Electric Cars

Tesla has unveiled a new, more accessible version of its Cybertruck, priced at $61,985, including destination fees. This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant marks the most economical Cybertruck offering to date. However, this appealing price point is not permanent, as indicated by CEO Elon Musk, suggesting a limited-time availability that could end within ten days. This strategic move also includes a $15,000 price drop for the high-performance Cyberbeast model, now listed at $101,985, following a previous price increase last August. These adjustments highlight Tesla's efforts to enhance the Cybertruck's market appeal amidst initial sales challenges.

The newly introduced dual-motor Cybertruck boasts an impressive estimated range of up to 325 miles on a single charge and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds. Its utility is further underscored by a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,006 pounds, particularly when fitted with 18-inch wheels. For those seeking enhanced capabilities or customization, Tesla offers several optional upgrades, including the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) package at $99 per month, 20-inch Core wheels for an additional $2,500, and a Terrestrial Armor Package for $3,000, which provides underbody protection and heavy-duty rock sliders.

Comparatively, this entry-level Cybertruck is $20,000 less expensive than the Premium model. While both dual-motor variants share the same 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds, the Premium model distinguishes itself with superior towing and payload ratings of 11,000 lbs and 2,500 lbs, respectively. The price reduction for the Cyberbeast, which features three electric motors and an even quicker 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds, suggests a broad strategy to stimulate demand across the Cybertruck lineup.

Elon Musk's announcement via X (formerly Twitter) about the 10-day price window for the new $61,985 Cybertruck introduces a sense of urgency for potential buyers. The implications of this limited-time offer on future pricing remain uncertain, but it's clearly a tactic to generate immediate interest and sales. Given the Cybertruck's journey since its unveiling, which included a significantly higher launch price than initially promised, these pricing adjustments are crucial for Tesla to realign market expectations and boost the model's commercial viability.

The introduction of a more affordable Tesla Cybertruck model, coupled with a temporary price reduction, signals a deliberate effort by the automaker to invigorate sales. While the base model offers substantial features, its limited-time pricing strategy reflects a dynamic approach to market positioning. This move is designed to attract a wider consumer base and address the challenges faced by the Cybertruck since its original launch, which saw its price tag considerably exceed early projections.

Lexus is initiating a recall for approximately 4,400 units of its LX 600 SUV, specifically targeting models from the 2025 and 2026 production years. This action addresses a critical software malfunction within the vehicle's 10-speed automatic transmission. The issue, if left unaddressed, could potentially compromise the vehicle's operational integrity, leading to a sudden loss of power during transit or an increased risk of fire due to transmission fluid leakage. Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by late April and will receive a complimentary software update to resolve the defect.

Transmission Software Prompts Safety Recall

Lexus has announced a significant recall campaign affecting roughly 4,400 LX 600 SUVs from the 2025 and 2026 model years due to a software flaw in the vehicle's 10-speed automatic transmission. This defect can lead to unexpected transmission damage and, in severe cases, a loss of motive power at higher speeds. Furthermore, the issue presents a potential fire hazard resulting from possible transmission fluid leaks. This recall underscores the importance of software integrity in modern automotive systems, where even minor glitches can have substantial safety implications. Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, has identified the problem and is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its vehicles.

The specific nature of how the transmission might self-damage remains unclear, and detailed information on the recall has yet to appear on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website. However, the manufacturer has confirmed that the glitch could result in a sudden loss of propulsion while driving at higher velocities, posing a significant risk to vehicle occupants and other road users. Additionally, any transmission fluid leaks could escalate into a fire, creating an even more dangerous situation. Lexus dealerships will provide a no-cost software update to the transmission control unit to correct this issue, with all affected owners expected to be notified by the end of April.

Previous Recalls and Ongoing Vigilance

Despite Lexus's strong reputation for manufacturing dependable vehicles, the LX 600 model has faced several recalls since its introduction in 2022. This latest transmission software issue marks the fourth distinct recall for the fourth-generation LX 600, highlighting the complexities and challenges inherent in modern vehicle design and manufacturing processes. These prior recalls included significant concerns such as engine damage caused by machining debris in the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which could lead to total engine failure. Earlier models also experienced problems with the stability control system failing to activate automatically upon vehicle startup, posing additional safety risks.

This ongoing series of recalls for the LX 600 demonstrates the continuous need for rigorous quality control and responsive remedial actions in the automotive industry. Manufacturers must remain vigilant in identifying and addressing potential defects, even in models with established reputations for reliability. For this most recent issue, Lexus is providing a critical software update to the transmission control unit, a fix that will be implemented free of charge at authorized dealerships. The timely notification of approximately 4,400 affected vehicle owners by late April is crucial to mitigate potential hazards and maintain customer trust in the brand's commitment to safety and excellence.