Just as those who have reserved a Tesla Cybertruck may be waiting a little longer than expected for delivery, so too will those who have pre-ordered the Hot Wheels radio-control version, according to Bloomberg. Hot Wheels owner Mattel has reportedly said that it is missing its planned December shipping date due to "unexpected challenges." Commentators have been quick to point how true-to-life a delay would make a toy based on a Tesla vehicle.
Announced in late 2019, the Cybertruck is Tesla's electrified and rethought take on a utility vehicle, intended to offer the practicality of a truck with sports car performance. Its design captured the imagination of people when it was launched, so much so that in February, three months later, Mattel announced that it would be producing a radio-control Hot Wheels version for kids, Tesla fans, and collectors. The Cybertruck R/C line is being produced under the Mattel Creations banner, which launched in October to celebrate Mattel's 75th year and features curated pop culture limited editions, reimaginings of classic toys, and artist collaborations.
Unlike the real Cybertruck, the Cybertruck R/C was made available in two sizes — a three-inch 1:64 version for $20 and a larger 1:10 version for $400 — both of which sold out and were due to ship this month. However, a Mattel spokesperson quoted by Bloomberg cited an "unforeseen production issue" as the cause of the delay and gave a revised final delivery date of May 1, 2021. Tesla itself famously has history of missing deadlines, with the Model S, Model X, and Model 3 all having arrived later than planned.
The 1:64 Cybertruck R/C is designed at the standard Hot Wheels size and, in addition to being driven anywhere, can be used on Hot Wheels track and around its loops. It is said to be two-wheel drive with two different speed modes, to be able to reach up to "500 mph scale speed," and to be rechargeable from the controller.
The 1:10 version also has two speed modes but is all-wheel drive and can reach up to 25 mph in real terms. It is powered by a 9.9 V, 3300 mAh, rechargeable battery that affords it a 1:1 charge/run time and it has a plastic body that can be removed to show a full interior. Described as a "hobby-grade" model, the 1:10 Cybertruck R/C boasts a variety of working features, including headlights and taillights, a tonneau 'vault' bed cover, and a telescopic tailgate that folds out into a loading ramp. For those who have pre-ordered it, news of the delay will be frustrating, but it is likely to be a lot of fun and worth the wait when it arrives.
