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    Tesla Cybertruck: Redesigned EV ute imminent

    Tesla's eye-catching ute is in for a redesign – but don't expect it to look anything like a Ford F-150 when it's done.

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    Tesla’s bold, brash electric ute is getting a redesign.

    Elon Musk confirmed the Cybertruck is getting some “improvements” before it’s revealed, telling investors on an earnings call last month “there’s like a lot of small improvements compared to what was unveiled”.

    “I think it’s going to be better than what we showed,” he said.

    Mr Musk has ruled out talk of a smaller Cybertruck, recently tweeting “Even 3% smaller is too small” for the battery-electric ute.

    The updated Cybertruck design is expected to be revealed before the end of the year. It’s expected to have a more level character line running along its side, and a window sill that sits more flush with the window glass.

    With its huge body and distinctive angles, Mr Musk has previously said the Cybertruck could be followed by a more conventional pickup truck if sales are slow.

    It’s targeted specifically at the USA, where the Ford F-150 is the best-selling car in the country.

    “We sort of made the decision to not make this a world truck. So it doesn’t comply with a lot of specifications, like it doesn’t comply with EU’s specs and stuff… Maybe we can get, I don’t know, some exceptions to EU rules depending on how it’s classified,” he told Automotive News.

    It’s unclear if Musk’s statements affect the Cybertruck’s introduction here. Officially, Australian consumers can already pre-order a Cybertruck, while the Tesla website says the Cybertruck will be available globally.

    Though the Cybertruck boasts avant garde, razor-edged styling, it’s been designed for heavy-duty work and boasts features like bulletproof stainless steel bodywork, an air compressor, and an on-board generator.

    From its wrapped stainless steel skin, tempered glass, claimed 800km maximum range, optional triple-motor layout, claimed supercar-like 0-60mph sprint time of 2.9 seconds, driver-assist functions, air suspension, and mooted 6.5 tonne tow rating, everything promised is headline-grabbing.

    When it enters production next year, it’ll face a segment that will have appeared almost overnight. Rivals include the Nikola BadgerRivian R1TLordstown EnduranceGMC Hummer EV and an electric version of the Ford F-150, all of which are expected to launch over the next couple of years.

    At least 200,000 customers have already put down refundable $100 deposits for the Cybertruck since last November, according to Musk.

    In addition to a potential smaller ute, Musk said Tesla is also weighing developing either a van or minivan for its next model line.

    As expected from Musk by now, he has lofty goals – he eventually wants Tesla to produce 20 million new vehicles a year. Volkswagen, currently the world’s largest automaker, built 10.8 million vehicles last year.

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    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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