The Tesla Cybertruck’s Design Was Partly Inspired by Blade Runner

When designing its new all-electric Cybertruck, Tesla looked beyond its competitors in the motor industry. The electric vehicle company took inspiration from classic movies to create a pickup truck that looks like something straight out of science fiction.

According to CNBC, Tesla modeled the Cybertruck after the flying cars featured in Ridley Scott's 1982 film Blade Runner. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has referred to the vehicle as the "Blade Runner truck" on multiple occasions.

The futuristic pickup also owes part of its look to a famous movie spy. After revealing the design in 2019, Musk tweeted, "Cybertruck design influenced partly by The Spy Who Loved Me." The truck is a far cry from James Bond's classic Aston Martin, but it does resemble the submersible 1976 Lotus Esprit car the spy drives in his 1977 film.

How Much Does the Tesla Cybertruck Cost?

Though it was unveiled nearly three years ago, Tesla's Cybertruck has yet to hit the market. When it does go on sale, it will be available for a base price of $39,000 for the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version will start at $49,900, and the triple Motor all-wheel-drive truck will cost $69,900.

When Will the Tesla Cybertruck Be Available?

After an initial shipping date set for 2022, Tesla has delayed the release of the Cybertruck. It's now expected to become available for purchase in early 2023, with an official timeline for the product coming out soon.

Is It Really Bulletproof?

One aspect of the Cybertruck that has generated buzz is its armor-like exterior. The skin of the vehicle is made from the same stainless steel Elon Musk's SpaceX has used to build spacecraft. Though Tesla claims the 3-millimeter skin will offer protection against 9-millimeter rounds, the company didn't mention an official armor rating certification for the car when it was announced.

The windows are built to be tough as well—or so Tesla claims. At the Cybertruck's unveiling event in 2019, Tesla’s chief of design threw a metal ball at the car's armored glass windows to demonstrate their strength. He ended up shattering the glass instead, at which Elon Musk commented, “We’ll fix it in post." Hopefully three years will be enough time to address the issue.