Tesla Cybertruck shown in near-production guise

Elon Musk has reaffirmed his ambitions for the long-awaited 2023 Tesla Cybertruck, which made a breakthrough public appearance in the US overnight and has been slated to enter production next year.

Musk was among the Tesla top brass at the US electric car-maker’s Cyber Rodeo event in Texas, where a near-production prototype version of the Cybertruck was unveiled before a crowd of 15,000 people.

The prototype pick-up features road-ready production cues including conventional alloy wheels, side mirrors, windscreen wipers, and headlights and tail-lights that look to be more compliant with homologation rules than the original concept.

Musk also took the opportunity to confirm production will “likely happen” in 2023.

Although there were no firm details revealed around the Cybertruck’s arrival or powertrain specifics, the Tesla founder declared it will be the car-maker’s greatest achievement – a considerable claim given Tesla’s history.

“I think this will be our magnum opus,” said Musk.

The Cybertruck on stage was oddly missing door handles, but Musk said that was for good reason.

“[The Cybertruck] can tell that you’re there and know it needs to open [the doors],” he said.

The Cybertruck was first revealed to the world during an inauspicious unveiling in 2019, during which a Tesla official threw a metal ball at one of its windows in a purported demonstration of toughness. Instead, the window cracked.

“We’re going to smash the window again,” Musk joked on stage this week.

The Tesla chief also took the opportunity to apologise to the more-than-one-million deposit holders around the world, many of whom are in Australia.

“We can’t wait to build this here,” said Musk, referring to the Texas factory that also builds the Model Y.

“Sorry for the delay. But you’re going to have this next year, and it’s really going to be great.”

Tesla’s delay in getting the Cybertruck to market has allowed other car-makers to jump, most notably Ford with the F-150 Lightning and soon Rivian with the highly-anticipated R1T. Chevrolet and RAM are also on track with electrified rivals.

While the US electric car-maker has still not confirmed final specification for the big, blocky Cybertruck, prices currently start at $US39,900 ($A53,600).

While only one exterior colour is expected to be offered – steel grey, thanks to the ‘bulletproof’ Armormax steel body panels – it’s not clear whether production models will get the 200kWh lithium-ion battery pack from the original vehicle with a claimed 800km-plus range.

Single-, double- and triple-motor powertrains are expected, and the most powerful Tesla utes should be good for a 0-100km/h sprint of around three seconds flat and a top speed of over 200km/h.

The instant high-torque nature of electric motors also provides impressive hauling capabilities, with a vehicle payload of 1588kg and towing capacities between 3402kg and 6350kg.

Despite massive interest in Australia, and deposits still being taken, there's no guarantee that the ute will be sold Down Under.

Right-hand drive production is still to be confirmed, and homologation requirements for sale in Australia could prove tricky for Tesla.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au