

Lifestyle
Tesla enthusiast celebrates Elon Musk’s daring, rebellious streak in epic illustration
Elon Musk is arguably one of the world’s most notable visionaries today, but at his core, he is still a rebel. He rebelled against the conventions of the United States’ space program with SpaceX, and he rebelled against the fossil fuel industry with Tesla. It has never been easy for Musk, as his career is defined by one big risk after another. It is no secret that despite his estimated net worth of $20 billion, Elon Musk still lives on the edge, seemingly teetering on the edge of success or failure.
A Rebel’s Journey
Marine veteran and entrepreneur Shawn Wylde is also a lifelong rebel. Raised in a chaotic household, Wylde eventually made his way to the military. His path was paved with controversy, as he faced expulsion from the Virginia Military Institute after leading a student revolt against the administration after they overly punished a group of students. From there, Wylde served as an officer in the US Marine Corps, where he was eventually deployed to Iraq. Wylde dealt with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD after his deployment, which resulted in a downward spiral that ended with him serving time in federal prison.
It was during his incarceration that Wylde came up with what could very well be his best business idea to date. While trying to figure out how he could raise money to pay off his lawyer, the former marine opted to try his hand at designing a clever, hyper-patriotic (and to a point, satirical) shirt that he could sell to fellow military members. His plan worked, and it allowed him to raise more than enough cash to pay for his legal counsel. While in federal prison, the former marine continued brainstorming ideas for his business. After serving time and while on house arrest, Wylde launched his online clothing store — American AF — which features a collection of humorous and hyper-patriotic clothing that pokes fun at every corner of US politics and history.
- American AF’s ‘Mad Musk’ illustration. (Photo: Shawn Wylde/American AF)
Mad Musk
That said, Wylde’s recent project is a step away from American AF’s usual political fare. This time around, the former marine opted to focus on a person that he considers the “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur” — SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Inspired by the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max, and using his flair for pop culture-inspired humor, Wylde launched American AF’s latest flagship illustration — Mad Musk, which features a determined Elon Musk confidently riding an electric Mad Max Interceptor while fighting aliens on Mars. In a statement to Teslarati, the former marine described his inspiration for the piece in the following statement.
“We tend to idolize the big names in tech, but I think the vast majority of founder success stories could have been written about somebody else, if timing and luck were different. That is, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, etc., while amazing companies, would have been created by somebody else if not by the founders that got there first. But not Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Co. No way these would exist without Elon Musk. I think that’s what sets him apart from the other startup megastars. Also the fact that he keeps starting new companies. Most successful entrepreneurs realize how lucky they were and how brutal it is, and so they transition into being investors. It’s safe and easy. But not Elon. He goes and invests all his money into insanely risky startups. It’s mad really. That’s why we created Mad Musk,” he said.
In true American AF flair, Mad Musk is riddled with references from Elon Musk’s past ventures notable moments. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Starship could be seen in the background, and the Tesla logo stands proudly on top of a flagpole. These Elon Musk references extend all the way to the Tesla-Mad Max Interceptor itself, from the cover to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, his “worth it” tweet after his run-in with the SEC, solar panels from Tesla Energy, as well as the logos of Zip2, X.com, PayPal, and Blastar, a game that Musk created as a child. Some humorous illustrations in the vehicle also include Jeremy Clarkson (a reference to the former Top Gear host’s controversy with the original Roadster), and a 1990s Calvin Sticker that quite literally targets TSLA short-sellers. Of course, the logos of The Boring Company, Neuralink, and Ad Astra (shown in Musk’s armband) are also prominent in the illustration.
- American AF’s ‘Mad Musk’ illustration. (Photo: Shawn Wylde/American AF)
- American AF’s ‘Mad Musk’ illustration. (Photo: Shawn Wylde/American AF)
- American AF’s ‘Mad Musk’ illustration. (Photo: Shawn Wylde/American AF)
American AF’s ‘Mad Musk’ is riddled with references to Elon Musk’s ventures. (Photo: Shawn Wylde/American AF)
Elon Musk’s Determination, Another Man’s Inspiration
Ultimately, Mad Musk is Wylde’s ode to Elon Musk’s determination and grit, as well as his stubborn refusal to give up. Wylde noted that he actually wanted to work at Tesla since he finds the company’s mission inspiring. Considering that the electric car maker already has someone that’s “a lot smarter” than him, Wylde notes that he might as well help Musk from the outside by showing, in his small way, that the daring CEO pretty much embodies the American dream. Plus, Wylde tells us, “Tesla is made in the USA,” making the electric car and energy company truly American AF.
“After reading up on Elon, I get the sense that he was a child prodigy who suffered a traumatic upbringing that–despite being tragic–somehow resulted in a guy who has nearly unlimited perseverance, passion, and goodwill to give the world. I just think he’s a really authentic, sincere person that isn’t motivated at all by money or power. He’s a creator and engineering is his art,” Wylde said.
In my recent interactions with Shawn Wylde, he mentioned that he really hopes that Elon Musk would like his company’s fun, quirky illustration. That said, the former marine also joked that he would settle for Musk not hating the picture, and for not suing American AF for using his likeness. Shawn also noted that if Mad Musk proves successful, his clothing company would create more dedicated Elon Musk-inspired merchandise, particularly one that features the CEO and a car that he recently reserved from Tesla — a next-generation Roadster.
Elon Musk’s refusal to give up and his raw determination is something that could not be denied. It is this characteristic that made SpaceX and Tesla what they are today. Ultimately, these characteristics have also inspired people from all over the world. Beyond Shawn Wylde and his clothing company, Elon Musk’s daring ventures have also created a dedicated community of electric car owners who promote Tesla through their self-made films, and who are willing to pay it forward when needed.
American AF’s current collection of Elon Musk merchandise could be viewed here.
Below is a humorous video from American AF about Elon Musk being the ultimate “dream weaver.” Do note that Kimbal Musk also makes a very special announcement at the end of the video.
Lifestyle
Tesla brings perhaps the coolest interior feature to cars in latest update
Tesla adds on to the “fun” aspect of its vehicles.

Tesla has brought perhaps the coolest interior feature to its cars in a new update that is rolling out to vehicles now.
The feature will require a newer vehicle that has interior ambient lighting, which is present on the new Model S, Model X, Model 3 “Highland,” and Model Y “Juniper.” The Cybertruck also has ambient lighting strips throughout.
Tesla Model Y’s ambient lighting design changes revealed in leaked video
With the Version 2025.26+ Software Update, Tesla is rolling out a new “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music” feature, which is available on the Tesla Toybox:
Turn your Tesla into a rave cave with the new Light Sync feature 🎶
Rolling out now in software update 2025.26+ pic.twitter.com/IIsQxZ9jDP
— Tesla (@Tesla) July 29, 2025
To enable the feature, you’ll access the Toybox, choose “Light Sync,” and then choose “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music.”
Although it does not improve the performance of the vehicle, it is yet another example of Tesla making one of the coolest cars out there. This is truly a cool add-on that can be used to impress your friends and family.
Elon Musk
xAI, Musk Foundation helps schools near Memphis supercomputer site
Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI and the Musk Foundation have been supporting Memphis-Shelby County Schools with HVAC repairs and facility upgrades, while also funding youth programs for students in the area.
Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.
xAI’s school visits lead to facility repairs
Representatives from xAI visited John P. Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School, all of which are located near its Colossus supercomputer site, to assess HVAC systems, plumbing, gym facilities, and athletic fields. The visits resulted in a list of priority repairs, some of which were completed in April and May.
In addition to the repairs, xAI also shared a number of initiatives that are planned for students in the area, as stated in a Commercial Appeal report.
“xAI is working on providing STEM workshops for local students, donating equipment to technical training programs, and supporting job fairs to boost employment opportunities. These initiatives reflect xAl’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” xAI noted in a statement.
Musk Foundation donation
Apart from xAI, the Musk Foundation also donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, enabling the reopening of two club sites located at Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School. Both locations had closed earlier this year due to lapses in funding. As per xAI, the Musk Foundation’s donation allows clubs to reopen for almost 1,000 students.
The donation will fund staffing, supplies, and transportation, among others. “Kids are the future of humanity,” Elon Musk said in a statement, adding that students need “every chance to shoot for the stars.”
“We’re honored to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in reopening these sites, giving kids in underserved communities the tools to build brighter futures,” Musk said.
The gift was praised by local officials, including Boys & Girls Clubs board chair Michael Garriga, who stated that the “commitment will ensure the youth of our community have the opportunities they need to develop their skills and talents to become successful students and future citizens.”
Lifestyle
EV fans urge Tesla to acquire Unplugged Performance for edge in fleet and security industry
Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles.

A growing number of Tesla enthusiasts and longtime community voices are calling on the electric vehicle maker to acquire Unplugged Performance, a California-based aftermarket company best known for tuning Tesla vehicles and developing specialized government fleet solutions under its UP.FIT division.
The idea was once considered a niche proposal among EV fans, but it is now gaining serious attention not just as a performance play but as a strategic move to deepen Tesla’s roots in the fleet and security industry.
A strategic fit
Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, from track-optimized components to visual and aerodynamic upgrades. But in recent years, its UP.FIT division has pivoted toward a more functional future by outfitting Tesla vehicles like Model Ys for police, military, and government use.
That work has sparked growing calls for closer collaboration with Tesla, especially as the EV maker increasingly leans into autonomy, AI, and fleet services as core components of its next chapter.
“I posted this four years ago, but I think it’s more true now than ever,” wrote Whole Mars Catalog, a well-known Tesla investor and FSD Beta tester, on X. “Tesla should buy Unplugged. But not just as a Performance division. What they are doing with UP.FIT unlocks large government and commercial fleet purchases that can improve utilization.”
Tesla fans such as shareholder Sawyer Merritt echoed the sentiment, calling Unplugged a “great fit within Tesla.” adding, “They are literally located directly next to Tesla’s design studio in Hawthorne.”
Enabling the next wave
Supporters of the idea noted that integrating Unplugged into Tesla’s corporate structure could help accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in government sectors. With UP.FIT patrol cars already in use across some U.S. police departments, Tesla fans envisioned a future where self-driving Teslas could potentially revolutionize law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and public service logistics.
“Just imagine how autonomous patrol cars could transform policing and bring us into a safer future,” the veteran FSD tester wrote.
The benefits could also extend to Tesla’s existing consumer base. “They also have some incredible products in the works that I think will appeal to many ordinary Tesla drivers — not just those looking for performance or mods. Stuff that’s so good it should have come straight from the design studio next door,” Whole Mars Catalog noted.
Unplugged Performance, founded in 2013, shares not just a product vision with Tesla, but also geography. Its Hawthorne headquarters sits directly adjacent to Tesla’s design studio, and the two companies have maintained a close working relationship over the years. The aftermarket firm has long positioned itself as a “mission-aligned” partner to Tesla.
In response to the recent calls for acquisition, Unplugged Performance acknowledged the support from the community. “Our very existence is to support the Tesla mission with @UpfitTesla and @UnpluggedTesla,” Unplugged CEO Ben Schaffer posted on X. “We love working with Tesla and are grateful for the community’s support since 2013!”
-
News1 week ago
Tesla hints a smaller pickup truck could be on the way
-
Elon Musk2 weeks ago
Elon Musk gives key update on plans for Tesla Diner outside of LA
-
Investor's Corner2 weeks ago
LIVE BLOG: Tesla (TSLA) Q2 2025 earnings call updates
-
Elon Musk2 weeks ago
Elon Musk’s Neuralink posts massive update with new milestone
-
Elon Musk2 weeks ago
Tesla Supercharger Diner officially opens: menu, prices, features, and more
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla sells 3 million Model 3 since 2017, one in every 1.5 minutes
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla rolls out update to Robotaxi service that makes pickups so much better
-
Investor's Corner2 weeks ago
Tesla analyst says this stock concern is overblown while maintaining $400 PT