how many 2 door pickups of any kind are sold each year?

[AZFox]

And the 80% complete offshore wind farm that has been stopped for "national security"?

 

[AZFox]

Guys, friendly advice. Having been on this site's sister site, the Maverick Truck Club, for multiple years, I can vouch that the site operator will issue warnings about politics. Then issue bans. Of increasing length. This usually happens when another offended member clicks the "report" button.

I've learned the hard way that skirting politics by a very wide margin is the best policy. It's easy to get triggered. But we don't own this site, and the owner's policy on politics is clear.

In my posts, if I even come within 50 miles of anything political, like the impact of tariffs, I make sure to scrub it super neutral and add an advisory that it wasn't intended as political rhetoric. And then I usually delete without posting anyway. Because it's usually not worth a ban.

Good advice. Thanks.

Now back to discussing Slate Auto and their 2-door pickup.

 

[AZFox]

I've scanned as many pics of the frontend section of the chassis and I see no pre-existing mounting points for a front traction motor, but I do see a frame member being in the way of an axle shaft reaching the front wheel hub. If an AWD Slate Truck is in the model mix, I do not see it with the current chassis architecture.

I think designing the OG Truck so it accepts an AWD kit would cost more money and delay the launch of the Truck.

Slate Head of Design Eric Keipper says this:

“The entire organization, the entire company is focused on getting the truck and the accessory of the SUV in a rear wheel drive, you know, standard and extended range, situation in in those configurations to launch”.​

He also says AWD will be in a future offering. Specifically, he say they have "a Slate portfolio of vehicles with additional features that may or may not fit underneath the frunk".

 

[Dorbiman]

It's self-evident.

They are engineering the front suspension of the RWD OG Truck to hold up what the front of the Truck weighs, not a couple of hundred pounds more.

Look at what the Slate people are telling you over and over: they aren't including things that aren't necessary. Heavier-duty suspension that supports an extra motor and driveline's weight isn't necessary, so it stands to reason that it won't be included.

Maybe if heavier-duty suspension can be provided for free, they might include it, but I don't think heavier-duty suspension is free. I don't even know what heavier-duty front suspension would consist of, maybe stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bar, struts with different characteristic, etc.

Imagine putting all of the extra parts of an AWD Kit (motor, differential, half-shafts, etc... ~180 pounds?) in the frunk. The front ride height would drop, correct? That's because the front suspension is designed to hold up a truck without that weight, not with it.

I see, I thought you had seen something in the undercarriage shots from that Munro video. I’d expect the front to drop maybe a quarter inch with that weight. If anything, I’d expect Slate to design the Truck to share components between the two variants, not have two completely different suspension configurations. That seems more inline with their ethos to me

 

[Dorbiman]

I think designing the OG Truck so it accepts an AWD kit would cost more money and delay the launch of the Truck.

They already have, right? The front hubs already are provisioned for half shafts from what I saw. Along with the clearly designed empty space in front, it seems like this has already been a consideration from the beginning

 

[AZFox]

I see, I thought you had seen something in the undercarriage shots from that Munro video. I’d expect the front to drop maybe a quarter inch with that weight. If anything, I’d expect Slate to design the Truck to share components between the two variants, not have two completely different suspension configurations. That seems more inline with their ethos to me

Lately I keep posting that Slate's next offering should be a dual-motor AWD version with extra payload and towing capacities (upgraded suspension). It could be different without being completely different.

I think that offering would be quick to develop, and it would accept existing accessories so Slate wouldn't need to develop and stock a whole array of specific accessories for it.

I think there are people on here that would upgrade to that offering in a heartbeat.

 

[E90400K]

It's self-evident.

They are engineering the front suspension of the RWD OG Truck to hold up what the front of the Truck weighs, not a couple of hundred pounds more.

Maybe if heavier-duty suspension can be provided for free, they might include it, but I don't think heavier-duty suspension is free. I don't even know what heavier-duty front suspension would consist of, maybe stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bar, struts with different characteristic, etc.

Imagine putting all of the extra parts of an AWD Kit (motor, differential, half-shafts, etc... ~180 pounds?) in the frunk. The front ride height would drop, correct? That's because the front suspension is designed to hold up a truck without that weight, not with it.

Based on the Munro video I'd say the control arms, wheel hub, steering rack, and tie rods all look as standard independent front suspension fare that could hold the weight of an automobile engine. But I agree with you, the current suspension design is tuned for the GVWR of the front axle without any electric motor and associated drive components (differential and axles, etc.).

Adding those extra components will require at a minimum revised springs and dampers for both the added sprung and unsprung weight. One could question if the various bushings would be upsized or a revised material spec for them required.

The OG Slate truck will be RWD only throughout its production run.

 

[atx_ev]

Good analysis and for those very reasons I doubt and hope Slate actively resists making those type of changes for a number of years, if ever. Focus on making the best blank Slate. While disappointment to some, I believe any changes made should be in the realm of universal changes that apply across the line rather than the type that involve the challenges you cited. What might those be? Ability to add 2nd motor for AWD, battery choice, heightened bed cover, new and improved accessories. If lengthening the bed, make it the new standard, not an option.

Slate should endeavor to be known as the premier 2 door pickup, cater to that market segment, let the 4 door types exercise their other options. Do not lose sight of current philosophy and chase becoming one of them. Keep Slate Slate.

i also hate the idea of removing something and throwing it away to upgrade. Plus most cars dont make upgrading infotainment easy.

I love how slate just has a slot and you can put in infotainment or not.

I hope they have power in place for front and rear dashcams.

 

[atx_ev]

Lately I keep posting that Slate's next offering should be a dual-motor AWD version with extra payload and towing capacities (upgraded suspension). It could be different without being completely different.

I think that offering would be quick to develop, and it would accept existing accessories so Slate wouldn't need to develop and stock a whole array of specific accessories for it.

I think there are people on here that would upgrade to that offering in a heartbeat.

I think this sounds right.

The current model is great for me as I dont haul a ton of heavy stuff or tow. I do carry very dirty/noxious stuff. But what you suggest is a great way to expand the market without necessarily changing the essence of the truck.

I would want a bench seat which would increase seating by 50%