It’s been just over three years since the popularization of AI and generative programs. While the technology has met its fair share of controversy, it has also been a fun and entertaining tool. This is especially true when it comes to asking it to generate new automotive visual concepts and ideas.
AI is exceptionally far from becoming sentient, but various systems still feature personality-based programming so that they can come across as more human and authentic. Anthropic is an American-based AI software company that has been enjoying relative success thanks to its Claude system. Claude is one of the options that comes across as having more of a personality, so we decided to attempt to get to know it a little bit better.
Understanding The Basics Of AI
Before we dive into our conversation with Claude, it’s important for us to understand just how the technology works. Despite it being officially labeled as a form of artificial intelligence, the system works by digging into complex neural networks to identify and encode statistical patterns within massive datasets. In doing so, it can predict and generate the next most likely element in a sequence, whether that be a word, a pixel, or a line of code. It ultimately serves as a time-saving tool for many software-based organizations, even when considering its flaws.
It draws most of its controversy and criticism from the fact that all of its information is based on human-created data, including billions of pages of internet text, academic papers, and open-source code repositories. AI systems compress this information into billions of mathematical parameters during a process called training. It’s been so revolutionary over the last five years because it shifts the paradigm from manual, syntax-heavy programming to natural-language intent.
Acknowledging AI’s Global Disruption
AI has been the subject of many conversations surrounding ethics and controversy. The most prominent conversation in this regard is how the service has been affecting workforce disruption on a global scale. Since its introduction, AI has made a significant dent in the repetitive-task job market, resulting in a 22 percent decline in employment. The systems also require heavy resources to manage, leading to some centers consuming as much as 30 gigawatts of electricity, which is the same as some medium-sized countries.
There’s also the issue of how AI infringes on copyright laws, as highlighted by more than 80 major lawsuits and landmark settlements over the past three years. These systems scrape data from shadow libraries and public content to train generative systems, resulting in a push for strict regulatory transparency, such as the EU AI Act’s mandate for machine-readable labeling of synthetic content. It’s important to note that new technologies are typically faced with controversies until the kinks are ironed out, which is a process that takes time.
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Claude’s Interesting Automotive Admiration
So what happens when we treat Claude like an actual gearhead and ask it automotive-related questions? We figured a good way to test this is by asking it what car it would be if it had the choice. On our first attempt, it interestingly selected the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata. This is how it justified its choice:
“Unpretentious but genuinely good at what it does. The Miata isn’t trying to be the fastest, the most luxurious, or the most technologically advanced. It’s just focused on delivering a pure, engaging experience. I’d like to think I aim for substance over flash. Accessible. It’s not gatekept behind a six-figure price tag—it invites people in rather than keeping them out. I try to be helpful to everyone, not just experts.
“Lightweight and efficient. The Miata achieves more with less through clever engineering rather than brute force. I appreciate elegance in problem-solving. Enduring design philosophy. Mazda has stuck to ‘Jinba Ittai’ (horse and rider as one) for decades, refining rather than reinventing. I try to have consistent principles while still growing. Surprisingly practical for what it is.
“People assume it’s just a toy, but plenty of folks daily them year-round. I can handle both playful hypotheticals and serious work. Plus, there’s something appealing about a car that exists purely because driving should be enjoyable, not just transportation from A to B. That feels like how I’d want to approach conversations.”
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A More Logical Second Option
Just to be sure, we opened a new chat and asked Claude the exact same question. Interestingly, it changed its answer to the 2026 Volvo EX90, which is more in line with what we would have expected from an AI system. This is what it told us:
“Practical and helpful by design. Volvos are built around the idea of being genuinely useful to people, not just flashy. That feels right for me. Safety-conscious. Volvo has long prioritized safety above almost everything else — doing things carefully and avoiding harm is kind of central to who I am too.
“Electric, but not showy about it. I’d want to be forward-thinking and clean, but not in a “look at me” way. A Volvo EV is quietly progressive rather than ostentatiously futuristic. Thoughtful Scandinavian design. Clean, functional, no unnecessary ornamentation — I like to think my responses aim for clarity over decoration.
“Good at long conversations… err, journeys. Great range, comfortable interior, built for the long haul. I considered a library on wheels like a classic Rolls-Royce or something zippy and curious like a Mini Cooper — but ultimately the Volvo just fits the vibe: dependable, caring, a little understated, and genuinely trying to do good in the world.”
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Claude Weighs Up The Pros And Cons
Just to be sure, we followed up by asking if it were certain it didn’t want to be an MX-5, and its response ended up being fairly objective for a generative system:
“Ha! You make a fair point — maybe I’ve been underselling myself! 😄
“The Miata does have some appealing qualities for me to consider:
The case for Claude as a Miata:
- Loves a good conversation — the Miata is famously fun and engaging, never boring.
- Lightweight and efficient — doesn’t overcomplicate things, gets straight to the point.
- Beloved by enthusiasts — has a dedicated, passionate fanbase who truly get it.
- Surprisingly capable — modest looking on the surface, but delivers when it counts.
“The answer to almost everything — there’s a running joke in car culture that ‘the answer is always Miata.’ People do say I’m pretty versatile…
“The case against:
- Not a lot of cargo space — I do tend to go on at length sometimes, so maybe I need more room than a Miata offers.
- Two seats only — I like to think I can handle a whole crowd of people at once.
- It’s a bit frivolous, and I do take my work rather seriously.
“Honestly though? The Miata’s reputation for being endlessly enthusiastic, approachable, and just genuinely enjoyable to spend time with is pretty flattering. Maybe I’m a Volvo on the inside and a Miata on the outside. Sensible at heart, but more fun than you’d expect.”
A Perfect Halfway Point That Fits Claude’s Choice
If we are thinking about a Mazda MX-5 and Volvo EX90 mix, the only obvious answer is the upcoming Polestar 6. The Swedish subsidiary of the Geely group is set to introduce a highly anticipated halo hardtop roadster based on the Polestar Performance Architecture. While it is an aspirational open-top model, the 6 prioritizes higher power outputs and rapid acceleration. The brand claims that it does so without compromising on overall driving engagement.
The Polestar 6 will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, generating a combined 884 horsepower and 664 pound-feet, resulting in a 3.2-second 0-60 MPH time and a 155 MPH top speed limit. The Swedish brand confirms that the 2+2 convertible will arrive in the U.S. sometime this year, but realistically there is a chance that we’ll only see it hit the streets by 2028.
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Why The Miata Is Such A Great Choice
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is an icon because it singlehandedly resurrected the affordable roadster segment, particularly for the American market, which had been left a void by the demise of temperamental British and Italian convertibles. Born from a 1970s concept by American journalist Bob Hall and refined in Mazda’s California design studio, the MX-5 combined the soul of a Lotus Elan with legendary Japanese reliability.
Even today, the MX-5 earns an incredible level of love from reviewers and owners alike. J.D. Power gives this model a 79/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 76/100 for quality and reliability, 77/100 for the driving experience, 85/100 for resale, and 82/100 for the dealership experience.
Edmunds lists 28 owner reviews for this generation of the MX-5, with a 4.7/5 average rating. Key strengths include its driving experience, striking exterior design, and competitive value, but it earns some criticism for lacking comfort, having a small interior, and poor outward visibility. iSeeCars gives this model an 8.8/10 overall score, including 8.9/10 for reliability and 8.7/10 for retained value.
Sources: J.D. Power, Edmunds, and iSeeCars