Should the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux be worried? The best look at the 2023 Tesla Cybertruck shows that big changes have been made to prepare the launch of the electric vehicle.

The Cybertruck appears to be finally approaching its repeatedly delayed launch. (Image credit: Cybertruck Owners Club)

A near-production version of the divisive Tesla Cybertruck was spotted from afar last month, but we now have a better look at the all-electric full-size pickup thanks to a leaked large video and still images.

As expected, some big changes were made to the Cybertruck to get it ready for production, with a large vertical windshield wiper and black square side mirrors among the necessary additions, visible in the post posted on Cybertruck Owners Club.

But compared to the prototype unveiled in November 2019, the full-width front LED strip is thicker, the bumper and air intake are larger, and the indicators and possibly DRL are hidden in the gap between the old and stainless bumper. steel case.

The sides now feature stock alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, while the flush door handles have been removed in favor of sensors built into the B-pillars and C-pillars that allow the digital key to open the doors.

The side windows and sills appear to have grown, while the tailgate is button-operated and can be flipped flat or down to allow bikes and the like to be loaded into the tub.

As reported, there are several reasons why the Cybertruck has yet to enter production, including a notable shortage of semiconductors and question marks regarding battery availability.

So, when will production of the Cybertruck finally start? Tesla said a few months ago that it was now gearing up for the end of 2022 (a year later than its original forecast) and it was about to roll off the assembly line at a new plant in Austin, Texas.

However, at the beginning of this year Reuters reported that the launch of the Cybertruck in the United States has been pushed back to the first quarter of next year.

Interestingly, Tesla boss Elon Musk admitted in an August 2020 interview. Automotive News that the Cybertruck is unlikely to be sold outside of the North American target market due to safety issues elsewhere.

So why does Tesla Australia continue to accept pre-orders (with a fully refundable $150 deposit) for the Cybertruck on their website?

Understandably, there is some hope that the Cybertruck will eventually get ADR (Australian Design Rule) approval - and that could come in the form of an upcoming second version. Yeah StreetInsider said last week that it would be "about 15 to 20 percent less". Keep for updates.