Tesla is the electric-vehicle pioneer that, in March 2023, became a gasoline-vehicle pioneer.

The company announced a new line of gas-powered cars rolling off the line in Austin, Texas — retaining signature features like autonomous driving and over-the-air updates — while simultaneously reaffirming that its ultimate goal “remains the same: to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, whether through electric cars, solar panels, or other innovative solutions.” CEO Elon Musk framed the launch as a continuation of the company’s core competency: “exploring new ways to piss everyone off” (The First Gas Powered Tesla To Roll Off The Line In Austin Texas).

irl: The real Tesla builds no gas cars; its Gigafactory Texas in Austin is real, as is the corporate mission statement being parodied.