Motoring

The Tesla Cybertruck reveal – 2019’s biggest fiasco

Elon Musk loves a stunt, but there’s a fine line between having a little fun and being an absolute stammering lunatic. Many in the world just watched the most bizarre car launch in history live from LA.

The opening remarks were about the polluted LA skyline and the need to offer a solution to oil, by a girl who looked like a tattooed gypsy.

But then Elon Musk emerged from the smoke and lights. I’m afraid it rapidly fell off a cliff from that point onwards.

He pointed out that trucks or pick-ups as they call them, have been largely the same for 100 years. A showcase of debadged US utes where shown, as Musk pointed out the similarities between them, which he lamented. 

He remarked that we need sustainable energy now! As the Top 3 selling vehicles in the US are utes.

Cue the Cybertruck, just as crazy, just as brutal and edgy as I expected. I very much doubt the one showcased will come anywhere near to an actual production version however.

Musk said it is not built like a typical ute; via a body on frame construction. Much of the strength comes via moving weight to the outside of the vehicle. 

But then the claims started to really get weird. The Cybertruck won’t scratch, can survive an attack by a 9mm pistol and has armoured glass. Glass that kind of failed during the demo, although it was hit pretty hard by a sledgehammer.

It will come with adaptive air suspension and have up to 16-inches of clearance. The electric range is just over 400km and can tow around 3400kg. Starting from today in the US you can put down a $100 deposit for one, with the range starting off at $39,900 for the RWD version.

But honestly what I just saw was a freak show and given American’s gun issues, I personally found it to be a pathetic performance. 

Recent Posts

  • Tech

The Two Blokes Talking Tech podcast – Episode # 732 – AI Personalisation, who’s winning that battle?

Google announces personalisation built into Gemini using Gmail, YouTube and other Google apps, so who's…

3 hours ago
  • Tech

Epson announces its new ultra short throw 4K projector, the EH-LS970B, now with AI-powered image optimisation

Epson has unveiled its new flagship ultra-short throw (UST) EH‑LS970B projector, delivering 4K resolution with…

11 hours ago
  • Tech

Optus says “We’re on it” – new campaign to move on from the past

After years of dramas from a Data Breach to a network outage and last year's…

14 hours ago
  • Tech

JBL announces two new Live Series headphones. Over-ear and on-ear. Your choice

Whatever your preference, over-ear or on-ear, JBL has you covered with the release of the…

1 day ago
  • Tech

Amazon unveils new Kindle Scribes for 2026, now in colour and with AI tools

Amazon has launched a new lineup of Kindle Scribe devices, thinner, faster and smarter than…

1 day ago
  • Product News

You’re the Voice: John Farnham Joins the Little Golden Book Icon Series

Just picking up a Little Golden Book can bring about a wave of nostalgia for…

1 day ago