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FILE – A person looks at the Supernal S-A2 electric passenger VOTL aircraft at the Supernal booth at the CES Technology Show on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Las Vegas. Supernal is part of the Hyundai Motor Group. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) -
FILE – A Mercedes-Benz concept CLA-Class car is displayed at the Mercedes-Benz booth during the CES Technology Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Mercedes-Benz also debuted its next-generation AI virtual assistant software. The next version of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface is called MB.OS. A version of MB.OS is set to debut in Mercedes' upcoming electric sedan CLA. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) -
FILE – The newly unveiled concept car, the Honda Zero Series “Saloon” electric vehicle, was on display at Honda's press conference during the CES Technology Show in Las Vegas, Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Taking design cues from everything from ground-crawling sports cars to his 1980s Dustbuster vacuum cleaner, his Honda saloon concept car hints at the Japanese automaker's EV strategy and future designs. It becomes. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)
Each year, CES provides insight into how and where cutting-edge innovations are reshaping the way people work, study, communicate and, in many cases, drive. At this year's CES, many automakers unveiled concept vehicles that looked years into the future and on the verge of production.
From flying vehicles and AI-powered voice assistants to the latest EVs, CES 2024 will give you a glimpse of what you'll be driving or might be driving in the years to come. Edmunds' automotive experts have rounded up some of the year's most notable car debuts.
Artificial intelligence is coming to your car
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping countless aspects of daily life. While there are many concerns and opportunities at play, it is clear that automakers will advance the use of AI to enable a more convenient and optimistic future of driving.
Mercedes-Benz also debuted its next-generation AI virtual assistant software. The next version of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface, called MB.OS, will feature conversational voice commands and much more subtle responses. For example, by monitoring voice commands and driving behavior, an AI system can determine whether a driver is in a hurry and stressed, or if they are taking it easy. A version of MB.OS is set to debut in Mercedes' upcoming electric sedan CLA.
Another German carmaker, Volkswagen, says it will integrate ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot, into its vehicles to provide voice interaction beyond what is currently available. For example, the car's existing voice command capabilities work for navigation, climate control, general knowledge requests, and more. However, those that cannot be processed will be forwarded anonymously to his ChatGPT. ChatGPT then responds with seamless Volkswagen voice and style. At this time, Volkswagen has not said when this feature will be included in its vehicles sold in the United States.
Honda returns to the future
Reliable, efficient, and out-of-this-world wild. Which of these statements cannot be attributed to a reality-oriented Honda car? Considering that in the near future, all of these will apply to Honda's upcoming electric vehicle lineup “0 Series” There is. Taking design cues from everything from ground-crawling sports cars to his 1980s Dustbuster vacuum cleaner, his Honda saloon concept car hints at the Japanese automaker's EV strategy and future designs. It becomes.
With its wedge-shaped body, truncated tail, and upward-swinging doors, the Honda Saloon is an eye-catching sedan that hints at a production model scheduled to go on sale in 2026. It will also debut the latest in his EV technology, including more efficient electric and electric vehicles. A battery pack that lasts longer. Don't expect the saloon's shiny front grille, gullwing doors and yoke-style steering wheel to all be part of the finished product.
Electric flying cars promise to become a reality
Flying cars look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they were the real thing at CES 2024. The one that attracted the most attention was the eVTOL flying car developed by Chinese automaker XPeng. Equal parts low-flying supercar and high-flying helicopter, this wedge-shaped concept is highly futuristic and fully electric-powered.
It's worth noting that the company's concept is not a flying car in the traditional sense. It has no wings and uses an electric fan to generate lift and fly directly overhead. In theory, it could take off and land anywhere there is space, allowing it to serve as a kind of city vehicle to avoid traffic jams.
Another electric helicopter-like product that appeared at the show was the Supernal S-A2. Supernal is famous for being an offshoot of Hyundai. The connection with the giant Korean automaker certainly adds some persuasiveness to the S-A2 becoming a reality. The S-A2's specs aren't amazing, with a maximum range of just 25 to 40 miles, but that might be all you need for an air taxi.
Supernal says it hopes to have S-A2 in production by 2028. Still, don't get your hopes up too much that your daily commute will be a reality anytime soon. A wait-and-see approach is the best approach, as all other important details, such as price and success in overcoming regulatory hurdles, remain undetermined.
This article was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
Nick Kurczewski is an Edmunds contributor on Twitter and Instagram.
