THE TESLA CYBERTRUCK LOOKS MUCH BETTER AS A CHOPPED-UP SPORTS CAR
Tesla won't build a Cybertruck Plaid? Do it yourself! That's what this California-based engineer is doing. Transforming a totaled Model S Plaid into a Cybertruck, one body panel at a time. And while it's looking extra strange right now, it's not really any worse than the original!
Okay, sorry, that was a cheap joke. No matter your feelings on the brand or the CEO, it's good to see that Tesla has somehow inspired a whole new generation of custom car builders, who are proving that EVs can have character. 'Vette Karts are old and busted; the Cyberkart is now where it's at.
Creator Of The CyberRoadster Is At It Again
You might recognize the name David Andreyev or his Cyber Hooligan screen name. Andreyev has already transformed one Tesla, turning a Model S into a super-cool two-door called the CyberRoadster that looks like some sort of mid-engine exotic sports car.
This build started a few months back with a totaled Tesla Model S Plaid. Disassembling the stock Plaid and removing almost every panel both inside and out. There was some damage that needed to be repaired as well, which became extremely obvious when a radiator exploded and dumped coolant all over the road.
Next up was starting the custom work. The replacement for the smashed radiator actually went in the rear of the car. Andreyev's plans for Cybertruck bodywork meant there wouldn't be enough room in the nose anymore.
Finally, time to start adding Cybertruck panels. Andreyev had to remove the windshield and roof glass to avoid breaking it, and then figure out how to make the Cybertruck's hood match the angle of the A-pillars. The solution: chop off the A-pillars and reinstall. This isn't for the faint of heart.
Custom Build Takes Loads Of Work And Tubes Of Glue
The changes keep coming through the series. There are loads of challenges to solve; the car even needed a complete reimagining of the rear suspension, since the factory back of the car has been sliced off. The Plaid Model S also has some of the largest strut assemblies we've ever seen.
Andreyev hasn't finished the build yet, but it's pretty far along. The latest installment uses yards of welds, gallons of adhesive, buckets of bolts, and even rivets to help build a new structural roll cage for the CyberPlaid. We still don't see many body panels in place, but with the tubing taking shape, the build is starting to resemble a real vehicle once again.
Putting the body of a truck onto a car is no easy feat. But since Tesla won't build a quicker Cybertruck, this is the only way to do it. The end result will be a Model S with a stainless-steel body. A Cybertruck that's lighter, lower, and meaner. With 1,020 horsepower and all of Tesla's go-fast software. This is going to be a rocket ship.