Joshua RiveraUpdated on: October 12, 2024 10:14 am GMT
Shaquille O’Neal is making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his basketball skills. The NBA icon has recently unveiled his latest luxury car: a customized Tesla Cybertruck. While the massive electric vehicle stirs excitement among car enthusiasts and fans, it also raises eyebrows due to its reputation for having various flaws.
Shaq’s New Ride: The Cyberbeast
Shaquille O’Neal, who is well-known for his extravagant taste in cars, took to Instagram to show off his new acquisition, dubbed the “Cyberbeast.” His post featured sleek black detailing and rear carbon fiber fender flares, highlighting the car’s unique, customized look.
In his Instagram post from September 6, Shaq announced, “Big news! @shaq just got the first wide body Cyberbeast… and it’s all thanks to LeBron.” This makes it the second Tesla Cybertruck in Shaq’s car collection, which reportedly amounts to more than $2 million.
Even Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, noticed Shaq’s new wheels, sharing the post with a simple compliment: “Nice.” However, the excitement surrounding the Cybertruck is tempered by reports of ongoing problems associated with the car.
Concerns Regarding the Cybertruck
While the Cybertruck has buzzed with attention since its release, it has not escaped criticism. Many current owners have reported various issues, leading some to question Shaq’s decision to buy another one.
- Staining Issues: The stainless steel exterior of the Cybertruck is prone to rust and corrosion, especially in rainy conditions.
- Safety Concerns: There have been accounts of physical injuries from operators not fully understanding the car’s door function and the potential hazards of the “frunk” (front trunk). In one incident, a driver sustained injuries that required stitches.
- Automatic Car Washes: Several Cybertruck owners have reported they cannot take their vehicles through automated car washes.
- Recalls: Almost 4,000 Cybertrucks were recalled earlier this year due to an accelerator pedal issue.
Despite these highlighted issues, Shaq’s reasons for purchasing a second Cybertruck were straightforward. The first truck he bought was in Las Vegas, and rather than have it shipped to his new place in Atlanta, he chose to buy another one for convenience.
The Backstory Behind Shaq’s Purchase
Shaquille O’Neal’s introduction to the Tesla Cybertruck came about through Effortless Motors, a California-based auto broker. Initially, Shaq reached out to the company after NBA star LeBron James criticized it due to an intern’s misleading post. Impressed by the Cybertruck, Shaq made the decision to go ahead with the purchase.
Although Shaquille and Musk seem pleased with the collaboration, not all of Shaq’s fans share their enthusiasm.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Following Shaq’s Instagram reveal, reactions varied widely. Many users have taken to platforms like TikTok to voice their opinions, racking up millions of views on clips showcasing the vehicle.
Some of the comments have been critical, such as:
– “The Cybertruck is evidence that people will buy anything.”
– “For what? It’s just an overpriced sheet of metal.”
– “I thought Shaq was better than this.”
However, some followers applauded the luxury vehicle, noting both its appearance and Shaq’s unique customization. One positive comment stated, “First Cybertruck I’ve seen that actually has a good look to it.”
A Valued Addition?
Shaquille O’Neal’s decision to buy another Cybertruck reflects both personal preference and a penchant for eye-catching automobiles. Even as discussions about the vehicle’s flaws and ongoing issues unfold, Shaq seems to be more focused on enjoying his customized rides.
It remains to be seen how the market will react to the Cybertruck in the long term. With high-profile owners like Shaq and Elon Musk advocating for the model, one can expect it to maintain a significant presence on the streets, even if it faces its share of challenges.
As for O’Neal, who can say? This huge electric car might just show off his one-of-a-kind style and how popular he is, making him a real star both on the basketball court and beyond.
