

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 Semi futuristic sci-fi acceleration sound will never get old
Videos that capture the Semi moving at speed are most notable due to their sheer cool factor.

The Tesla Semi is not yet in mass production, but the company has accumulated over 7.9 million miles across its test fleet. With Tesla using the Semi for its operations, it is no surprise that sightings of the Class 8 all-electric truck have been abounding.
These sightings from Tesla enthusiasts vary, but those that capture the the Class 8 all-electric truck moving at speed are most notable, possibly due to their sheer cool factor.
Tesla Semi’s Roar
There is something that just stands out with the Semi, particularly on the road. While the Semi does not have the Cybertruck’s brutalist, angular design, it is still very striking because it’s such a massive machine that moves far too quietly for its size. This is, of course, one of the reasons why the vehicle also becomes extra noteworthy when it fires up its electric motors and accelerates.
Take this video from Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, for example, which shows the all-electric hauler accelerating while pulling what appears to be a full load. In these situations, the Tesla Semi actually becomes audible, but unlike traditional diesel-powered truck, the Class 8 all-electric truck “roars” with its own, unique futuristic, sci-fi sound. In such situations, one could feel the Semi’s raw power, which comes from its three independent motors on its rear axles.
Tesla Semi Ramp
Tesla has been promoting the Semi quite a bit as of late, and recent reports have suggested that the company is putting in a lot of effort to prepare the vehicle for its production in Nevada. Tesla’s Careers website has gone live with over 80 Semi-related job openings recently as well, and a recent report has suggested that Tesla has ramped the Semi’s factory workers in Nevada to over 1,000 employees.
The company has even shared an update video of the Semi factory’s progress near Giga Nevada, as well as the design of the vehicle’s new logo. The Semi’s updated logo is quite interesting as it features elements from the Tesla Model 3’s first logo, which was unveiled way back in 2016.
Lifestyle
Elon Musk jokes he will join Mr Beast’s “100 Men vs 1 Gorilla” challenge
It’s a good sign, if any, that the overworked Musk is becoming a bit more lighthearted again.

Following the first quarter Tesla earnings call, CEO Elon Musk seems to have become a bit more relaxed—relaxed enough to joke about fighting a gorilla with 99 other people, at least.
It’s a good sign, if any, that the overworked Musk is becoming a bit more lighthearted again and not too busy picking fights with politicians on social media.
The Viral 100 Men vs 1 Gorilla Challenge
Over the weekend, a post on social media platform X went viral. The post itself was quite simple, with user @DreamChasnMike stating that he thinks 100 men could beat one gorilla. “Everybody just gotta be dedicated to the sh*t,” the X user joked. The post exploded on the platform, garnering 284 million impressions as of writing.
The silly question also triggered a massive debate about whether 100 men would really stand a chance against a literal gorilla. Some users even lamented that the premise was a sign of male hubris. Nevertheless, the question proved to be a fun topic on X, with some more dedicated users even posting simulated videos of what the “100 Men vs 1 Gorilla Challenge” could look like.
Mr. Beast and Elon Musk Join In
The premise is quite similar to other viral videos from noted YouTube creator Mr. Beast, so it was no surprise that edited images of Mr. Beast YouTube thumbnails with “100 Men vs a Gorilla” also started spreading on the social media platform. Mr. Beast, who tends to be game to such silly ideas, actually reposted the edited image, joking “Need 100 men to test this, any volunteers?”
In true Elon Musk fashion, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO noted that he would join the challenge. “Sure, what’s the worst that could happen” Musk wrote in his post on X. Musk’s reply triggered quite a few laughs on X, with some stating that the world probably still needs the CEO.
While silly, Musk’s comment and his recent, more frequent posts about his companies’ products like Starlink and Grok have been received well by his supporters. Over the past months, after all, Musk has been very political and quite confrontational on social media. With Musk soon taking a step back from the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) daily operations, however, it seems like X will soon get a more tempered and lighthearted Elon Musk once more.
Lifestyle
Possible first glimpse of Tesla “Model 2” affordable car in Fremont Factory
The models that Tesla will release in the coming months will resemble the company’s current lineup.

During the Q1 earnings call, Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy set expectations on the design of the affordable models that the company is expected to launch this 2025. As per the Tesla executive, the models that Tesla will release in the coming months will resemble the company’s current lineup.
Drone footage from the Fremont Factory earlier this month might have provided the EV community its first potential glimpse at Tesla’s affordable cars–fondly dubbed by EV fans and analysts as the “Model 2” or even “Model Q”–or at least their components and overall shape.
The Sighting
Tesla watcher and drone operator Met God in Wilderness, who has been posting aerial videos of the Fremont Factory for years now, recently shared some footage from his drone flyovers this month. While the Fremont Factory was abuzz with activity as usual, a couple of rather strange vehicles were quickly spotted by EV watchers on social media.
During the drone operator’s flyover on the 17th, for example, an unfinished vehicle could be seen parked next to what appeared to be fully-built Model S and Model Y units. What was especially interesting was the vehicle’s roof, which seemed to be slightly narrower than the Model Ys around it. Based on the video, at least, the vehicle seemed to be shaped like a crossover as well.
Footage from the 24th of April also proved quite interesting, with the drone operator capturing footage of another cryptic vehicle. Unlike the mysterious, unfinished, crossover-esque car spotted on the 17th, this particular unit seemed to have a more sloping rear, at least based on the shape of its covering.
What Lars Moravy Said
In Tesla’s Q1 2025 Update Letter, Tesla noted that “plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025.” Tesla also noted that the new vehicles will utilize aspects of its next generation and its current platforms. They will also be produced on the same manufacturing lines as its present vehicle lineup, likely the Model Y and Model 3.
During the earnings call itself, Moravy specifically stated that the new models that would come out in the next months would resemble the company’s current vehicles. They will, however, be affordable. “Models that come out in next months will be built on our lines and will resemble, in form and shape, the cars we currently make. And the key is that they’ll be affordable, and you’ll be able to buy one,” Moravy stated.
Watch the drone operator’s footage from April 17 below.
The drone operator’s footage from April 24 can be viewed below.
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