Electric Cars

Motor1.com proudly announces the debut of its first interactive online experience: '1-On-1,' a daily trivia game meticulously crafted to assess and celebrate the depth of automotive knowledge among enthusiasts. This engaging new platform pits two legendary vehicles against each other in a series of five challenging questions, covering a spectrum of categories from raw performance metrics and market pricing to sales figures and intricate specifications. The game is designed to be a true test of a player's immediate recall and intuitive understanding of the automotive world, requiring swift responses within a strict 15-second time limit per question, thereby eliminating any external assistance and focusing purely on the player's intrinsic expertise.

Each day, participants are presented with a fresh matchup of iconic cars. The core objective is to accurately determine which vehicle triumphs in each of the five distinct categories. These questions delve into real-world automotive data, encompassing crucial details such as Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), acceleration times (0-60 mph), horsepower ratings, curb weight, production volumes, and even inflation-adjusted historical pricing. The game's design emphasizes quick thinking and genuine knowledge, as there's no opportunity for external research. Players must rely solely on their accumulated passion and understanding of automobiles.

The thrill of '1-On-1' lies in its fast-paced nature and the breadth of automotive facts it challenges. Successfully navigating the diverse range of questions requires a comprehensive grasp of various aspects of car history and engineering. Even an incorrect answer won't immediately disqualify a player, as all five rounds are completed, allowing for a full assessment of one's performance. At the conclusion, players receive a detailed final score and completion time, providing valuable feedback on their trivia prowess.

This innovative game offers more than just a personal challenge; it's a dynamic platform for community engagement. Players are encouraged to invite friends to compete, compare their scores with fellow Motor1 readers, and even see how their automotive acumen measures up against the Motor1 staff. The sharing of results, particularly scorecards posted in the comments section, fosters a competitive yet camaraderie-filled environment, ultimately revealing who among the community possesses the most profound knowledge of cars.

Hyundai is rolling out its innovative Pleos Connect infotainment system, a significant upgrade poised to redefine the in-car experience across its entire vehicle range. This advanced system centralizes vehicle controls and entertainment features onto a sleek 17.0-inch dashboard display, leveraging a customized user interface built upon Google’s Android Auto OS. The introduction of Pleos Connect marks a substantial leap forward in automotive technology, promising enhanced user interaction and a more integrated digital environment for drivers and passengers alike.

During a test drive of the Hyundai Grandeur on a South Korean highway, the focus was squarely on the expansive 17.0-inch screen that housed the new Pleos Connect system. While the vehicle itself is a luxury model specific to the foreign market, the infotainment system is destined for broader implementation. Despite the increased reliance on touch-sensitive controls, transitioning from physical buttons, the system proved remarkably intuitive. The underlying software utilizes Google’s Android Auto architecture, but Hyundai has meticulously developed its own distinct user experience, emphasizing ease of use and streamlined navigation.

The system's fundamental layout bears a resemblance to Tesla's design, featuring an instrument cluster on the left side of the display that provides crucial information such as vehicle speed, gear selection, and fuel or battery levels. A dynamic utility widget at the bottom adapts its icons based on real-time driving conditions. Essential climate controls are conveniently located at the display’s lower edge, with a more comprehensive suite of climate options accessible via a simple upward swipe. Drivers also have the flexibility to customize the menu bar by pinning frequently used applications for quick access.

For those who prefer a more traditional information display, certain models will offer a slim secondary screen positioned in front of the steering wheel, showcasing vital metrics like speed and fuel. Additionally, a large head-up display will be available as an option, providing redundant information projection onto the windshield, thereby enhancing safety and convenience. The user interface designers have ensured consistency through standardized icon sizes and integrated automatic light and dark modes that adjust according to ambient lighting conditions. The overall interaction with Pleos Connect is akin to using a modern smartphone or tablet, becoming progressively more natural with continued use.

Physical controls, though reduced, are still present on a separate dashboard panel, including toggle switches for temperature, volume and tuning knobs, hazard lights, fan speed, and driving mode selection. However, some users might express a preference for a higher number of tactile buttons. A highlight of the Pleos Connect system is the integrated AI assistant, Gleo, which Hyundai claims can interpret complex verbal commands. This functionality is designed to facilitate more natural conversations between the driver and the vehicle, enabling adjustments to settings or navigation requests through voice. For instance, a driver could command Gleo to activate a heated seat and set navigation to a doctor’s office in a single, fluid instruction.

Although the English language capability for Gleo was not yet available during the initial test drive, Hyundai assures that this feature is imminent. The potential of such an advanced AI assistant, drawing parallels to existing conversational chatbots, is highly promising for future automotive interactions. Like other contemporary infotainment systems, Pleos Connect will benefit from continuous refinements and enhancements delivered through over-the-air updates. Hyundai is also establishing an app marketplace, inviting developers to create applications that will run on the Pleos platform, potentially including a diverse range of games, lifestyle tools, and productivity applications.

The platform is designed as an open ecosystem, providing developers with a sandbox environment and access to vehicle APIs for software creation. All applications must undergo Hyundai's review process for safety and data security before being listed in the marketplace. For users who prefer smartphone integration, Pleos Connect offers seamless wireless support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Korean-market Grandeur sedan already features Pleos Connect, the system is expected to debut in the U.S. in the new Elantra compact sedan and Tucson SUV by the end of the year, with sales commencing shortly thereafter. Furthermore, versions of Pleos are anticipated to integrate into Genesis and Kia models, expanding its reach across the Hyundai Motor Group. The initial experience with the Grandeur revealed no significant bugs or usability concerns, suggesting that Pleos Connect, especially once Gleo gains full English proficiency, is poised for widespread adoption.