If Tesla's CyberTruck Is A Big Hit, HOW Will The Traditional Car Companies Respond With Its Designs?

I remember the launch of the Tesla CyberTruck like it was yesterday. From Elon Musk's inarticulate rambling to the first sight of the CyberTruck to the informercial-like demos to the broken glass, it was one for the history books.

And even though its design is hideous — in my eyes — and the executive communications were a total nightmare, Tesla STILL raked in over 200,000, $100 hand raisers in short order. Obviously the commitment is low but it's still a big number of folks interested in a product that will cost anywhere from $39,900-$69,900 — likely more given Tesla's history.

I am pretty sure the Harvard Business School (HBS) will do a case study on this at some point. It's remarkable.

While I find the CyberTruck's design utterly detestable, I will admit one thing. Every other vehicle's reveal since has been so completely predictable and, frankly, boring. The roll out of the all-new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban were total snoozers. The first images of the Genesis GV80 has me saying "Who cares?"

Long story short, it seems more people are coming around to the CyberTruck's polarizing design. This means that traditional automakers are going to have to push the boundaries a bit more as it is.

BUT, if the CyberTruck turns out to be a runaway hit, they will have NO CHOICE but to play catch up. Having said that, HOW do YOU think the traditional manufacturers will respond with their respective designs?

carloslassiter - 1/4/2020 4:39:38 PM

+5 Boost

I'd be more concerned about how the Anti-Tesla crowd in here will respond. I'm just not sure they can handle being wrong, again.

Truthy - 1/4/2020 4:39:39 PM

+3 Boost

It won't be and they do not have to. The overwhelming bulk of pickups are working trucks and their beds and capabilities reflect this. The Cyperjunk will appeal to Tesla fanboys and once the initial demand is filled will sell like Nissan Murano convertible.

jeffgall - 1/4/2020 4:43:08 PM

0 Boost

If Tesla were smart, they would build a 2nd version with a more utilitarian, workhorse design. Should be easy to do on an EV platform.

MDarringer - 1/4/2020 6:28:39 PM

+1 Boost

This shit pile would be dangerous in a crash given the roof.

SanJoseDriver - 1/4/2020 10:06:56 PM

0 Boost

They are planning a second version that is smaller, but the design will be similar. This design is as workhorse as you can get, what more would you want besides traditional aesthetics?

I hope they build a 3rd even-smaller CUV version that would be less expensive than the Model 3.

jeffgall - 1/5/2020 9:40:55 AM

0 Boost

@SanJose - besides the fact that the bed is practically useless with the stupid side panels preventing access to the bed? Or is it the 2nd row with poor headroom? Or is it the remained to be seen range when towing?

MDarringer - 1/5/2020 1:17:25 PM

0 Boost

@SJD The design is the ultimate in impracticality for a pickup.

SanJoseDriver - 1/7/2020 4:07:16 AM

+1 Boost

You realize it has two sail storage areas on the pillars right? Whatever you would place on the bed that you would want to access from the side (tools, flamethrower, etc.) makes more sense to put in a sail pillar. The bed is also larger than on any crew F150s. If you've seen any of the videos, there is TONS of room above all 6 adult passengers. The thing is a beast inside and out.

skytop - 1/4/2020 5:04:04 PM

+1 Boost

Hyundai is already designing their rip off ugly geometric truck. They just call it the Bizarro truck. Hideous.

USNA1999 - 1/4/2020 6:24:39 PM

+3 Boost

It might be awkward looking but I have a feeling this is going to sell extremely well.

carloslassiter - 1/4/2020 10:22:17 PM

+2 Boost

The real answer is that if it is successful, everyone will copy it. And if it isn't successful, everyone will copy it anyway.

How else do you explain the fact that every manufacturer is suddenly using massive hideous grills?

Section_31_JTK - 1/5/2020 12:31:15 AM

+2 Boost

Few if anyone who tows recreational trailers will buy the FuglyTruck. No one is going to unhitch, charge, then rehitch when they're towing a travel trailer. Fifth wheels guys won't bother with the FuglyTruck since it can't tow a fifth wheel.

Contractors won't bother with this monstrosity because the super high bed rails make it very inconvenient to reach into the bed to access their tools.

The only market for this thing are the Tesla fanbois who worship at the teat of Elon. They're end up using the FuglyTruck for douchey mall posing.

skytop - 1/5/2020 1:35:01 AM

+2 Boost

If have learned that "There is an ass for every seat.""

jeffgall - 1/5/2020 9:35:48 AM

+2 Boost

I hate to see the ugly ass for this ugly seat.

jtz7 - 1/5/2020 6:45:50 AM

+3 Boost

That's ugly.

SanJoseDriver - 1/7/2020 4:09:09 AM

+1 Boost

Tools would go into one of two side pillars hidden on the sides.

Added bonus that it has a 220 outlet and air compressor for pneumatic tools built in.

carloslassiter - 1/5/2020 8:06:31 AM

+1 Boost

Contractors won't bother with this monstrosity because the super high bed rails make it very inconvenient to reach into the bed to access their tools.
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One word for you: Frunk.

MDarringer - 1/5/2020 1:18:31 PM

+2 Boost

Several words for you: lift-over height

You clearly know NOTHING of how pickups are used.

SanJoseDriver - 1/7/2020 4:09:37 AM

+1 Boost

Tools would go into one of two side pillars hidden on the sides.

Added bonus that it has a 220 outlet and air compressor for pneumatic tools built in.

PUGPROUD - 1/5/2020 11:58:48 AM

+3 Boost

My gut tells me that if any of the big three had introduced this truck first they would be the laughing stock of the industry. Musk gets away with this styling because its Musk and he has a cult following. Big three best to stick to what they know best and what they are known for... don't reach too far out of the box and look silly.

Agent00R - 1/5/2020 11:49:07 PM

+1 Boost

Completely true1

Truthy - 1/5/2020 4:15:08 PM

+2 Boost

There were over 2.5 million full size pickup trucks sold in the US last year. The CyberJunk will sell to Tesla fans and that is it. This is the market segment the Big 2 plus Ram know best. These buyers are very loyal.

dumpsty - 1/6/2020 7:36:17 PM

+1 Boost

right.

similar to those huge oversized Kodiac 4door pickup trucks that were popular when biz owners could first claim the purchases for tax write-offs. then the recession hit.

bmw7er - 1/5/2020 4:32:28 PM

0 Boost

To answer the question, maybe play with more of their 1 year old baby's building blocks for shape inspiration since Tesla took the triangle already?

MDarringer - 1/5/2020 6:12:21 PM

+1 Boost

This: "I remember the launch of the Tesla CyberTruck like it was yesterday." is what you say after MANY YEARS HAVE PASSES not weeks.

Agent00R - 1/5/2020 11:50:04 PM

+1 Boost

Oh, calm down.

MDarringer - 1/7/2020 10:57:43 PM

+1 Boost

No, use cliches correctly if you're going to use them.

carloslassiter - 1/5/2020 7:16:01 PM

+1 Boost

Several words for you: lift-over height

You clearly know NOTHING of how pickups are used.
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Yes, I'm sure you're a real hard working guy out laying brick all day who still manages to find time to post on the internet every 7 minutes.

MDarringer - 1/5/2020 8:31:29 PM

0 Boost

I've layed a lot of things, but bricks ain't one of 'em.

Truthy - 1/6/2020 3:35:00 PM

0 Boost

And MD knows the market. Full-sized pickups are typically working trucks. They look the way they do for a lot of practical reasons. Only current owners will buy this drug influenced design.

MD, care to expand on the, "but bricks ain't one of them"? LOL.

MDarringer - 1/6/2020 6:30:43 PM

+1 Boost

LOL @Truthy I started early and did everything in sight. Oh the stories.