The Mercury News

Hey, kids: Now you can have your own Cybertruck! (Elon Musk not included)

Mattel producing Hot Wheel versions of Tesla’s upcoming electric pickup

- By Rex Crum rcrum@bayareanew­sgroup.com Contact Rex Crum at 408278-3415.

So, you want to get one of Tesla’s futuristic-looking Cybertruck­s. Maybe you’ve even put down a $100 deposit to secure your Cybertruck for when Tesla starts delivering the vehicles in late 2022. But, really. Do you want to wait another two years before you can tear up the road with your Cybertruck? Of course you don’t.

Well, now you don’t have to. If you really want one, there are two versions of the Cybertruck that will be available in December of this year. Of course, these are a little smaller than what Tesla has planned.

Make that a lot smaller. Because these Cybertruck­s are coming out courtesy of toymaker Mattel.

The Hot Wheels Cybertruck­s come in two sizes: a 1:10 scale-sized radio controlled car that costs $400, and a 1:64 scale-sized radio-controlled model that will set you back just $20. Mattel said that while purchases of its Hot Wheels Cybertruck­s can be made now, the toys won’t begin shipping until December.

The Cybertruck­s already appear to be a hit, because according to Mattel’s website, the larger version is already sold out. Mattel said consumers can sign up to be notified of when new larger Hot Wheels Cybertruck­s may become available.

But for those who have already placed their orders, they may be getting as close to the real thing until the life-sized Cybertruck starts shipping in a little more than two years.

According to Mattel, the bigger Cybertruck comes with functionin­g headlights and tail lights, all-wheel drive featuring “Chill” and “Sport” modes, ostensibly to go with whatever terrain you are driving the truck over, a Tonneau cover that goes over the Cybertruck’s rear “vault”, a telescopic tailgate that folds out into a loading ramp and a removable plastic body that will reveal Cybertruck’s interior and allow access to the internal battery and drivetrain system.

And, in a nod to the Cybertruck’s auspicious last fall, it will also come with a reusable cracked window sticker so that you can pretend you threw the steel ball that shattered two of the Cybertruck’s windows during Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk’s big unveiling of the vehicle last November.

Tesla didn’t respond to a request for comment. Thus, it is not yet known if Mattel will be making any dolls of Elon Musk, or his girlfriend, Grimes, to go along with its new Cybertruck­s.

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