
USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Shaquille O’Neal watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Shaquille O’Neal watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Shaq’s garage isn’t just a collection; it’s a spectacle. Shaq’s collection is already stacked with some of the wildest custom cars out there—ones that could easily rival Michael Jordan’s and LeBron James’. And just when you think he’s done, he goes and levels up again. Earlier this year, Effortless Motors turned heads when they dropped a bombshell on social media. “Shaq’s New 2025 Escalade IQ, designed by Effortless Motors—they just keep pushing the limits! 🔥 26-inch Travis Scott Cactus Jack Forgiatos 💥, blacked-out 🖤, and starlights 🌟 turning this into a true masterpiece,” they wrote. Safe to say, the hype was real.
But this wasn’t just any Escalade—it was built to match Shaq’s larger-than-life personality. Sitting on a dedicated EV platform crafted at Cadillac’s Michigan EV facility, this beast packs a serious punch. Under the hood—or rather, within its electric motors—it cranks out a jaw-dropping 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. That’s not just power; that’s pure dominance on wheels.
Inside, it’s a whole other level of luxury. The all-black trim gives it that sleek, menacing look, while a Rolls-Royce-style starlight headliner makes the interior glow at night. But the real signature touch? The grille surrounds, proudly featuring “Diesel” script—a nod to Shaq’s nickname and a staple across his custom fleet. So, when the moment finally arrived for Shaq to take delivery, it should have been a celebration, right? Not exactly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As Effortless Motors handed over the keys, Shaq wasn’t convinced. “I can’t even fit in my IQ, bro,” he said. But CEO Ahmad Abdelrahman wasn’t having it. “I promise you’re going to fit in this one,” he shot back. That’s when Shaq upped the stakes: “If I fit in this IQ, you’re going to have my Hellcat.”

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Shaquille O’Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
What happened next? Ahmad proved him wrong. “Don’t ever, ever test Effortless Motors, man. Have a seat. Not only is it the first IQ, it’s the first one that will fit a 7-foot-1 NBA legend,” he said. Shaq, stunned, only said: “Oh my God.” And just like that, his $100K Hellcat was gone. As Ahmad drove off, Shaq stood there in the middle of the Vegas street, screaming, “Why?!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shaquille O’Neal once traded Hellcat for Cyberbeast
From luxury SUVs to tricked-out sports cars, Shaquille O’Neal’s garage is stacked with some of the unique builds out there. But in 2024, the Diesel took a surprising turn—swapping his beloved Hellcat for Tesla’s Cybertruck Cyberbeast. In a clip shared on his Instagram stories, Shaq was seen stepping out of the futuristic truck before handing over the keys to his Hellcat in the trade-off.
Effortless Motors, the dealership behind the swap, didn’t miss the chance to highlight the moment. In a video posted to their official page, Shaq looked thrilled as he climbed out of the Cybertruck. “Since you gave me a great deal on the Cybertruck, the Hellcat is yours,” he said, sealing the trade with a smile. For a guy who loves muscle cars, this was a big shift—but was it worth it?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What’s your perspective on:
Did Shaq make a smart move trading his Hellcat for a Cybertruck, or is he missing out?
Have an interesting take?
Let’s break down the numbers. A Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody sits at around $74,000, while the Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast carries a hefty $101,985 price tag. Clearly, the Cybertruck costs more, making it a solid deal for Shaq.
Still, the person who got Shaq’s Hellcat didn’t exactly lose out. While its market price is $74,000, Shaq’s signature customization—Diesel branding and custom mods—easily pushes its value much higher. So, in the end, both sides walked away happily.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Did Shaq make a smart move trading his Hellcat for a Cybertruck, or is he missing out?