AI and Car Design - What Could Go Wrong?

There's been a considerable amount of talk around some new Artificial Intelligence generators that can take two or more words and mash them into one picture. Naturally, I decided to play around with some car brands, models, terms, etc.. Keep in mind this is the 'mini' version of the free internet generator, Craiyon. 

What if...

Tesla and Ford 

I don't really see the Ford part here, unless they're inserting the Ford Mach-E. It's essentially a less sleek Tesla Model 3. Unfortunately, the generator also often pops out closeup images as well. 

My rating: 2/10

McLaren and Toyota

This is interesting. If you look really closely, you could maybe see a Prius or Supra. But once again, one of the prompts is overwhelming the other. 

My rating: 3/10

BMW and Lamborghini

I now understand why this 'service' is free - it's hardly impressive. Here we have a Gallardo or Huracan, but my best guess for the BMW side would have to be a M8 or M5. Not quite a good mashup.

My rating: 3/10

In conclusion, the software is still in development. None of the prompt selections I played around with were remotely well done. Hopefully this means robots won't be taking over anytime soon. 

Josiah Peters, MTT

Hyundai N-Vision 74: Pounding on the Misery for Rivals.

 For a hot minute, Hyundai/Kia/Genesis has been an absolute force to be reckoned with. In the last 3 or so years, you would have to seriously look at the lineups of that trio before making a purchase. Want a Civic? You could very well go for the Kia K5 or Hyundai Elantra. Thinking about a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander? You would be mistaken to overlook the wonderful Kia Telluride. The Genesis brand is also filled to the brim with gorgeous and luxurious sedans and now SUVs. And of course, the Kia Stinger will embarrass an Audi or BMW sports car for much less cash. 

 In recent car shows, the South Korean franchise demonstrated that they can and will continue their outright dominance on the industry in different ways. The N-Vision74 is one of the most exciting things to come out of the brand recently, and that's saying something.  

Starting with the N-Vision 74, because how couldn't you. MotorTrend called it the "Hottest concept car of the decade", and I agree. Before you complain about it being non-production, many people inside the brand are reportedly pushing for it to reach the market. Hyundai says the vast majority of the technology and hardware inside the 74 are already used across other models. 

The name '74' harks back to another Hyundai concept car, designed in 19744 by G. Giugarrio. He also designed the 2010 Camaro and Bentley Continental GT and was aiming to hit a similar home run for the South Korean brand. Although that never worked out, I have a funny feeling that, if the N-Vision74 hits the market, it will be one of the all-time successes for the company, and the sports car world. 

If there's one thing that worries me, it's what powers the 74. It's a fuel cell. That might ring a bell, because every time an automaker experiments with a fuel cell, it's a disaster. The Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are some standout examples. However, Hyundai have been rocking with fuel cells for decades, so I trust them to figure it out. After all, they are arguably the best car company in the world, barring sports car brands. 

"We would like to make this car as soon as possible," N brand management team department head Joonwoo Park says

It's exciting stuff. Although price and power have not been confirmed yet, it's safe to say it will follow the Kia/Hyundai formula. Less money than competitors + more power/luxury/value = production ready. 

Signing off -

Josiah Peters, MTT