The long-awaited Tesla Cybertruck has emerged, evolved from its original concept but remaining faithful to its unconventional form. However, beneath the angular metal frame, not all has aligned with the initial visions first conjured in 2019.

As with most dreams that encounter the friction of reality, grandiose specifications have surrendered to limitations. The entry-level rear-wheel drive model once promised 250 miles of range for under $40,000; now, with battery constraints, the single motor stays pegged at 250 miles but for nearly $61,000 by 2025. Similar trade-offs haunt the dual motor variant, as range is estimated at 340 miles while price balloons by $30,000 beyond early estimates to a stout $79,900.

But the most shocking metamorphosis transfigures the tri-motor Cyberbeast—this aspirational halo now commands $99,900, over 30% higher than the predicted $69,900. Range and towing capacity clock in at 320 miles and 11,000 lbs. Early visions of a 500-mile, 14,000-pound towing cybernetic workhorse seem to have been tamed. The Cyberbeast can nonetheless rocket from repose to sixty in a breathtaking 2.6 seconds—as long as rollout is subtracted.

Still, elements of the truck’s raw quickness and dystopian aura persevere despite the numeric shortfalls. Acceleration and styling carry glimmers of the original light, even if range, pricing and tow ratings have dimmed. The Cybertruck may have evolved from its initial form, but as with any fantasy made real, reality has shaped this dream machine as much as imagination.