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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/22/cybertruck-tesla-unveils-the-pickup-truck-we-have-to-have
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| Cybertruck: Tesla unveils new pickup truck but windows shatter during demo | Cybertruck: Tesla unveils new pickup truck but windows shatter during demo |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Elon Musk says model essential to sustainable energy – but is embarrassed when ‘armour glass’ windows break | |
| Elon Musk’s glitzy unveiling of the first Tesla “cybertruck” descended into farce when a PR stunt testing the “bulletproof” body strength of the electric vehicle resulted in smashed windows. | Elon Musk’s glitzy unveiling of the first Tesla “cybertruck” descended into farce when a PR stunt testing the “bulletproof” body strength of the electric vehicle resulted in smashed windows. |
| The Blade Runner-meets-Cyberpunk themed launch of the $39,900 (£30,000) futuristic armoured vehicle was meant to take aim at the traditional Detroit carmakers, proving that Tesla could make a credible electric version of America’s favourite vehicle, the pickup truck. | The Blade Runner-meets-Cyberpunk themed launch of the $39,900 (£30,000) futuristic armoured vehicle was meant to take aim at the traditional Detroit carmakers, proving that Tesla could make a credible electric version of America’s favourite vehicle, the pickup truck. |
| A theatrical series of demonstrations hosted by Musk saw black-cladded Tesla staff demonstrate the vehicle’s durability with tests involving sledgehammers, a simulation of a 9mm bullet strike and hefty metal balls. | A theatrical series of demonstrations hosted by Musk saw black-cladded Tesla staff demonstrate the vehicle’s durability with tests involving sledgehammers, a simulation of a 9mm bullet strike and hefty metal balls. |
| “We created an exoskeleton,” Musk proudly said to rapturous whoops from those attending the Los Angeles launch. “It is literally bulletproof to a 9mm handgun.” | “We created an exoskeleton,” Musk proudly said to rapturous whoops from those attending the Los Angeles launch. “It is literally bulletproof to a 9mm handgun.” |
| Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer, asked Musk if he could lob a metal ball at the window of the vehicle. “Really?” said Musk. The window smashed. “Oh my fucking God,” said Musk. “Maybe that was a little hard.” Showing confidence in the vehicle, von Holzhausen then suggested he should lob it at a second window. “Try that one? Really?” asked Musk moments before the rear window was also smashed. “It didn’t go through, that’s the plus side,” a stunned Musk said. | |
| Musk, who has previously boasted of the vehicle as “really futuristic-like cyberpunk, ‘Blade Runner’ pickup truck”, tried to play it off with a joke: “Ah, not bad, room for improvement.” | Musk, who has previously boasted of the vehicle as “really futuristic-like cyberpunk, ‘Blade Runner’ pickup truck”, tried to play it off with a joke: “Ah, not bad, room for improvement.” |
| Earlier, attendees at the futuristic event were treated to electricity themed entertainment, actors in cyberpunk costume and stalls selling noodles, a theme from the Blade Runner film. | Earlier, attendees at the futuristic event were treated to electricity themed entertainment, actors in cyberpunk costume and stalls selling noodles, a theme from the Blade Runner film. |
| Tesla says production is expected to begin in late 2021. Musk earlier tweeted the design was partly influenced by the Lotus Esprit sportscar that doubled as a submarine in the 1970s James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. | Tesla says production is expected to begin in late 2021. Musk earlier tweeted the design was partly influenced by the Lotus Esprit sportscar that doubled as a submarine in the 1970s James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. |
| Tesla’s Model 3 sedan is the world’s top-selling battery electric car and this is the carmaker’s first foray into pickup trucks, a market dominated by Ford’s F-150 and competitors from General and Fiat Chrysler. | Tesla’s Model 3 sedan is the world’s top-selling battery electric car and this is the carmaker’s first foray into pickup trucks, a market dominated by Ford’s F-150 and competitors from General and Fiat Chrysler. |
| Tesla has so far sold mostly Model S and Model 3 sedans but also offers the Model X SUV and, starting next year, the Model Y compact SUV. The company has delivered 255,000 vehicles this year, more than it achieved in the whole of 2018, and the Model 3 has become the world’s best-selling battery-powered car. | Tesla has so far sold mostly Model S and Model 3 sedans but also offers the Model X SUV and, starting next year, the Model Y compact SUV. The company has delivered 255,000 vehicles this year, more than it achieved in the whole of 2018, and the Model 3 has become the world’s best-selling battery-powered car. |
| Ford and GM are gearing up to challenge Tesla more directly with new offerings like the Ford Mustang Mach E electric SUV as well as electric pickups. Electric pickups and SUVs could help Ford and GM generate the significant EV sales they will need to meet tougher emission standards and EV mandates in California and other states. | Ford and GM are gearing up to challenge Tesla more directly with new offerings like the Ford Mustang Mach E electric SUV as well as electric pickups. Electric pickups and SUVs could help Ford and GM generate the significant EV sales they will need to meet tougher emission standards and EV mandates in California and other states. |