This week had several announcements and new vehicles unveiled. This is a quick roundup of what’s happened in automotive for the week of May 5-11, 2024.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet
The new AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet joins the AMG SL Roadster as the second open-top performance model from Mercedes-AMG. Arriving at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2024, the 2025 AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet features a spacious interior and generous standard equipment, including AIRCAP®, AIRSCARF® and active rear axle steering.
IRS Releases Final Rules On Clean Vehicle Credits
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service have released final rules on the clean vehicle provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. The rules address requirements for Foreign Entity of Concern restrictions that were added to the clean vehicle component requirements.
1968 Honda CB750 Factory Prototype Wins Best of Show at the Quail
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering returned to the pristine lawns of The Quail Golf Club for its 14th year where the 1968 Honda CB750 Factory Prototype, owned by Vic World, was selected as this year’s “Best of Show” winner.
Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 Now In Production
Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has begun production of its most powerful Ford F-150 Raptor – the VelociRaptoR 1000. Boasting 40+ percent more power, the Hennessey VelociRaptoR 1000 has super truck capabilities with tire-shredding performance and a symphony of high-revving exhaust notes to match.
Kia teases new EV3
Kia Corporation (Kia) has released the first teaser images of its upcoming EV3, the brand’s new compact EV SUV set to enhance the accessibility of electric mobility from Kia.
The new 2025 BMW M4 CS
Today, BMW M announces the all-new 2025 BMW M4 CS. With its 3-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline six bumped to 543 hp, unique chassis tuning, and targeted weight reduction through the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the special edition M4 CS is equipped to attack the hills, curves, and braking zones of the world’s best circuits as well as highways and backroads.
BMW Using Boston Dynamics Spot Robot (spOTTO) To Scan Equipment in UK
The BMW Group’s Plant Hams Hall in the United Kingdom is using a four-legged Spot robot from Boston Dynamics to scan the plant in support of maintenance. The spOTTO robot, one of several owned by BMW, is deployed to use visual, thermal, and acoustic sensors to monitor equipment. It’s also gathering data for the virtual twin of the factory, which is used to digitally test flow processes and other plant changes.
USDOT Seeks Input On AI Development for Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advanced Research Projects Agency is seeking input from interested parties on the potential applications of artificial intelligence in transportation. As well as input on emerging challenges and opportunities in creating and deploying AI in transportation applications.
