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The origin of the legendary BMW M division, created to boost factory racing, dates back to the 1970s. Today, the first unit of the historic BMW 3.0 CSL, a crucial

The 1970s were characterized by intense competition in the automotive industry, compelling automakers to innovate to stand out. For BMW, this meant starting a factory-backed race team. This idea, spearheaded by Bob Lutz, resulted in BMW’s first M car. The 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Werks development car was the first car built by the then-newly developed BMW Motorsport division.

Development and Historical Racing Career

BMW M built the unit, identified as E9/R1, in late 1972 and early 1973. It became the first of 21 CSL Werks cars; of these, the factory team raced 11. The E9/R1 would also go on to help develop the famous “Batmobile” Aero kit. The car saw some competition. BMW Motorsport sold it to an American racing team for the 1974 IMSA championship at the end of the 1973 season.

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Preservation and Recent Appearances

The American racing team sold the cars after its stint at IMSA, and it was later retired. The E9/R1 ended up in a BMW collection in the early 80s. The current private owner acquired the car in the mid-1990s. Since then, the vehicle has undergone an extensive restoration focused on preserving its originality. It is rare for a development vehicle like this to last this long with all its original parts still attached.

Technical Specifications and Modern Tribute

The car, which spent the better part of three decades behind closed doors, made a hill climb run at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed in its pre-homologation spec. Its most recent public appearance was at the Salon Prive Concours D’Elegance in August 2025, outfitted with the Batmobile kit. This development car has the larger 3.5-liter inline-six engine, which the listing says makes over 400 horsepower. BMW paid tribute to the CSLs just a few years ago with the limited-run 3.0 CSL. The automaker built only 50 of them, featuring a 553-horsepower version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a manual gearbox. The listing does not specify a price, which you receive upon application.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Rivian Pushes Deeper Into Autonomous Driving With New Point-To-Point Technology

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The race to develop advanced autonomous driving systems is accelerating, and Rivian is positioning itself as one of the industry’s most ambitious challengers. The American EV manufacturer is preparing to introduce a new point-to-point driving system designed to expand vehicle autonomy and bring drivers closer to a future where cars can handle increasingly complex journeys with minimal intervention.

The announcement highlights Rivian’s growing focus on software, artificial intelligence and mobility technology as key pillars of its long-term strategy.

Rivian is expanding its autonomous driving ambitions through next-generation software and artificial intelligence systems.

Autonomous Driving Becomes A Strategic Priority

While Rivian is widely known for its electric pickups and SUVs, the company is increasingly investing in advanced software capabilities.

Its upcoming point-to-point autonomous driving system is designed to allow vehicles to navigate a broader range of driving situations, moving beyond highway-focused assistance toward more comprehensive route management. The technology aims to simplify everyday driving while improving convenience for vehicle owners.

The development reflects a broader industry trend as automakers compete to deliver increasingly sophisticated autonomous driving capabilities.

Rivian Looks Beyond Traditional Driver Assistance

Current driver-assistance technologies can already manage steering, acceleration and braking in specific conditions. Rivian’s next step is to expand those capabilities into a more connected and intelligent driving experience.

The company plans to gradually increase the operational scope of its autonomous systems, allowing vehicles to handle longer journeys across multiple road types while remaining under driver supervision.

This approach mirrors the industry’s move toward higher levels of automation while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Future Rivian vehicles will rely heavily on software-driven features and autonomous capabilities.

Software And Artificial Intelligence Drive The Future

One of Rivian’s biggest advantages is its software-focused architecture.

The company continues to develop proprietary technologies that combine cameras, sensors, computing power and artificial intelligence to improve vehicle awareness and decision-making. These systems constantly process data from the surrounding environment to support navigation and driving functions.

As vehicles become more software-defined, autonomous features are expected to play a growing role in the overall ownership experience.

The Future Of Mobility Extends Beyond Personal Transportation

Autonomous driving technology has implications far beyond individual vehicle ownership.

Industry experts believe future self-driving systems could support ride-hailing services, delivery networks and new forms of shared transportation. Rivian has already signaled interest in expanding its technological capabilities into broader mobility applications as autonomous systems continue to evolve.

The company joins a growing list of manufacturers investing heavily in technologies that could reshape transportation over the coming decade.

Advanced autonomous driving systems could transform how people interact with vehicles in the future.

As competition intensifies across the autonomous mobility sector, Rivian’s latest developments demonstrate that the future of the automotive industry is increasingly being defined by software, connectivity and artificial intelligence. While electric powertrains remain important, the next major battleground may be autonomous technology, where companies compete not only on vehicle performance but also on the intelligence and capabilities of the systems operating behind the wheel.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL Redefines Luxury In The Electric SUV Segment

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Cadillac is expanding its electric portfolio with the introduction of the new Escalade IQL, a full-size luxury SUV that combines long-range capability, advanced technology and exceptional interior space. Designed as an extended version of the Escalade IQ, the IQL targets buyers looking for maximum comfort, premium features and electric performance without compromise.

Built specifically for the North American market, the Escalade IQL represents Cadillac’s vision for the future of luxury mobility while maintaining the presence and prestige that have defined the Escalade name for decades.

The Escalade IQL expands Cadillac’s electric SUV lineup with additional passenger and cargo space.

More Space For Passengers And Cargo

One of the defining characteristics of the Escalade IQL is its size. Measuring 228.5 inches in length, it is longer than the standard Escalade IQ and offers additional room for passengers and cargo. The extra length benefits third-row occupants while also increasing overall storage capacity, making the vehicle particularly attractive for large families and long-distance travel.

The spacious three-row layout accommodates up to seven passengers and delivers the premium comfort expected from Cadillac’s flagship SUV.

Up To 460 Miles Of Estimated Range

Cadillac engineered the Escalade IQL around a massive battery system designed to support extended travel.

The SUV offers up to 460 miles of estimated driving range and utilizes an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture that supports high-speed charging. Under ideal conditions, fast-charging technology can add a significant amount of range in just a few minutes, improving convenience during long journeys.

These figures place the Escalade IQL among the longest-range electric SUVs available in the United States.

The cabin features one of the most advanced digital environments in the luxury SUV segment.

Technology Takes Center Stage

Inside, Cadillac focuses heavily on digital innovation.

A massive 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display stretches across the dashboard, serving as the centerpiece of the cabin. The vehicle also features Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, premium AKG audio systems and a wide range of connectivity and convenience features designed to elevate the ownership experience.

The combination of luxury materials and advanced technology creates an environment that feels both sophisticated and future-focused.

Electric Performance Without Compromise

Beyond efficiency and technology, the Escalade IQL delivers impressive performance.

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system can generate up to 750 horsepower in its maximum performance setting, providing strong acceleration despite the SUV’s substantial size. Advanced chassis technologies such as four-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control help improve maneuverability, ride quality and overall driving confidence.

The Escalade IQL combines electric performance, luxury and practicality in a single flagship package.

The Escalade IQL highlights Cadillac’s commitment to electrification while preserving the luxury, comfort and presence that have made the Escalade one of America’s most recognizable premium SUVs. With exceptional range, cutting-edge technology and expanded interior space, the new model is positioned to become a benchmark in the rapidly growing electric luxury SUV segment.

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INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

GM’s Autonomous Driving Strategy Keeps Robotaxi Ambitions Alive

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General Motors may have closed the chapter on Cruise as a standalone robotaxi business, but the company is far from abandoning its long-term autonomous driving ambitions. Instead, the automaker is taking a different path, focusing on advanced driver-assistance systems and gradually expanding autonomous capabilities in production vehicles.

The new strategy aims to bring self-driving technologies to millions of customers through everyday vehicles before potentially applying those capabilities to future mobility services.

GM continues to expand its autonomous driving technology through its Super Cruise platform.

From Cruise To Consumer Vehicles

For years, Cruise represented General Motors’ primary effort in the autonomous mobility sector. The company invested heavily in the development of self-driving technology and robotaxi services, positioning itself as one of the leading challengers in the emerging autonomous transportation market.

Today, GM is redirecting much of that expertise toward production vehicles equipped with advanced autonomous driving features. The goal is to develop technologies that can improve convenience, safety and driver confidence across a broader customer base.

Super Cruise Becomes The Foundation

At the center of GM’s strategy is Super Cruise, the company’s hands-free driver assistance system.

The technology already allows compatible vehicles to operate hands-free on thousands of miles of approved highways across North America. As development continues, GM plans to introduce increasingly advanced capabilities that expand the situations in which autonomous functions can operate.

The company views these technologies as important stepping stones toward more sophisticated autonomous driving systems in the future.

Technology developed through Cruise continues to influence GM’s future autonomous driving efforts.

Building Toward A Driverless Future

Rather than focusing exclusively on robotaxi fleets, GM is taking a gradual approach by solving specific driving challenges first.

The company is working to expand autonomous functionality beyond highways and into more complex driving environments. As systems become more capable, they could eventually support a wider range of mobility applications, including autonomous transportation services.

This strategy allows GM to continue advancing self-driving technology while leveraging existing vehicle platforms and customer experiences.

Competition In The Autonomous Mobility Space Continues To Grow

The autonomous vehicle industry remains highly competitive, with multiple automakers and technology companies pursuing different approaches.

Several manufacturers are investing in advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous ride-hailing platforms and artificial intelligence technologies designed to support future mobility solutions.

As regulatory frameworks evolve and technology matures, the race to deliver safe and scalable autonomous transportation continues to accelerate.

Future autonomous driving systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in personal mobility.

General Motors believes the future of autonomy will be built through continuous technological progress rather than a single breakthrough. By integrating advanced self-driving capabilities into consumer vehicles today, the company is creating a foundation that could eventually support broader autonomous transportation services tomorrow. The approach reflects a growing industry trend in which automakers are combining practical driver-assistance features with long-term autonomous mobility ambitions.

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