The atmosphere at the 2021 Shopper Electronics Present, held almost for the very first time because of to the pandemic, struck a different tone than in several years past. With no hordes of tech-hungry onlookers jockeying for posture by packed convention center halls, automakers appeared a lot more reserved in their proclamations for the upcoming. Numerous substantial-profile exhibitors — these kinds of as Ford, Honda and Toyota — opted to sit out this year.



a car parked in front of a building: This photo provided by Audi shows the Audi e-tron GT prototype, a fully electric sport sedan that promises equal parts speed and long-distance comfort. (Daniel Wollstein/Audi via AP)


© Daniel Wollstein
This picture delivered by Audi demonstrates the Audi e-tron GT prototype, a totally electric powered activity sedan that promises equivalent components pace and very long-length comfort. (Daniel Wollstein/Audi by way of AP)

The automakers that did current to on the internet audiences centered on far more superior infotainment systems and the continued evolution of electric powered autos, some of which you will be capable to see on seller lots by this 12 months. In this article are some of the best car tech characteristics Edmunds’ specialists observed at CES 2021.

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AUDI: E-TRON GT PROTOTYPE

At CES the luxurious automaker showed a near-last prototype of its impending e-tron GT electric powered vehicle. The e-tron GT will be a sleeker and sportier sedan variation of Audi’s existing e-tron Sportback SUV. Audi suggests it will have an estimated range of a lot more than 200 miles.

The e-tron GT must be just as easy as it is speedy. There will be a relaxed cruising method that operates in in the vicinity of silence for optimum effectiveness, as very well as a dynamic overall performance mode that works by using an adaptive suspension and four-wheel steering to attack curving roads. The inside can be ordered as leather-based-no cost, with cabin elements such as recycled plastics and microfibers. Audi will unveil the output version of the e-tron GT later on in 2021. Assume it to contend versus rivals this kind of as the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.

BMW: Upcoming-Era IDRIVE Working System

20 a long time following the introduction of its groundbreaking iDrive infotainment process, BMW teased a sweeping update to the computer software to be totally unveiled later on this calendar year. The luxury automaker promised even more integration of the system’s present-day features — such as clever voice-activated controls and distant software program updates — as perfectly as new ones.

The new iDrive claims higher accessibility to solutions from the electronic cloud, plus greater recognition of the vehicle’s bodily surroundings. It will realize hazard warnings from other BMW motor vehicles on the street, predict the availability of parking spaces in particular predicaments, and boost automated parking capabilities. The approaching BMW iX electric crossover, envisioned to go into production in 2022, will be the 1st vehicle outfitted with the current iDrive process.

FIAT CHRYSLER Automobiles: UCONNECT 5

The automaker behind makes this sort of as Jeep, Dodge and Ram discovered new additions to its Uconnect Industry services and the Uconnect 5 infotainment procedure. For occasion, in a single of the most topical announcements at CES, motorists will now be capable to place Grubhub orders for contactless pickup as a result of the Uconnect Industry.

The Android-dependent Uconnect 5 method will make its way into new vehicles later this yr. Amid them are the lately unveiled Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee L, additionally the Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Vital capabilities involve faster processing, aid for greater-resolution screens, enhanced voice command, and wi-fi capability for equally Apple CarPlay and Android Car.

Standard MOTORS: NEW EV INITIATIVE

In a large-ranging keynote presentation that resolved almost everything from the simple to the fantastical — a solitary-seat drone aircraft, revealed in a idea video clip, truly did make the reduce — General Motors outlined its ideas to accelerate the production and adoption of electric powered vehicles across a complete spectrum of styles, measurements and models.

The automaker strategies to introduce 30 new electrical automobiles globally by 2025, such as an update to its Chevrolet Bolt hatchback and a more substantial crossover version as effectively. The Cadillac Lyriq is an electric crossover with a 33-inch electronic display and the futuristic Celestiq will supply all-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering and a full glass roof. Sooner or later, the battery-run platform underneath these cars will be utilized to every little thing from effectiveness cars to entire-measurement pickup vehicles, the company said.

MERCEDES-BENZ: MBUX HYPERSCREEN

Automakers have been racing to catch up with Tesla when it will come to large, splashy infotainment touchscreens. With the CES launch of its new MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56-inch digital screen stretched throughout the total dashboard without any dials or buttons, Mercedes has firmly set a new regular.

The MBUX Hyperscreen builds upon the MBUX technique in existing Mercedes models with a much larger floor and new person interface that aims to make it less difficult to use. It will debut on the future EQS electric crossover as an optional function. The authentic splash will arrive in a couple short yrs when the Hyperscreen is accessible on standard Mercedes sedans and SUVs.

Automakers were restrained in their bulletins compared with many years past, but the new tech capabilities outlined at CES 2021 show the potential of automotive progress will consist of incremental enhancements instead than a sweeping, speedy revolution.

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