We were NOT expecting that! When Elon Musk said that the design of his company’s forthcoming truck was going to ‘put some people off’, we knew it was going to be unusual. But we weren’t quite prepared for how
out-there the Tesla Cybertruck, which was revealed in LA last night, would look…
(Image via Tesla).
As the pictures amply demonstrate Tesla’s design team has clearly been watching the Blade Runner and Back to the Future films with keen attention. There’s more than a hint of DeLorean to the Cybertruck, which is largely attributable to the raw stainless-steel outer shell which gives it an extra-tough look.
(Image via Tesla).
Perhaps the biggest talking point at last night’s reveal (apart from the Cypertruck’s striking aesthetic) was the new Tesla Armor glass which failed spectacularly when a live demonstration left the first Cybertruck on stage with shattered glass… However, we’re sure that Tesla being Tesla, the production models will be somewhat tougher.
(Image via Tesla).
Despite looking as though it would be a lumbering behemoth, the Cybertruck boasts impressive performance figures with Musk describing it as having the turn of speed of a Porsche and the off-road capabilities of a Land Rover. If you’re willing to shell out for the top-of-the-range model, then you’ll be able to fling yourself to 60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds and drive for up to 500 miles of range. Oh, and if you find yourself needing to pull a particularly heavily loaded trailer, the Cybertruck will be good for over 14,000 pounds to towing capacity.
(Image via Tesla).
Now one of the reasons that automotive manufacturers are so keen on trucks and large SUVs is that the typical buyer tends to spec-up their vehicle, adding a plethora of accessories and add-ons, increasing the functionality – and the price tag – of their purchase. And clearly Tesla is keen to get in on the action. Mark our words, buyers of the Tesla Cybertruck are not going to be short of options. Want to be able to run heavy-duty power tools all day from the back of your truck? The Cybertruck’s onboard 240v power sockets have got you covered. How about air tools? Yep. Users will be able to connect air tools to the truck’s onboard air suspension system. Other potential options include an in-built tail grill (for when you want to do some off-roading BBQ right?), and a tail-gate tent cover and sleeping shelf.
(Image via Tesla).
Oh, and Tesla have designed a Cybertruck-themed ATV to accompany it. Naturally it’ll fit in the bed of the truck and draw charge from the Cybertruck’s main battery system.
(Image via Tesla).
So, yeah, the Cybertruck isn’t going to be everyone. Or even for a few. Whether this thing finds a buying audience remains to be seen, but for us we’re just glad Tesla are out there pushing the limits of design, tech and functionality…