Whether or not you’re a gearhead, there’s no denying that Elon Musk and his visionary car company provide peerless entertainment value. Musk’s antics and promises are so out-there that it’s always startling when he actually delivers. These fun facts about Tesla and its electric cars are just a taste of their eccentricities.
Spaced Out
Musk’s bucket list included sending a Tesla into space. Well, he checked that one off back in early 2018. He launched a cherry-red roadster into low orbit with a mannequin named Starman at the wheel—a David Bowie reference.
Shattered Promises
While introducing the first glimpse of his much-anticipated Cybertruck in 2019, Musk announced to the crowd in Hawthorne, California that the windows were unbreakable. Then, he turned and broke them with a steel ball.
Electric Dreams
The company states, “Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.” Sure enough, Musk has influenced automotive trends with other car companies announcing their commitment to all-electric vehicles—even gas guzzlers like Bentley.
By the Numbers
Musk’s audio system has volume levels that go to 11. That’s a faux innovation first seen in “This Is Spinal Tap.”
Modus Operandi
Musk is fond of adding “modes” to his vehicles. Some of them are publicized, like Ludicrous Speed Mode, an homage to 1987’s comedy “Space Balls.” Drivers randomly stumbled on some of the other Easter eggs. Just a few:
- Celebration mode: Park the car and step outside for this one. The Tesla will blast joyful classical music and flap its doors up and down.
- Mario Kart cowbell: Press the “autopilot” button quickly four times in a row, and the street display on your monitor will turn into Rainbow Road from the “Mario Kart” video game series. Then, you’ll hear the “Saturday Night Live” version of “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” complete with Will Ferrell on cowbell.
- Romance mode: The monitor will show video of a crackling fireplace, sensual music comes on, and the seats heat up.
- Sentry mode: If the driver is gone and the car senses an intruder nearby, it loudly plays the menacing organ music of Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” to scare them away.
- Emissions testing mode: There wouldn’t be quite so many fun facts about Tesla and its electric cars if Musk didn’t have the sense of humor of a 6-year-old. In this mode, your turn signal can turn into a variety of different fart sounds.
