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James May brands tech system 'insincere' and made by 'socially inept' people

James May said the system felt inauthentic after he tested its personas, children’s trivia and accent changes on a Tesla road trip.

  • On Sunday, former Top Gear presenter James May tested Tesla's Grok-powered AI assistant during a road trip to Hull, calling the Ara persona "insincere and phoney" in a video on his Planet Gin YouTube channel.
  • Accompanied by producer Lucy Brown, May explored the Tesla Model 3's capabilities through trivia games and accent requests. The system offers multiple personas, including the upbeat Ara and the more soothing Eve.
  • When asked for Cockney rhyming slang, the assistant replied, "Sure thing, me old China plate. What's on your mind, apples and pears?" after May requested a British accent.
  • May criticized the AI's design, suggesting it was created by "socially awkward" people who are "a bit socially inept." He argued the assistant attempts to sound charming but ultimately fails to feel human.
  • Prime Video confirmed that all six episodes of the rebooted The Grand Tour will stream from Friday, September 4, featuring a brief appearance by May, Clarkson, and Hammond.
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James May brands tech system 'insincere' and made by 'socially inept' people

James May has criticised the Tesla Model 3 AI assistant after putting it through its paces during a road trip

·Stroud, United Kingdom
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Wiltshire Times broke the news in Trowbridge, United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
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