From launching a $100,000 car into space to producing flamethrowers, Elon Musk has done some extreme things.
However, you can add “shoot a Cybertruck with a Tommy gun” to that list.
A video recently surfaced on Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) of the vehicle cruising down the highway. As expected, it quickly went viral and got people talking.
Today, we’re looking at the results and what we know about the Tesla Cybertruck.
Let’s dive in!
About Tesla
Tesla is an electric automobile manufacturer started in 2003. Billionaire Elon Musk invested $6.5 million into the company in 2004. He instantly became the largest shareholder and became the CEO in 2008.
They entered the electric vehicle market by releasing its first vehicle, the Roadster. It was a tiny and expensive sports car.
However, it was very impressive and gave a glimpse into the future of electric cars.
They’ve since released the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y passenger vehicles. In addition, they’ve created the Tesla Semi and the Cybertruck, a light-duty truck.
These vehicles come with some of the longest ranges and most sophisticated technology. When activated, these automobiles will have full self-driving capabilities.
However, regulatory restrictions currently prohibit the use of this game-changing technology.
In addition to producing their vehicles, the company has created a massive network of charging stations. Drivers can use these stations to replenish the enormous lithium battery banks.
Those on extended trips will notice the vehicle automatically calculates the most efficient route and adjusts for charging stops.
While many prefer internal combustion engines, it’s hard to argue with the numbers. The Tesla Model S Plaid can go from 0 to 60 in 2.3 seconds, which is remarkable. For comparison, the 2023 Chevy Corvette does 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds. In other words, it’s pretty stinkin’ fast!
What Is the Tesla Cybertruck?
In November 2019, Elon Musk revealed the Cybertruck to the world. It features a stainless steel body with crisp, angled edges.
At first glance, it looks like something you’d see in a video game. When compared to a typical pickup, the Cybertruck looks entirely different.
However, like other pickups, the Cybertruck is a workhorse. Tesla designed it to perform and be durable in some of the roughest and most challenging conditions.
The company has been taking orders since late 2019 but has yet to deliver finished models. Musk has repeatedly stated that they hope to release them in late 2023.
Musk has been relatively tight-lipped about the vehicle’s capabilities for legal purposes.
However, Tesla’s official website lists the Cybertruck as having a 3,500-pound payload capacity and a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds.
Is the Tesla Cybertruck Bulletproof?
During the November 2019 discussion, Musk touted the Cybertruck as being bulletproof.
He’s mentioned multiple times that it is capable of withstanding the apocalypse.
However, its status as bulletproof remained unconfirmed as no one had put it to the test.
Unfortunately, Musk’s attempt to show off the bulletproof windows didn’t help.
Elon was joined on stage by Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhuasen. Musk encouraged Franz to throw a steel ball directly at the driver’s side window.
However, instead of bouncing off like they expected, the window experienced significant damage.
As we mentioned, a video recently went viral online of a Cybertruck that appeared to have dents from a machine gun.
Viewers suspected that Musk had put the vehicle to the test against a fully automatic Tommy gun.
Elon Musk Confirms Shooting Cybertruck with a Tommy Gun
As many suspected, Musk replied to the topic, confirming their suspicions. He said, “We emptied the entire drum magazine of a Tommy gun into the driver door Al Capone style.”
In addition, Musk was recently a guest on the popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience.
He stated they plan to share the video of the shooting at the November release. You can now see the video below.
During the three-hour interview, Rogan and Musk discuss the Cybertruck and its productions.
At one point, Rogan challenges that he could likely do severe damage to the vehicle with a bow and arrow. Elon accepts Rogan’s challenge.
Did the Cybertruck Survive?
Just like with the Tommy gun, Rogan’s bow and arrow didn’t do any serious damage.
At most, it left a small dent in the stainless steel, but it’s barely noticeable. About the Tommy gun, Musk mentions that “No bullets penetrated into the passenger compartment.”
As Musk has touted for a couple of years, the Cybertruck may be the perfect vehicle during an apocalypse.
However, not everyone was as impressed.
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Not Everyone Is Impressed With The Results
Initially, viewers were skeptical about the vehicle’s capabilities. Many mentioned that it was clear Tesla didn’t shoot the massive windows.
As we said, it didn’t end so well the last time we saw these windows put to the test.
However, during the interview with Joe Rogan, Musk mentioned that bulletproof windows are an optional upgrade.
The only downside is that you can’t roll them down because of their thickness and weight.
Additionally, some viewers remained unimpressed because a Tommy gun isn’t as powerful as an AR-15.
However, considering people doubted Musk’s ability to launch and land rockets to reuse them, we’re not putting anything past him and his team.
How Much Does the Cybertruck Cost?
During the launch event back in 2019, Musk stated the starting price would be $39,900.
However, considering the current economy and market, that’s we suspected that to no longer be true.
Some industry professionals expected a single-motor option to start at $50,000. On the other hand, others claim the only initial offering will be dual motors with a $70,000 price tag.
They were pretty close, with the single-motor rear-wheel drive option coming in at $57,390.
The dual motor option with all-wheel drive is currently priced at $76,390.
There is also a Cyberbeast option with a hefty price tag of $96,390.
If Elon and Tesla have taught us anything, we should all expect the unexpected. If we had to make a guess, our safest guess is that it will cost more than most people expect.
How Long Is the Wait for Cybertruck?
Tesla has been taking deposits to reserve vehicles since the November 2019 release.
At one point, Tesla announced they had received 1.9 million pre-orders.
They estimate they will produce 375,000 Cybertrucks each year, meaning it will take approximately five years to fulfill those orders.
However, the deposits were only $100 and are fully refundable.
As a result, most of the 1.9 million orders will likely fail to come to fruition.
Some paid the price so they could say they were on the list. We won’t know how long you’ll have to wait until Tesla starts delivering vehicles.
Should You Buy a Cybertruck?
The Cybertruck has yet to hit the market or be put to the test. It’s hard to encourage or discourage buying it until we have a better idea of its performance, capabilities, and price.
Once we can see the entire picture, we can provide a recommendation. However, it is a fascinating time for Tesla and the electric vehicle industry.