Tesla’s new autonomous ride-hailing vehicle, the Cybercab, is turning heads for its bold gold color. But what inspired this striking design choice?
In a recent interview, Tesla’s Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen explained the reasoning behind the color and shared a few interesting details about the futuristic two-seater... Continue reading here ▶
The interview, hosted by the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, featured von Holzhausen talking about the Cybercab, which is currently on display there.
This is no ordinary car—it has no steering wheel, no pedals, and not even a rear window. It’s designed to be fully autonomous, but it’s the gold paint that’s really getting people talking.
Why Gold?
According to von Holzhausen, Tesla chose gold as a nod to New York City’s famous yellow taxis—but with a modern twist.
“We chose the color gold, and it’s really a special color,” von Holzhausen said during the interview. “It reflects a future version of the idea of a New York City yellow cab. We’ve taken that iconic yellow and created something more expressive and up-to-date.”
It’s a clever blend of nostalgia and futurism, showing how Tesla reimagines classic ideas while keeping an eye on the future.
A Glimpse Into Tesla’s Vision
During the interview, von Holzhausen also hinted at how the Cybercab could revolutionize transportation. He explained that in the future, people might be able to lease or purchase the Cybercab for short periods, making car ownership more flexible and accessible.
This idea aligns with Tesla’s vision of changing how we think about transportation. A car you don’t have to drive, that you can use as needed, and that looks this cool? It’s no wonder people are excited.
The full interview, which is just under 10 minutes, offers even more insights. If you want to hear directly from Tesla’s lead designer, you can check it out on the Petersen Automotive Museum’s YouTube channel.
Tesla’s Cybercab isn’t just another electric vehicle—it’s a bold step into the future of mobility. And with its eye-catching gold finish, it’s impossible to ignore.