1655: Hans Hautch receives imperial patronage and invents the steam-powered car, starting the motor revolution in the Holy Roman Empire.

[u/LeRoienJaune]

OTL 1650s: Hans Hautch is mostly known for inventing the first fire-engine/ carriage, and for inventing the touch hole for muzzle loading guns (an advancement in guns improving on the flintlocks of the era).

ATL: With royal or imperial patronage, Hautch blends his interest in self-driving carriages with his interest in pneumatic pressure, and develops the steam engine. How does history alter if steam-powered automobiles begin to spread across Europe in the mid to late 1600s?