PlayStation maker Sony showed off a prototype electric car called Afeela at CES 2023. On Twitter, the car is currently getting cruppers.
Las Vegas, Nevada – Just a few months ago, Sony announced a new cooperation with Honda to enter the automotive sector. The partnership already seems to be bearing fruit: at this year’s CES (Consumer Electronics Show), Sony presented a first prototype of an electric car. The car bears the name Afeela – but it is only partially appreciated on the Internet. On Twitter, the jokes are at least as numerous as the compliments on the prototype.
Sony Afeela: A prototype electric car presented in Las Vegas – The jokes fuse on the Internet
It’s the car : It wasn’t until just six months ago, in the summer of 2022, that the public first learned regarding the joint venture between Sony and Honda. But the partnership is already showing its first results with a first prototype. Afeela, the first electric sedan from Sony Honda Mobility, was presented at CES 2023. The technical data is not yet complete, but the Afeela is known to be equipped with all-wheel drive and 45 cameras and sensors.
Sensors and cameras should enable a further advance in automated driving. Cooperation with Epic Games is even planned for the Afeela, which should include use of the Unreal Engine in the car. However, we do not yet know what this will look like. The PlayStation manufacturer should in any case already have enough experience with this engine.
Sony Afeela: jokes are raining on the Internet – but also recognition
Here’s how users are reacting on Twitter: First impressions of the Afeela prototype aren’t making everyone’s eyes widen on Twitter. The sedan’s largely characterless design, in particular, draws a few jokes, though it’s nowhere near as stark as that of Tesla’s controversial cybertruck. Here are some gems:
- « Sounds like the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word ‘car’ – I’m not talking in a good way. » – @tscooterr
- « Sony beat the Xbox! When is Xbox Auto? » – @cronieees
- « Afeel like it looks pretty plain » [Ich hab das Gefühl als ob er ziemlich schnöde aussieht] – @JenniferSensiba
- « But does Crysis work on it? » – @_UN_NERV_
This is all a bit reminiscent of other experiments Sony has done recently on Twitter. PS Plus’s free games in December 2022 had also been the subject of criticism on Twitter, with some users not liking the selection.
Nevertheless, some users are hopeful for the electric car. Many feel that the multimedia equipment inside the Afeela should be of good quality. Others are not bothered by the visual design of the car, only the prospect of the car’s price worries them. Sony Honda has not yet commented on the price of the Afeela, but the electric car is expected to go on sale in 2026.