Quite simply, the Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric 4-door crew cab pickup that is currently vaporware, having recently missed its planned on-sale date for at least the fifth time.
What is the Cybertruck?
The Cybertruck was first unveiled in late 2019 in a meme-worthy video hosted by company founder and current X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk. Looking like something out of a cyberpunk dystopia, the truck employs a high-strength, raw stainless steel body like the original DeLorean.
Tesla says the truck will have a 6-foot bed and offer maximum payload and towing capacities of 3,500 and 14,000 pounds, respectively. These figures are on-par with ¾-ton (2500-series) pickups while the overall length is expected to be shorter than that of the similar-purpose Ford F-150 Lightning. The company also promises 100 cubic feet of lockable storage.
All models will include an adjustable air suspension that can provide up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Three powertrain configurations are expected. The base single motor model has rear-wheel drive, a projected 0-60-mph acceleration time of 6.5 seconds, a top speed of 120 mph, and more than 250 miles of range. Moving up one rung brings two electric motors that lower the 0-60 time to 4.5 seconds and raise the maximum speed and driving range to 120 mph and 300 miles, respectively. Topping the range is a tri-motor variant that is estimated to reach 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, hit 130 mph, and be capable of more than 500 miles.
Per Tesla custom, the interior will have spartan appointments. While it can seat up to six occupants, the only thing most will be able to interact with is the large center touchscreen.
Tesla Design Math: Delorean Plus Ark II Equals Cybertruck
When the Cybertruck was first announced, Tesla targeted a starting MSRP of $40,000. Given all the delays, the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent inflation, it’s safe to assume that projection is out the window. A more realistic base price is probably closer to $60,000, with loaded variants pushing past $90,000. The company is still taking deposits and is this time, for real, saying that the first paying customers will receive their vehicles later this calendar year.
Review Flashback! 2011 Tesla Roadster
CG Says:
The last time Tesla delayed the Cybertruck, they said it would start shipping in the third quarter of 2023. Well, we’re officially past that point with no indication as to when people will start taking ownership. It wouldn’t surprise us one bit if this vehicle still wasn’t ready until at least early 2024.
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Tesla Cybertruck Gallery
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