A supposed announcement by Elon Musk about Tesla launching its first gas-powered vehicle created confusion online, before being revealed as an April Fool's prank. The article described a dramatic shift from Tesla's electric-only philosophy, presenting the move as a "disruptively backward regression" during a "super low-key livestream" on X, AOL mentioned in its report.
The fictional vehicle, rumoured to be called the Tesla Model G, was described as running on "premium gasoline only", with a starting price of $75,000. The piece leaned into irony, suggesting the real cost would climb much higher once fuel expenses and optional add-ons were considered.
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'Innovation is a circular argument'
The prank announcement framed the launch as a bold but contradictory move. When questioned about introducing a gas-powered vehicle, Musk was quoted as saying, "Innovation isn't a straight line. It's a circular argument."
The mock specifications added to the tone. The car was described as delivering 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds, "depending on confidence", and up to 410 miles per tank under idealised conditions. Even the engine sound was portrayed as a subscription feature priced at $30 per month.
The article by AOL mentioned that preorders were said to open immediately, with deliveries expected between late 2026 and an undefined timeline.
Features that leaned into satire
The fictional Model G included exaggerated features designed to parody modern tech car trends. Among them were autopilot limitations, a "Self-Filling Mode" that forgets its purpose, and "Over-the-Air Oil Changes" that simply notify owners. The minimalist interior removed buttons entirely, leaving everything controlled through a single touchscreen menu labelled "FU", described as short for "fuel utilities".
Additionally, the article went on to provide optional add-ons, including charges for door handles and even the steering wheel, pushing the fully loaded price beyond $1,20,000.
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Investor reaction and final reveal
The satire went on to include market reactions, claiming Tesla stock dipped and rebounded as investors tried to understand the announcement. One analyst was quoted as saying, "We don't like it, but historically, betting against Elon Musk has been bad for our mental health."
The piece concluded with a clear disclosure: "APRIL FOOLS! This article is entirely satirical and was published on April 1, 2026. Elon Musk and Tesla are not releasing a gas-fueled car, and all quotes and information in this piece are fictional."
