A Massive Supercomputer Controls Tesla’s Autopilot

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla is known for its propensity for cutting-edge technology. It seems that every other week Elon Musk is announcing some cool new feature that Teslas can do or will soon be able to do. As Tesla gets closer to showing the world their Dojo supercomputer, they gave us a glimpse of their new supercomputer. Tesla’s new supercomputer is massive, with amazing capabilities. 

The new Tesla supercomputer | Electrek

What is Tesla’s new supercomputer?

Electrek reports that Tesla just revealed their new supercomputer, and it’s pretty incredible. It’s the fifth most powerful computer in the world, which by itself is an amazing piece of information. Think about all the computers in the world doing incredible things. Then consider that the Tesla supercomputer is even more powerful than those. 

Tesla’s new supercomputer is going to do big things for Tesla’s semi-autonomous self-driving system. In Teslas, this system is known as Autopilot, though as of yet it isn’t fully autonomous. Tesla is working on a fully autonomous system, called Full Self Driving (FSD), though it isn’t clear whether that will truly be fully autonomous, either. Elon Musk has said that self-driving will happen within a year and then backtracked, saying it’s “tricky.”

As Tesla moves toward more autonomous systems in their vehicles, supercomputers like the one just revealed are more important than ever. This most recent supercomputer is responsible for training the neural networks that Teslas use to learn how to operate independently. Neural networks collect information and share it within their network so that the computers may “learn.” This new Tesla supercomputer collects 4D images from Tesla onboard cameras, and trains the car to respond appropriately. 

Tesla’s new supercomputer also must run programs within the car, to operate everything that Teslas can do. 

What is the Dojo supercomputer?

Tesla’s new supercomputer is already almost old news. This is because Tesla is already building an even more amazing supercomputer, which they’re calling the Dojo project. The Dojo project was a secret, but as with many things in the automotive industry these days, it didn’t remain that way for long. Of course it didn’t help that Elon Musk talked about it and then tweeted about it. 

In fact, the Dojo project was first mentioned on Tesla’s Autonomy Day in 2019. Then, Musk said, “The goal of Dojo will be to be able to take in vast amounts of data and train at a video level and do unsupervised massive training of vast amounts of video with the Dojo program – or Dojo computer.”

Then, almost a year ago, Musk took to Twitter to announce that Tesla was looking for people to take part in the Dojo project. Tesla was looking for top AI or computer/chip people to help develop what would be a truly astonishing computer. 

The Dojo project will be how Tesla trains its FSD vehicles. Musk discussed how powerful it would be at the time, stating that it would be capable of an exaFLOP. An exaFLOP is basically a computer that can process an almost unthinkable amount of information in a very short amount of time. If you like computers, you’ll want to know that an exaFLOP can perform 10^18 (one quintillion/100,000,000,000,000,000) calculations per second. 

What does this mean for Tesla?

A red Tesla Model 3 zips down the highway.
Tesla Model 3 | Tesla

Tesla’s new supercomputer means that Tesla’s technology is becoming even more advanced. As Tesla gets closer to unveiling and utilizing the Dojo supercomputer, the rest of the world is still pretty impressed with their regular supercomputer.

RELATED: Waymo Versus Tesla Autopilot: Which Will Win

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These Compact Hybrids Hold as Much Cargo as SUVs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Once, compact hybrids like the Toyota Prius were too compact to be as practical as their SUV competition. Thanks to advances in battery technology that has changed. Now, it’s almost too easy to find a compact hybrid that will offer you 99% of the practicality as a compact SUV at half the size. Easier parking isn’t the only upside here, and these Consumer Reports picks are the best of both practicality and fuel economy.

2021 Honda’s Insight compact hybrid

2021 Honda Insight hybrid | Honda

So, kicking off the list is Honda’s Insight hybrid. The model is effectively a hybridized Honda Civic, which is not a bad place to start. Fitting of this list, the Insight’s best attribute is its fuel economy. Testing from several publications, Consumer Reports included, reveals that the Insight manages a healthy 54 MPG. But, there’s more to the Insight than just outright fuel economy.

The electric system in the compact hybrid gives it great acceleration, a far cry from the laziness of the first-gen Toyota Prius. What’s more, there’s also plenty of great safety features and storage to be had. Highlights are forward collision warning and lane-keep assist, but there’s plenty more on offer depending on the trim level. However, it must be said that the gas engine can be bothersome and noisy, and the sedan body style isn’t as practical as some hatchback offerings.

Toyota’s 2021 Corolla compact hybrid

A white Toyota Corolla hybrid on an empty road
2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid | Toyota

Unfortunately, the 2021 Toyota Corolla doesn’t do any better with regard to cargo capacity. Once again, the model is let down by its low roof and small trunk, arguably more so than the Honda. Just like the Honda, the Corolla’s powertrain becomes lacking once the gas-powered motor kicks in, also due to cabin noise. Thankfully, this is where the issues end for the Corolla, keeping it a strong contender in the compact hybrid segment.

Standard features are the name of the game for this little Toyota, which has plenty to offer in this regard. In addition to managing a strong-ish 48 MPG, the Corolla packs a lot into its small frame. From standard Android Auto and Apple Carplay, the Corolla goes from strength to strength with its safety features. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise are optional, but cost next to nothing, and are certainly worth looking hard for.

Toyota’s 2021 Prius Prime

A red Toyota Prius in a photo studio
2021 Toyota Prius hybrid | Toyota

Talking of Toyotas, it’s time to move to the best of the best on this list. The perennial compact hybrid: the Toyota Prius. In Prime spec, the Prius offers plenty of storage space, allowing it to keep pace with larger SUVs. Also on offer are Toyota’s suite of safety features, as mentioned above.

Offering an excellent 69 MPG overall, the Prius barely sips gas. The small hybrid has been the high watermark for this segment for some time, and it continues its dominance to this day. If a small, practical, hybridized vehicle is what you’re looking for, it is nearly impossible to go wrong with the Toyota Prius.

RELATED: Consumer Reports: Best Used Cars for the City

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The Best American Trucks According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Say you’re shopping for a new truck but want one from a traditional U.S. brand. Which new pickup is the best to go with? Well, according to Consumer Reports (CR), you’ve got two options worth considering. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, which is the best American compact truck, or the 2021 Ram 1500, which CR says is, hands down the best American truck. Let’s find out what makes these American trucks so great.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is the best American compact truck

2021 Jeep Gladiator | Stellantis

When it comes to compact trucks, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator has a lot to offer. It’s not only the best American compact truck, but it also outranks popular pickups like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and the Chevy Colorado. Though, having earned such high scores from CR, it’s no surprise as to why.

In fact, according to CR, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator earned a 65 overall score. CR also gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating and a five out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. CR reports that drivers will likely be most pleased with the pickup’s styling and driving experience when it comes to this American truck.

Perhaps the only downside to the Jeep Gladiator is that it didn’t do so hot in road tests. As a matter of fact, CR gave this year’s model a measly 52 in its road tests. According to CR, while the Gladiator’s standard V6 engine “supplies robust, linear acceleration,” steering is mushy, and the ride is stiff.

CR tapped the 2021 Ram 1500 as the best American truck 

A 2021 Ram 1500 towing a boat by a lake
2021 Ram 1500 | Stellantis

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator isn’t the only pickup truck CR highlighted. It also tapped the 2021 Ram 1500 as one of the best American trucks. And for good reasons too. CR gave this year’s Ram 1500 a 63 overall score, ranking it above new pickup trucks like the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, and the Chevy Silverado.

CR also awarded the 2021 Ram 1500 with a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. The Ram 1500 didn’t earn the most impressive predicted reliability rating, however. In fact, CR gave this year’s model a two out of five predicted reliability rating. The good news is that RepairPal gave it an Above Average reliability rating.

As for how the 2021 Ram 1500 did in CR’s road tests? CR gave it an 83 overall score, which is nothing short of impressive. In fact, CR reports that when it comes to driving the Ram 1500, it’s surprisingly agile for a truck of its size. “No other full-size pickup truck rides as comfortably as the Ram,” CR added.

Here’s how these American trucks stack up to each other

But how do the 2021 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Jeep Gladiator compare? After all, CR highlighted both models as some of the best American trucks. When it comes to overall scores, these pickups are neck in neck. The Gladiator earned a higher overall score, but the Ram 1500 followed so closely behind it that the difference in overall scores is negligible. It’s the Ram 1500, however, that did significantly better in road tests. Meanwhile, the Gladiator was given much higher predicted reliability ratings.

But, here’s the thing, the 2021 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Jeep Gladiator are very different trucks. While they may have earned similar overall scores, choosing between these American pickups really comes down to what you’re looking for in your next truck. After all, the Gladiator is a compact pickup truck that boasts a best-in-class 7,650-pound gas towing capacity, and the Ram 1500 is a full-size truck that can tow up to 12,750-pounds. But if you’re set on buying an American truck? These two options make for a good place to start.

RELATED: The Most Fuel-Efficient New Pickup Trucks According to U.S. News

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Struggling Genesis G90 Just Won a Surprising 2021 Award

by Gabrielle DeSantis

What makes a car great? Is it the ability to pair a phone easily, or how comfortable the seats are? Or does the horsepower really matter? Good Housekeeping took a different view from other critics when it decided to release “The Best New Family Cars of 2021” list, and the 2021 Genesis G90 was one of the top picks. There are questions as to whether the G90 will be in the Genesis lineup much longer, however.

Good Housekeeping knows how to put a car through its paces

Good Housekeeping may not be well known for reviewing vehicles, but it took a different take on vehicles when testing them. While specs like how much horsepower a vehicle gets and what type of powertrain is under the hood were taken into consideration, Good Housekeeping looked more at convenience. 

The reviewers test-driving the cars did so from the viewpoint of people who would be driving it every day by putting in car seats, pairing up phones, and seeing how noisy the car is when the radio wasn’t blazing. Each car was driven over 5,000 miles by different testers, and each was on a different stretch of highway. They drove through cities and calm country roads, on busy highways and winding roads.

Other factors Good Housekeeping took into consideration were the fuel economy, safety features, and the vehicle’s value. It also took note of what Car and Driver think about the vehicle.

All this resulted in “The Best New Family Cars of 2021” which listed 18 vehicles that passed the vigorous tests put before it. One of those was the 2021 Genesis G90.

The 2021 Genesis G90 really impressed Good Housekeeping

Genesis may not be the best-known luxury brand yet, but it’s slowly starting to gain critical attention. Good Housekeeping liked the G90 enough to award it the title of “Best Luxury Full-Size Sedan.”

The G90 comes equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 365 hp. The other engine option is a 5.0-liter V8 with 420 hp. It’s loaded with lots of fun features such as the 12.3-inch touchscreen. Add in a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, and it’s easy to see why Good Housekeeping recommended the 2021 Genesis G90.

What the review site really liked was the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty offered by Genesis. No other luxury automaker offers a warranty like this, and it really shows that Genesis stands behind its products.

Good Housekeeping was also impressed with the seats that heat and cool. While heated seats are becoming common enough, cooled seats are still relatively new. Anyone who lives in a hot climate will quickly come to love it, however.

The G90 may be on the chopping block

While there is no denying that the Genesis G90 is a great vehicle, the sales figures aren’t that stellar. A quick glance at GoodCarBadCar, reveals that the G90 hasn’t sold over 500 vehicles in a single month since it hit dealership floors in October of 2016. In fact, the most it ever sold was in January 2017, when 468 vehicles were purchased. Given all this, there are rumors floating around the auto world hinting that the G90 will soon go the way of the Pontiac Aztek.

There’s still hope for G90 lovers, however. Motor1 reports that a new Genesis G90 has been spied cruising the streets of Germany. It’s hard to know much about what this new G90 will bring to the table since it was dressed in full camo, as well as fake body panels. Despite this, it’s good to know that Genesis hasn’t given up on the G90 just yet.

RELATED: The Worst Part About Driving the Genesis G90

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