck Divides Car Designers
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/tesla-cybertruck-car-designer-reactions-2023-10
Published Date: Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:46:27 +0000