Wild build is a Halloween hit, and we can see why
A second-generation Toyota Prius and Tesla Cybertruck are two cars that appear to have almost nothing in common, both in terms of execution and how they’re perceived by the motoring world. But for one Utah-based gearhead, these polar opposite cars made for the perfect opportunity to create a mashup that nobody could’ve envisioned. Meet the Cybercop, a Cybertruck-inspired oddity that conceals the interior and mechanicals of a 2004 Prius. Looking like something to be taken as seriously as the plot of Police Academy, this project’s heart is in the right place, with 100% of the $4,550 sale price going to a charitable cause.
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Despite spoofy details like the cop-car lights, “not a real cop” script on the nose, and fake ammunition equipment, the Cybercop is clearly inspired by Tesla’s electric pickup. The sharp lines and distinctive roofline can’t be inspired by anything else on the road, and considering a humble Prius sits under the skin, builder Johnny Lange has done a good job getting the proportions as right as they are.
He admits that the idea started with the idea to poke fun at the Cybertruck, so began a four-month long journey once he acquired the Prius. He created an exo-shell with .5 square steel tubing, before welding the shell together and attaching it to the Prius body, which previously had its hood and some other parts removed. Don’t expect it to match the bulletproof strength of the actual Cybertruck, though.
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A vinyl wrap in light and dark brushed metal followed, before the decals were applied. LED light pods and front/rear LED lights were added, while the blue lights at the top can be covered with black socks to comply with local laws. It rides on sporty-looking black alloys.
An air horn and siren are equipped; just be sure when and how you use them, or you could find yourself being chased by a new Jeep Wagoneer cop car.
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Lange retained the basic Prius mechanicals and underpinnings, so the Cybercop won’t be chasing anything down. The combination of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor delivers just 76 horsepower – a far cry from the new, much more powerful Prius – but the owner claims there are no leaks and it doesn’t smoke. The original Prius covered roughly 209,000 miles, so it’s far from fresh, but the creator says it drives well as long as you don’t attempt too many steep canyon climbs.
This project is all about the exterior, as the cabin is stock Prius. The beige cloth seats and basic dashboard contrast sharply with the attention-grabbing exterior, and the rear hatch still opens for some decent packing space. Both the heating and air-conditioning work.
After selling it for $4,550, Lange says this entire amount will go towards Utah’s 10-33 Foundation. This organization is “dedicated to preserving the memory of Utah peace officers who tragically sacrifice their lives in the line of duty, and to providing meaningful financial help for the families they leave behind.”
Not only does the Cybercop elicit smiles wherever it goes, but its sale is making a real difference.