y now, all of us have heard about, asked questions, and maybe even sampled “Artificial Intelligence,” commonly known as AI. But what exactly is AI? The quick answer is: AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. AI can be used across many fields, allowing machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing new styles, designing upcoming hot rod projects, and, importantly, making decisions.

Does it influence our lives as hot rodders? More importantly, will it affect or take over our hobby of “hot rodding”? Will it make things better or just more predictable? Will it impact design and trends, report history accurately, or change the narrative and rewrite history? Will it replace the human element of our hobby—those of us who report, lay out, produce, print, and distribute our favorite monthly “rag”? Well, the short answer is “yes” to the above questions, but the “real” question is, “To what extent?” In fact, all of this is happening and has been happening, but not as fast as AI is capable.

When considering the role of AI and its connection with hot rod car magazines, several interesting points emerge. On the positive side, there is a strong likelihood that AI will create future jobs. It will foster creativity. Editors and writers will use AI for inspiration, developing new “angles” for stories or expanding on existing content. Ultimately, it will be the combination of vast amounts of data and the writer’s personal insights that will produce new and more engaging articles. The integration of AI, a modern tool, with a writer’s creativity could lead to richer content. (And you thought everything that could be written on the small-block Chevy has been written? Nope, more to come.)

Currently, the data available in the world of AI is extensive but still contains many inaccuracies. When I researched this editorial, I looked up the names of three well-known hot rod builders. Every reader of Modern Rodding has seen these names in our pages or met these builders in person, and the results were eye-opening. Yes, each name appeared and information was available. However, it was pretty unsettling how much of that info was simply wrong. (Don’t take it from me—look up some famous builders and compare your notes to AI.) Having a friendship with each of these builders, I checked to make sure I had the correct scoop. AI was wrong too often to be considered reliable. I also asked AI, “What was the car that won the first America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy at the National Roadster Show?” And here is the answer I received: “The first America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy was awarded in 1950 to a 1949 Cadillac convertible owned by Arthur G. Smith. This award is a highlight of the Grand National Roadster Show, celebrating exceptional custom roadster designs.” (Motor Trend did indeed award the 1949 Cadillac its first Car of the Year in 1950.) You be the judge based on what you know from your own archives—whether it’s your memory or what you’ve read in your favorite car magazines over the years.

I also played a little game with the show’s title. Initially, it was the “National Roadster Show,” and it wasn’t until 1962 that it would be known as the “Grand National Roadster Show.” Here is the AI answer to this question: “No, the Grand National Roadster Show was not always called by that name. Originally, it was known as the ‘Oakland Roadster Show’ when it first took place in the 1950s. Over the years, it evolved into the Grand National Roadster Show, becoming one of the most prestigious events for custom cars and hot rods. The name change reflected its growing significance in the automotive culture.” Hmmm, I beg to differ.

I searched for the same question on Google and found many answers that seem correct to me. Wikipedia provides a quick, detailed, and easy-to-read explanation. So, the information is available, and now it’s up to you to decide which one to trust. The answer isn’t complicated, but as more of our history becomes “ancient,” will future hot rodders know who or what to believe?

AI will definitely improve. It will become faster and reach more people. Errors from the past could happen if AI incorrectly depicts car evolution and events. Personality mistakes relate to the tone or uniqueness of human writers, which can be hard for AI to copy. It’s important for publications to keep humans (yes, I am “human”) involved to reduce these risks.

Avoiding AI-generated content may stem from concerns about maintaining authentic voices, ensuring quality, or preserving the history of hot rodding. The aim should be to combine the strengths of both technology and traditional expertise to produce engaging and trustworthy content.

In conclusion, although AI has great potential to impact hot rod car magazines, the process is complex and demands a careful balance of technology and human insight. The goal is to maintain the integrity and creativity of the automotive stories featured.

And the obvious question for those reading this editorial is, “Did AI produce this editorial?” The short answer is “No.” But the deeper answer is that AI has existed since the creation of the first dictionary, style guide, managing editor (and we have the best in Sarah, “thank goodness”), and my favorite IBM Correcting Selectric I electric typewriter from years past—word processors and beyond. Nowadays, built-in spelling and grammar software is present in every device we use to generate sentences, texts, or “symbolic” or “visual” writing. Humans, including magazine writers, have always looked for “tools” to help them with their work. When used properly, tools encourage creativity and boost productivity. Sometimes, it even grants more free time (what’s that?), which is best spent in the garage—whether wiping down your favorite ride or hauling home the rusty parts that will become the next “current ride.” AI is here; it’s up to all of us to make it work for us and make the world a better place. Let’s face it, all of us could use some extra time to work on our current project—or next.