Most people don’t think of CES as an auto show, but the Global Consumer Technology Show in Las Vegas (USA) brings us many innovative automotive innovations every year. And this is completely normal – cars are progressing no worse than smartphones and are increasingly becoming not just a traditional means of transportation, but real computers on wheels.
In 2022, eminent automakers surprised the public with even cooler technological solutions and fantastic concepts, while the company, which is usually not associated with cars at all, spoke about its plans to go to the market and even showed an electric SUV. Collected the main and most interesting car premieres at CES 2022.
BMW iX Flow
Unusual chameleon crossover that can instantly change color
BMW at CES 2022 announced the iX M60 crossover with an expressive design and a twin-engine unit with a capacity of 619 hp. With. It became the first model in the history of BMW M division, originally created in the format of an electric vehicle. However, the star of the presentation was the iX Flow concept – an amazing version of the same crossover with a unique painting technology that allows you to change the body color literally in real time. The wow effect was provided.
The concept uses electronic ink, better known as E-Ink. They are not new in the industry as they have been used primarily in compact e-books for decades. However, this is the first time the technology has been applied at the scale of a car with an area of this size. How iX Flow works: The body is coated with millions of microcapsules containing negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. By pressing one button, voltage is applied and their movement is activated, which leads to repainting of the surface. While color options range from dark (black, graphite) to light (light gray, white) shades, color e-ink exists and is implemented in other products, so a wide variety is possible in the future.
Apart from its visual appeal, development has several useful practical features. For example, a white body is better at resisting sunlight, so that the interior and the car itself will heat up less on sunny days, and, on the contrary, the black color will keep you warm in winter. Taking into account the color change, such a car will also be easier to find in the parking lot – it will flicker and immediately distinguish itself against the background of classic bodies.
Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX
Futuristic sedan with a record range of over 1,000 km
Hot new from Mercedes-Benz at CES 2022 is the latest concept of the original Vision EQXX electric sedan. Its key features are aerodynamics and a record cruising range on a single charge – over 1,000 km. Incredible! We worked on the model for 1.5 years in cooperation with the Formula 1 and Formula E teams. By the way, of the current electric vehicles that can be surpassed in this indicator, Tesla Model S comes to mind. In the Long Range modification, it can drive 652 km.
The Vision EQXX has a drag coefficient of just 0.18 Cx and weighs 1,750 kg. This is achieved due to the special shape of the 5-meter body (elongated tail with a taper closer to the stern) and the materials used: carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum and UBQ composite thermoplastic. The battery with a capacity of 100 kWh is one third lighter and takes up half the space than in the serial electric Mercedes-Benz EQS. An electric motor with a capacity of about 200 liters is installed inside. s., consuming less than 10 kWh per 100 km, which is much more economical than competitors (20 kWh per 100 km). A solar battery is additionally placed on top, it adds 25 km to the cruising range. The accumulated energy does not go to the motor, but is intended to power secondary systems.
The minimalistic interior is just as stunning: white upholstery, interior door lighting, velvet rugs. The interior of Vision EQXX is also based on environmentally friendly materials – bamboo and cactus fibers. The infotainment system is powered by artificial intelligence and displays information on a 47.5-inch screen with 8K resolution across the entire width of the dashboard.
The German manufacturer announced that the advanced Vision EQXX technologies will be implemented in the next generation of the proprietary MMA modular platform, which will form the basis for future Mercedes models. There is no reason to doubt, as the company is investing 40 billion euros in the development of its electric transport and plans to electrify the line by 2030.
Chrysler Airflow
Elegant SUV with self-driving controls and 5 screens
Chrysler attended CES 2022 with two news: the first about its intention to completely switch to electric vehicles in a few years, the second – about the return of the Airflow name after almost 90 years in the form of an electric crossover with a streamlined design unconventional for the brand. True, it is currently a concept car serving only to showcase General Motors’ ambitions for electrification and autonomous driving. Either way, Airflow is likely to be Chrysler’s starting point in the EV world, slated for 2025.
Almost nothing is known about the technical characteristics of Airflow. Chrysler has made it clear that its first electric vehicle is powered by two 200-horsepower electric powertrains. With. each one. The serial version of the all-wheel drive crossover will be able to travel without recharging from 560 to 640 km. The brain of unmanned control is the third level STLA AutoDrive system from the Stellantis concern (it implies driving on public roads with a rare need for human intervention). As for the exterior, it is completely unusual for Chrysler: stylish flat headlights, panoramic roof and flowing shapes.
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The Airflow salon stands out separately. It provides 5 built-in touch displays at once – three in the front (the dashboard on the large and small screens, receiving information about the current state of the car and an entertainment center for the passenger on the right side) and two for the rear row passengers (for viewing multimedia and video calls).
Cadillac InnerSpace
A spaceship on wheels with an emphasis on comfort
Another prototype has been added to the Cadillac Halo concept car portfolio. At CES 2022 saw the light, as it was dubbed in the media, a luxurious “spaceship on wheels” – InnerSpace. The two-seater represents a radical look at the future of electric sedans, where the driving experience is entirely on autopilot, so there are no controls, no steering wheel, no pedals in the cabin. Instead, passengers enjoy a panoramic TV and slippers. In other words, in Cadillac InnerSpace you do not need to press something, follow the road and strain – it is absolutely personal transport, in which trips are equal to rest and are carried out with maximum comfort.
The structure of InnerSpace is thought out extremely effectively and at the same time cozy. For a comfortable fit, the roof opens with the doors so you don’t accidentally bump your head. Instead of separate armchairs, the interior offers a full-fledged sofa with pillows – you can sit or lie on it. In addition, there is a special compartment with blankets next to the slippers. The windshield and dashboard in the self-driving electric vehicle has been replaced by a giant curved screen for entertainment and communication purposes. Impressive.
Cadillac noted that it used Ultium Platform technology in the concept. Thus, the batteries are distributed along the entire length of the body, rather than being concentrated in one place. This allowed for a lower and sportier stance and helped to expand the interior space. Full autonomy rests on the shoulders of the Linux-based Ultifi operating system. Also thanks to biometrics and machine learning, InnerSpace provides a truly personalized experience on the go.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
Powerful electric pickup truck capable of carrying up to 9 tons of cargo
An impressive addition is being prepared for the electric pickup mill. In early 2023, the Chevrolet Silverado EV, a general-purpose truck from General Motors, will hit the market. The advantages are very pleasant: starting price from 39,900 dollars, range at 640 km, fast charging and gigantic towing power, reaching 9,072 kg in the top version. The Silverado EV matches the highly anticipated Ford F-150 Lightning and other electric trucks from Tesla, Rivian and GMC.
The Silverado EV combines the aggressive styling of American pickup trucks with today’s technology in a smart driving format. Starting from the basic version, the truck is equipped with an extensive number of active driver assistance systems: lane keeping, changing lanes on the highway and even automatic piloting outside the city. The most expensive $ 105,000 Silverado EV RST First Edition (slated for fall 2023) promises even more advanced features like rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel drive and electric powertrains with a whopping 664bhp. With. A 350 kW DC express charging station will replenish up to 160 km of travel in 10 minutes. It will be possible to charge other electric vehicles through the adapter.
The most important part of the Silverado EV is the foldable cockpit panel. If necessary, the pickup can easily accommodate items about 2.75 meters long. The rear seat can be folded in a 60/40 ratio, allowing flexibility in the placement of cargo and passengers. There is also a waterproof cargo compartment under the short bonnet. Built by Silverado EV on a common platform with the Hummer EV.
Sony Mobility
An unexpected new division of a Japanese electronics brand
Two years ago, something that hardly anyone expected happened – the Vision-S, a laconic concept car from Sony with support for autonomous driving and three dozen of the most accurate sensors, arrived at CES 2020. In terms of design, the prototype looked like a mixture of Tesla and Porsche with similar headlights and body style. Now, at CES 2022, the tech giant has announced some really big plans by announcing the creation of a Sony subsidiary, Mobility Inc. The division will open in the spring and will specifically focus on the development of automotive technology and the commercial launch of self-produced electric vehicles.
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The first version of the Vision-S has been tested on European public roads for 2 years. In 2022, it will be joined by the Vision-S 02, a straightforward electric SUV based on a sedan. In fact, Sony transferred modern electronics, cloud technologies and auxiliary sensors (ToF, CMOS, LiDAR) to the crossover form factor without major changes in appearance. Support for voice commands, gesture control, remote interaction and firmware updates over the air through an integrated 5G module is declared.
It is noteworthy that Sony Mobility will not only include electric vehicles. The unit “will help realize a world in which everyone can live in harmony with robots.” It looks like Sony’s other AI projects, such as the Aibo robot dog and the Airpeak S1 drone for professional aerial photography, will also fall under an independent corporate wing.
This article is based in part on material from Android Authority.
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