Tesla Pondering and Sketching Plans for a Compact Truck Model: TDS Redraft
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In the automotive world, Tesla continues to make headlines, with the tech giant announcing plans for a smaller electric pickup truck alongside the recently released 2025 Cybertruck.
The latest updates on Tesla's truck portfolio indicate that the 2025 Cybertruck, with its impressive performance and advanced specs, is already creating a stir. The base all-wheel drive version produces 600 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, while the more powerful "Cyberbeast" trim delivers an astonishing 834 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds. Range estimates are about 325 miles for the standard all-wheel drive and 350 miles for the long-range version, with fast charging available via Tesla's Supercharger network.
Tesla had already slightly reduced the Cybertruck's size before manufacturing to facilitate usability, including fitting it into The Boring Company's tunnels. However, the push for a smaller truck aligns with Tesla's internal discussions and external hints from executives that they are exploring a more compact pickup to better suit urban environments and international markets where the full-size Cybertruck may be too large.
Meanwhile, other automakers are facing challenges. Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Lamborghini have all cut profit projections, citing U.S tariff impact as the reason. Nissan will close its Ciudad Industrial del Valle de Cuernavaca industrial park in 2026, which was the first factory the automaker built outside Japan.
In other news, Bentley's new CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, has stated that the automaker has room to explore further in terms of luxury and performance. Audi will debut an electric sports car concept in early September, which is not a TT or an R8, but something in-between.
Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop. The Down Shift, our weekday early morning quick-hit news rundown, brings you the latest news in a brief, light, and quick summary, making it easy for you to stay informed. You can catch The Down Shift daily for more news headlines, summarized into a single sentence with a link for more information.
The announcement of Tesla's smaller electric pickup truck suggests an expansion of their automotive offerings, aligning with the market's demand for compact vehicles suitable for urban environments. Meanwhile, some automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Lamborghini, are experiencing financial challenges due to U.S tariffs, indicating a potential shift in the automotive industry's dynamics.
