Mercedes has embarked on a trailblazing journey with a three-month AI integration trial within select vehicles. Picture this: querying your MBUX system about the best California beaches for a leisurely barefoot stroll. The AI-enhanced response transforms simple interactions into insightful conversations, making your driving experience richer. But fear not, as the Mercedes AI system operates on an opt-in basis, residing within a secure closed network. Your car remains your companion, not just a controller.

MINI is not to be left behind in the tech race. At MINIUSA.com, potential buyers can now engage with an AI voice clone, delving into a unique self-dialogue about their interest in the MINI Electric. This interactive AI experience crafts shareable videos tailor-made for social media platforms, adding a personal touch to your car-buying journey. It's not just a car; it's a connected experience.

Ever wished your car could valet itself? BMW has heard your wish. Say hello to a seamless valet solution that lets you effortlessly drop off your car and watch it autonomously valet. When you're ready to hit the road, a simple prompt returns your vehicle. The future of parking convenience has arrived.

Get ready for a visual feast! Those jaw-dropping hyper screens you've seen in models like Cadillac and Mercedes are set to become standard features in future cars. But if you're not a fan of colossal screens, BMW has something for you too. Imagine a panoramic heads-up display stretching elegantly from A-pillar to A-pillar, utilizing your windshield like never before.

Your car's security is taking cues from your smartphone. Just like your trusty iPhone's seamless recognition, facial recognition is making its debut in the automotive world. Mercedes pioneers fingerprint scanners for ultra-luxury models, while the Genesis GV60 uses external facial recognition to unlock its doors. This cutting-edge feature is set to become a staple in every car. And hold onto your seats – literally! The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduces electric seats with a waterproofing system, defying the challenges of the past.

From AI-powered conversations to captivating displays, these groundbreaking technologies offer a glimpse of what's in store for the automotive world. It's time to embrace the excitement of change as these features reshape our driving experiences, promising an exhilarating journey ahead.

Get ready to rev up your engines for a future that's nothing short of extraordinary.

To save costs, Ford farmed out development of vehicle control modules, which govern the operation of everything from engines to seat adjusters, to suppliers like Bosch, Farley explains on a recent episode of the Fully Charged Show podcast, starting around the 25-minute mark. This allows Ford to pit suppliers against each in competitive bidding, saving about $500 per vehicle produced, but means Ford must use a supplier’s software for a given module.

“They don’t talk to each other,” Farley said. “So even though it says ‘Ford’ on the front, I have to go to Bosch and get permission to change their seat-control software.”

The suppliers own the software in modules they supply to Ford, and the sheer number of suppliers—about 150, according to Farley—makes managing vehicle software difficult.

Ford is trying to address this by completely in-sourcing its next-generation electrical architecture, Farley said, and writing more software in-house. But that presents its own challenge. Engineers used to working on previous generations of internal combustion vehicles lack the necessary software experience, while dedicated software engineers lack experience with safety-critical automotive systems, Farley said, citing this as a reason for the company’s 2022 business split into EV and non-EV passenger-car units.

Ford began a shift to OTA updates with the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, and has added features like enhanced Amazon Alexa voice controls this way. For some of the earliest customers, Ford also enabled its BlueCruise driver-assist system through an OTA update after purchase. But other automakers have been more nimble with OTA updates.

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While some recalls still require a service center visit, Tesla has been able to eliminate the need for many by uploading new software. Lucid even narrowed a recall pool with a piece of software pushed to its vehicles. Jaguar, meanwhile, showed the possibilities for legacy automakers with an OTA update to battery energy control module software addressing battery fire concerns.

The BMW i7 Protection made its debut on Wednesday and is billed by BMW as the first armored sedan with an electric powertrain. It makes its formal debut in early September at the 2023 Munich auto show, together with an armored version of the gas-powered 7-Series.

It appears the big battery in the floor of the i7 Protection, in this case a lithium-ion unit with a usable capacity of 101.7 kwh, is no impediment to armor protection as the vehicle has been certified with a VR9 safety rating from Germany’s VPAM, an association of test labs for ballistic materials and construction.

That’s the highest rating for civilian vehicles and means the i7 Protection’s body and glass provide resistance to military-grade small arms like M14 and FAL-FN rifles from 33 feet, and at least three shots from a heavy machine gun like an M60, from a similar distance. The vehicle is also able to withstand aerial drone attacks with explosive charges, as well as hand grenade attacks, according to BMW.

Key to the vehicle’s strength is what BMW refers to as the Protection Core. This is a self-supporting body structure made from armor steel that is then combined with additional armor plating for the underbody, roof, and doors. Mercedes-Benz relies on a similar concept for its armored S-Class sedan.

Armored glass is used for the windows, while the fuel tank gets a special casing that is able to seal itself after being hit by a bullet. The wheels are 20-inch light alloys wrapped with Michelin PAX run-flats. Even when punctured, these tires enable the vehicle to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph.

Despite all the extra protective gear, the interior remains as plush as in any other member of the 7-Series, though here too there are additional protective elements. These include an onboard air system to protect against a gas or fire attack. Flashing lights, radios, and a panic alarm system can also be added should the buyer desire.

The i7 Protection borrows the powertrain from the i7 M70 xDrive, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that is rated here at a peak 544 hp. Performance is hindered by the extra weight of the armor protection, with BMW quoting a 0-62 mph time of nine seconds and a top speed capped at 99 mph. The automaker hasn’t mentioned what range owners can expect.

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The gas-powered version gets a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 good for 523 hp.

Deliveries of the i7 Protection and the gas-powered 7-Series Protection start late this year.

One of those companies is Sacrilege Motors, which plans to show off its first conversion on August 20 at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the highlight of Monterey Car Week.

Based in Lakeville, Connecticut, not far from the Lime Rock Park racetrack, Sacrilege Motors is run by Bobby Singh, who has more than 30 years of experience restoring and maintaining Porsches for both the road and track. Together with fellow Porsche enthusiast Phil Wagenheim, Singh aims to deliver 911 EV conversions that maintain the driving dynamics of the original icon while reducing its need for maintenance and dependence on oil.

“We want to deliver an analog, air-cooled-era 911 with the reliability and instant power of an EV, while preserving an exhilarating driving experience that’s familiar to air-cooled 911 enthusiasts,” Singh said in a statement. “Retaining the 911’s best handling characteristics, with added performance and upgraded components, all while reducing its environmental impact, was our ultimate goal.”

Sacrilege Motors specializes in 911s ranging from 1974 up to 1994, and is able to restore or modify virtually all aspects of the car. For its first conversion, nicknamed the Blackbird, the company used a 1992 Porsche 911 America Roadster, a limited-edition model with standard Carrera running gear but the wide body of the Turbo.

In place of the car’s original 247-hp flat-6 and Tiptronic transmission is an electric motor from a Tesla Model S, rated at 500 hp and mated to a single-speed transmission. The battery is a 62-kwh unit that on a full charge will deliver 200 miles of range, according to Sacrilege Motors. The company also claims a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds.

Other modifications include adjustable Penske racing shocks, Brembo brakes, and 18-inch Fiske forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires measuring 235/40 up front and 295/35 at the rear.

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Sacrilege Motors has managed to keep weight below 3,200 pounds, it claims, but perhaps more impressive is the weight distribution, which the company said matches that of the donor 911. This is helped by having most of the electronic hardware in the rear of the vehicle, where the engine normally sits.

“We’ve kept the same weight distribution, which is crucial to the car feeling like a Porsche 911 should,” Singh said.

Pricing information hasn’t been announced.

Kia only announced pricing for gas models powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Prices for the 2024 Kia Sportage hybrid and 2024 Sportage plug-in hybrid have not been announced yet.

Every Sportage comes well equipped with a suite of driver-assist features that include LED headlights with automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active lane control, parking sensors, and a rear-occupant alert. Standard convenience features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and Bluetooth pairing for two phones simultaneously.

The base LX costs $28,415, including a $1,325 destination fee. All-wheel drive costs $1,800 extra across the lineup except on X models, where it is standard.

The $30,415 EX might be the best value, buffing up the standard 17-inch wheels with 18-inchers and adding gloss black bits to the exterior. Inside, it swaps out cloth upholstery for synthetic leather, and upgrades to a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, though it loses wireless connectivity despite adding a wireless smartphone charger. Someday soon, Hyundai/Kia will correct this confounding head unit. The EX also adds blind-spot monitors and a safe-exit warning to alert occupants of a cyclist or car coming up on their blindside before exiting the car.

The SX costs $33,915 this year, but it’s no longer offered with AWD. Additional features include navigation-based adaptive cruise control, a Harman Kardon sound system, and the full gloss-black treatment outside.

It can be enhanced with the SX Prestige (AWD is available) that adds 19-inch wheels, premium synthetic leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and parking sensors. It costs $35,915.

The $33,215 X-Line model gets distinct bumpers and gloss-black side mirrors, roof rails, window surrounds, and 19-inch wheels. AWD is standard, but it otherwise has the SX features.

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The $37,415 X-Pro adds 17-inch wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich all-terrain tires and a locking center differential for some off-road power on uneven, rutted paths. Feature content is also the same as the SX, while the X-Pro Prestige follows the path of the SX Prestige and tops the lineup at $39,215.

The 2024 Kia Sportage gas model goes on sale soon.

Produced from 1936 to 1939, the 540K is distinguished by a 5.4-liter supercharged inline-8 producing 180 hp and enabling a 110-mph top speed—impressive stuff for the time. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. The chassis also boasts four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, making it fairly sophisticated for the period.

In the 1930s luxury cars were often delivered as bare chassis and then fitted with coachbuilt bodywork, but the auction listing notes that most 540K customers found the bodies offered by Mercedes suited them just fine. Of the 760 540K (and smaller-displacement 500K) vehicles built, just 70 left the factory in Sindelfingen, Germany, as bare chassis, the auction listing notes.

Stretching over this red roadster’s 128-inch wheelbase is coachwork from London firm Mayfair Carriage Works Ltd. Equipped with righthand drive, this 540K was also delivered new to a customer in London, before being sent to a new owner in Canada.

After going through a second Canadian owner, the car was restored by the father and son team of Richard and Stephen Mertz of Detroit over the course of two decades. The car was then refurbished in the mid-1990s, and repainted into its current red color.

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The 540K was the pinnacle of prewar Mercedes luxury cars, and that’s reflected in the pre-auction estimates of $3.5 million to $4.5 million. If that seems excessive, keep in mind that a 540K fastback coupe won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance just two years ago.

Farley and his party set off this week from Silicon Valley, driving south to Los Angeles and then east to Las Vegas, traversing parts of the iconic Route 66 along the way, the Ford CEO wrote in a LinkedIn post. Among the planned stops will be a charging station that Farley says prompted Ford’s deal to adopt the Tesla charge port, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), for future EVs.

Along the way, Farley plans to visit “researchers, businesses, dealers, salespeople, EV conversion shops, EV drivers, and communities” and use the same roads and charging infrastructure as ordinary EV drivers, in order to learn about the real-world experience of EV use. Farley noted that earlier in his career at Toyota, he applied insights from another road trip to improving the automaker’s bread-and-butter Camry midsize sedan.

“Listening is how we learn,” Farley said, “and that’s what we’ll be doing from the road.”

Farley may already be aware of one of the biggest issues in the current EV climate. In a discussion of Ford’s quarterly earnings report last week, he confirmed the automaker is lowering its 2023 EV production targets. Farley pointed to cost as the main reason, saying that more than 30% of consumers intend to buy an EV, but that high purchase prices are holding many potential customers back. He previously pointed to the start of an EV price war earlier this year.

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The F-150 Lightning has won the approval of truck buyers and media—in a first drive we found it to be nothing short of revolutionary—but it’s also a poster child for EV price inflation. While Ford in July lowered the price of the Lightning by $9,979 on the base Pro model, it had previously raised prices four times since the truck’s launch in April 2022. Even with the price cut, the current base price of $51,990 (including a $1,995 destination charge) is still 25% higher than the $41,669 base price from the time of its introduction.

The automotive industry is excited as the iconic brand introduces the first-ever all-electric 2025 Cadillac ESCALADE IQ, rewriting the rules of what a luxury SUV can be. Packed with cutting-edge technology, luxurious appointments, and a reimagined design, the ESCALADE IQ is poised to leave an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.

Embrace the Electric Revolution with Unmatched Range and Luxury

Imagine a luxury SUV that challenges conventions while preserving the essence of Cadillac's heritage. With an estimated range of up to 450 miles1, the ESCALADE IQ breaks free from the limitations of traditional internal combustion engines. This unparalleled range, driven by a 24-module Ultium battery producing over 200 kWh of energy, propels Cadillac into the forefront of the electric movement. With the ability to charge up to one hundred miles in just ten minutes4, the ESCALADE IQ proves that luxury and convenience can coexist seamlessly.

But the range isn't the only star of the show; Cadillac's commitment to luxury is unwavering. The interior of the ESCALADE IQ is an oasis of sophistication, blending artful design with cutting-edge technology. A monumental 55-inch diagonal LED display, reminiscent of the grandest theaters, serves as the centerpiece, powered by Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform12. With Google Assistant®, Google Maps, and Google Play13, the driving experience is reimagined as a seamless interaction between car and driver, setting a new standard for in-vehicle connectivity.

Performance Meets Precision: The Heart of the ESCALADE IQ

At the heart of ESCALADE IQ's revolutionary performance lies the Ultium Platform, an innovative EV architecture developed by General Motors. This platform allows for an expressive silhouette and ample space for passengers and cargo while maintaining the precise handling emblematic of Cadillac's legacy. The two-motor eAWD system, in harmony with an 800-volt DC fast charging capability, transforms the SUV into a powerhouse, delivering up to 750 horsepower, 785 lb.-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph sprint in less than five seconds6. This amalgamation of power and efficiency sets the stage for the future of performance in the electric era.

Autonomous Driving Reimagined: Super Cruise Takes the Wheel

The ESCALADE IQ is more than just an SUV; it's a technological marvel that pushes the boundaries of autonomy. Super Cruise2, the industry's first true hands-free driver assistance system, propels the ESCALADE IQ into the realm of the future. With precision LiDAR map data, real-time cameras, radars, and GPS, Super Cruise creates a sensory field that ensures a safe and hands-free journey along over 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada. As the driver's comfort and convenience are elevated, Super Cruise accelerates, brakes, and changes lanes, demonstrating the harmonious dance between technology and human experience.

Design Elegance Meets Performance: The Visual Symphony of the ESCALADE IQ

The ESCALADE IQ's design is a blend of elegance and performance, capturing the bold presence of its lineage while embracing the unique opportunities of electric architecture. A sleeker profile and optimized aerodynamics result in an unmistakable silhouette that commands attention. With a longer hood, a faster-sloping roofline, and dramatic lighting choreography, the ESCALADE IQ sets a new benchmark for SUV aesthetics. The interplay of form and function is evident in every curve, delivering an aesthetic experience that evokes emotion.

Crafted to Elevate: The Spacious and Immersive Interior

Step inside the ESCALADE IQ and be greeted by an interior that transcends luxury. With a panoramic fixed glass roof, customizable ambient lighting, and a curved 55-inch diagonal LED display, every detail has been meticulously designed to create an immersive experience. Advanced features like the Executive Second-Row Seating package, massaging seats, and an AKG Studio Reference audio system envelop passengers in a cocoon of comfort and technology. The interior of the ESCALADE IQ is not just a space; it's a work of art that speaks to the future of automotive luxury.

Conclusion: A New Horizon for Luxury and Performance

The 2025 Cadillac ESCALADE IQ isn't just a vehicle; it's a testament to Cadillac's enduring commitment to innovation, performance, and luxury. As the automotive world hurtles toward an electric future, the ESCALADE IQ is a shining example of what's possible when bold design meets innovative technology. With unparalleled range, autonomous capabilities, and a seamless fusion of luxury and performance, the ESCALADE IQ paves the way for a new era of automotive excellence. Buckle up and prepare to embrace the future, where driving becomes art and luxury knows no bounds. 

Testing has already been in operation on Austin’s streets for the past few months and the first rides to members of the public will take place around the end of the year, the Alphabet-owned company said in its announcement.

The service will operate around the clock and travel to popular destinations, including downtown, Barton Hills, Riverside, East Austin, Hyde Park, and more.

Other cities for the Waymo One service include Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, though only the Phoenix service is open to the public without restrictions. In San Francisco, some journeys are restricted to selected riders who have signed nondisclosure agreements, and in Los Angeles the service is still only open to Waymo employees.

The strategy is key to Waymo’s delivery of a safe and robust service. The process starts with initial testing and mapping with a human doing all the driving. It then progresses to testing with the company’s Waymo Driver self-driving system, but with a safety driver behind the wheel. The next step is testing without the safety driver, and then finally a public service, first with selected riders and then the general public.

Waymo currently relies on Jaguar I-Pace electric crossovers and Chrysler Pacifica minivans for its robotaxi prototypes. The company plans to move to a dedicated robotaxi developed by Geely’s Zeekr EV brand, though timing for that change hasn’t been confirmed.

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The latest announcement comes a month after Waymo said it is pumping the brakes on development of its self-driving service for the trucking industry, in order to focus on Waymo One. The company is still working with partners, such as Daimler Truck North America, on developing self-driving truck technologies, however.

This seamless integration of cutting-edge VR technologies takes location-independent driving to an entirely new level, setting the stage for a thrilling and immersive experience like never before.

BMW M Mixed Reality is the brainchild of visionary minds, powered by innovative VR/MR (Mixed Reality) technologies that blend the real and digital realms. To get an insider's perspective, I had the opportunity to ride with Alex Kuttner, the Project Lead for BMW M Mixed Reality at BMW M. He shed light on the magic behind this driving adventure, where the physical world fuses with virtual elements in a natural and intuitive manner.

One of the key achievements of BMW M Mixed Reality is its virtual experience with virtually no latency, ensuring users can immerse themselves without any fear of motion sickness. This means drivers can push the boundaries, drift, and maneuver at high speeds, all while enjoying a seamlessly synchronized and visually mesmerizing virtual environment.

The BMW M Mixed Reality experience, initially launched with the BMW M2, has now expanded to include the BMW M4 and will soon be extended to electrified models. To demonstrate its prowess, the Red Bull Drift Brothers, Elias and Joe Hountondji, took the virtual wheel and embarked on a captivating adventure on the surface of Mars. Their exhilarating testimonials further underscored the awe-inspiring fusion of reality and imagination that BMW M Mixed Reality offers.

The BMW M Driving Experience serves as the perfect platform for the world premiere of BMW M Mixed Reality. This unparalleled encounter allows driving enthusiasts and gamers alike to explore new frontiers and experience the thrill of controlling a BMW M4 in a virtual environment. The future is set to become even more exhilarating, with electrified models soon joining the immersive mixed-reality driving experience.

BMW M Mixed Reality transcends the boundaries of conventional driving experiences, ushering in a new era where real and virtual worlds converge harmoniously. With the incredible fusion of physical and digital elements, this driving adventure truly sets itself apart from traditional gaming and simulation encounters. BMW M has unleashed an unparalleled opportunity for drivers to embark on thrilling adventures, revolutionizing how we experience the road ahead. As we await the imminent arrival of BMW M Mixed Reality in Autumn 2023, the countdown to this revolutionary journey has already begun. Buckle up, dare to experience, and get ready to redefine your driving dreams.