Opel has just lifted the veil on an intriguing concept that it teased last week, though it is not a new high-performance model that consumers will be able to buy. Instead, the one-off Opel Corsa GSE is the latest Vision Gran Turismo creation that’ll be added to Gran Turismo 7 later this year.

Like other Vision GT cars, the Corsa GSE goes far beyond what Opel would actually sell to the public. Regarding the powertrain, it has fitted two 476 hp motors, one at each axle, that deliver a combined 800 hp and allow a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in just 2.0 seconds and a 200 mph (320 km/h) top speed. It has also been imagined with an 80 hp overboost function that can be used for four-second bursts.

Read: Opel Built An Electric SUV That Might Make Hot Hatches Nervous

Providing the motors with their juice is an 82 kWh battery pack. Opel says that the car’s lightweight construction results in it weighing just 1,170 kg (2,579 lbs).

Visually, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Grand Turismo features bespoke parts which allow it to sit lower and wider than the current Corsa, despite having a similar footprint. Key design details include the flared arches, the latest iteration of the Vizor grille, and the combination of a large rear wing and pronounced diffuser.

The interior is just as radical and includes a lightweight driver’s seat with six-point seatbelts and sensors that alert the driver to other vehicles on the road. If a car enters the car’s blind spot, a warning will appear through the special illuminated fabrics on the dashboard and door inserts.

While this will remain firmly a concept, Opel notes that it serves as a “preview of upcoming GSE models.” The brand recently relaunched its performance sub-brand with the Mokka GSE that pumps out 278 hp and 255 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque, enough to send the EV to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds.

A few months after Audi unveiled the all-electric E5 Sportback in China under its new all-caps AUDI brand, pricing for the model has now been confirmed. As is often the case with new EVs in China, the E5 arrives at surprisingly low prices, even by the country’s competitive market standards.

The pitch is simple: blend German engineering and build quality with the advanced tech features that Chinese automakers have made their trademark.

Read: Audi Launches New AUDI Brand Without Four-Ring Logo In China

Four different versions of the E5 will be offered: the Pioneer, Pioneer Plus, Pioneer Quattro, and Flagship Quattro. Prices for the base Pioneer started at 235,900 yuan or $32,800. This version comes with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 295 hp (220 kW) and is equipped with a 76 kWh battery pack. It has a claimed range of 384 miles (618 km) on the CLTC cycle.

Sitting above this model is the Pioneer Plus. It retains the rear-wheel drive layout, but power has been increased to 402 hp (300 kW). It also comes standard with a larger 100 kWh battery pack, bumping up the price to 269,900 yuan ($37,500), and growing the range to 480 miles (773 km).

Starting at the same price is the Pioneer Quattro. It has a smaller 83 kWh pack, but dual motors, delivering a combined 518 hp (386 kW) and covering 387 miles (623 km) on a charge.

The Flagship Quattro model is priced from 319,900 yuan ($44,500), which is still very reasonable. It has a 100 kWh battery, 402 miles (647 km) of range, and pumps out an impressive 776 hp (579 kw). That’s good enough to send it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds.

All AUDI E5 Sportback models come standard with a LiDAR, three millimeter-wave radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars for an advanced driver-assistance system.

Dominating the interior of the new EV is a huge 59-inch screen that stretches the entire width of the dashboard and includes displays for the digital wing mirrors. For an Audi, the cabin is quite minimalist, bathed in soft-touch leather and Alcantara, and complete with two wireless phone charges.

Deliveries of the E5 Sportback are scheduled to begin next month. For now, the model remains exclusive to China, though its combination of price, power, and technology could make it an appealing export candidate if demand proves strong.

Next year will see Ferrari step into new territory with the debut of its first fully electric model, currently known as the Elettrica. One might expect McLaren to mirror its Italian rival and fast-track an EV of its own, but according to newly appointed chief executive Nick Collins, that isn’t on the horizon.

Read: Inside A $70M McLaren Vault That’s About To Be Unlocked

Collins became the new boss of McLaren earlier this year when Abu Dhabi-based investment group VYVN Holdings finalized its purchase of the British carmaker and merged it with a local start-up known as Forseven. Conveniently for McLaren, CYVN Holdings is a major stakeholder in EV brand Nio and even owns Gordon Murray Technologies.

Commitment To Combustion

However, while speaking with Car and Driver at Monterey Car Week, Collins noted that McLaren will continue to consider combustion engines and hybrid powertrains as its prominent options for a “very long period of time.”

The company has no intention of abandoning its long-serving 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 either, despite the Artura’s strong case for the newer 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

As a matter of fact, Collins noted that McLaren recently made its flagship V8 better than ever in the W1, increasing its per-liter output to 229.6 hp, a huge increase from the 185.3 hp/liter output of the 750S. According to the company’s CEO, there will be other uses for this engine moving forward, although he didn’t specify which future products could use this mill.

A Measured Approach To EVs

McLaren isn’t rushing into electrification, the door hasn’t been closed entirely. Collins acknowledged that if McLaren does launch an EV, it would likely be limited to a specific market, such as China. This would make sense as the People’s Republic is by far the largest single market for EVs.

Additionally, when CYVN announced McLaren’s merger with Forseven, it noted that the automaker “will benefit from [its] strategic investment in Nio, to deliver access to visionary technologies and electrifications”.

As for what comes next, Collins teased that the first products under this new chapter will arrive “sooner than you think.” Existing projects that were already in development before the merger are now set to receive a boost from increased investment, hinting at a busy and strategically focused future for the brand.

Hyundai’s electric ambitions in China aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re only just getting started. Just months after the debut of the Elexio SUV through its partnership with BAIC, reports suggest the automaker is already preparing a new all-electric sedan for the Chinese market. The move appears aimed at drawing buyers away from established favorites like the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and BYD Qin Plus.

Design Direction

At this stage, official details are almost nonexistent. Hyundai hasn’t released any images or teasers, leaving the look of the sedan open to speculation. What seems likely, however, is that the design will chart its own path. The Elexio’s styling differs significantly from Hyundai’s global EV lineup, so the sedan may also adopt a distinct appearance, possibly with cues borrowed from its SUV sibling.

Read: Hyundai’s New Electric SUV Skips Physical Buttons Nearly Entirely For Massive Screen

If that’s the case, then the new electric sedan likely won’t share much in common with the Ioniq 6 and its streamlined shape, which has proven to be very controversial and likely continues to contribute to mediocre sales figures. Hyundai would be wise to adopt a more traditional three-box sedan shape, perhaps complete with similar headlights and taillights to the Elexio.

In all likelihood, the new sedan will utilize the same E-GMP architecture as the Elexio, as well as pretty much every other EV from Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia. This setup allows for single- and dual-motor options, as well as multiple battery configurations to target a wider audience.

The interior could also lean on the Elexio for inspiration, which ditches the “traditional” digital gauge cluster for a tiny screen positioned towards the base of the windscreen. It also features a widescreen display encompassing the central infotainment system and an area dedicated to the passenger.

According to Autohome, Hyundai plans to launch its Chinese-market electric sedan in the first half of 2026, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in September of the same year.

Rivian has its sights set on a much bigger future. Although production and sales of the R1S SUV and R1T pickup have leveled off over the past two and a half years, the company is already deep into development of its next generation of vehicles.

The R2, a smaller and more affordable model, is set to enter production next year, followed by the R3, which should arrive around 2028 once Rivian’s new Georgia plant is fully operational. And according to the company’s leadership, this is only the beginning.

Future Lineup Taking Shape

Speaking on the Tosh Show podcast with Daniel Tosh, Rivian chief executive RJ Scaringe confirmed that the lineup is expected to grow well beyond the R2 and R3. In fact, he suggested Rivian could eventually offer as many as six distinct models.

Read: ‘The Day I Flooded Rivian And Cost Them Half A Million’ Ex Worker Says

“We think we’ll probably end up with like, maybe, five or six different vehicles,” Scaringe explained. “So after R1, there’s R2 and R3. And after R2 and R3, there’s R4 and R5. And that’s as far out as our product plan goes today, and what we’re working on, but there may be like an R6. I can’t obviously talk about it here or show it to you… but the R4 and R5 are so cool, that’s the next, next thing after R2 and R3.”

Affordable Mass Market EVs

This isn’t the first time that Rivian has hinted at its expanded product plans. During last year’s investor day, Rivian previewed three potential “affordable mass market” vehicles to launch after the R2 and R3.

All of these vehicles were covered by sheets, hiding their designs, but if they do see the light of day, they’ll benefit from the same electrical architecture and software as other Rivian models, as well as future VW products.

Earlier this year, Scaringe noted that there are “very, very few highly compelling choices,” of EVs that cost less than $50,000, noting this is why Tesla has been able to gain such significant market share.

Rivian will no doubt hope that with more affordable models, it will be able to drastically ramp up deliveries and establish itself as a serious threat to not only Tesla but also legacy automakers, which are also investing heavily into EVs, including GM and Ford.

H/T to Motortrend

Since the late 1990s, Honda has worked side by side with Dongfeng in China, producing hundreds of thousands of internal combustion engines through a long-standing joint venture.

That partnership may soon look very different, as Dongfeng has decided to sell its 50 percent stake, a move that reflects the sharp decline of traditional engine sales in China and a growing push toward electric vehicles.

Read: Honda S7 Is A $36,000 Electric SUV That’s Not For US

Dongfeng officially listed its stake on the Guangdong United Assets and Equity Exchange earlier this week. While no reserve price has been set, the listing carries a deadline of September 12.

Details in the filing show the joint venture held assets worth 5.4 billion yuan ($752 million) last year, along with debts totaling 3.3 billion yuan ($459 million). The factory tied to the venture employs 827 workers.

Pressure on Legacy Partnerships

Japanese carmakers like Honda have been feeling the squeeze from homegrown Chinese brands, many of which have surged ahead in producing innovative and competitive EVs. Dongfeng has faced a similar struggle, lagging behind rapidly expanding rivals such as BYD.

The company’s annual sales tell the story clearly, falling from 3.8 million vehicles in 2016 to just 1.5 million last year across both its own brand and joint ventures with Honda and Nissan.

It’s unclear what the next step for Dongfeng Honda will be. Honda may opt to buy out Dongfeng and bring its Chinese engine operation completely in-house, or it may hope for another local brand to step in for a new joint venture. For now, Honda’s automobile production joint venture partnership with Dongfeng remains intact.

Earlier this year, Honda introduced a new EV designed specifically for the Chinese market in collaboration with Dongfeng. At the same time, it also launched the GAC Honda GT through its other joint venture with GAC Group, showing that while the old engine-focused model may be fading, the EV era is already shaping the company’s next chapter in China.

While Western auto shows have largely died since the COVID-19 pandemic, September’s Munich Motor Show remains an important event on the automotive calendar and will host the unveiling of the new VW T-Roc. This second-generation model will be sold with ICE, hybrid, and battery electric powertrains and has just been teased for the first time.

The image released of the T-Roc shows a black prototype covered with bright yellow text. Although it only shows the new model from the side, it’s obvious that this is the same vehicle that leaked images revealed earlier this year.

Read: VW’s Electric T-Roc Will Be Separate From The ICE Version

Those photos showed the new T-Roc with a thoroughly revised front fascia, including a large black grille with honeycomb-shaped cutouts, sharp headlights, and an LED light bar. Plenty of changes have also been made to the rear of the model, including the fitment of new LED taillights.

While the T-Roc may not be sold in the United States, it is a hugely important car for VW in Europe. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top-selling models on the continent, often rivaling the likes of the Golf, Renault Clio, and Dacia Sandero in terms of volume. As such, this new model had better win over customers, or else VW’s European struggles could be compounded.

Expanding The Powertrain Mix

In addition to the combustion models, VW will offer the new T-Roc with a full-hybrid system that will be offered in the Golf and Tiguan too. The setup combines a petrol engine with an electric motor that can power the rear wheels on its own or work together with the engine, operating much like Toyota’s approach where the system can switch between petrol, electric, or a blend of both as needed.

VW chief executive Thomas Schäfer noted that this hybrid variant will be particularly important in South America.

“We needed to do it anyway, because South America has a need for an HEV drivetrain – and the T-Roc is built in South America for South America, and also in China,” he told Autocar. “Interestingly enough, HEV has also become a big theme in the US specifically. It’s a technology that everybody said was not necessary any more, but now with the BEV slowdown in the US, the balance is [moving towards] HEVs.”

Electric Future

The electric version of the T-Roc will be underpinned by VW’s new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), becoming only the second model to use this architecture. It will bring with it ultra-fast charging and Level 4 autonomous capabilities.

Touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons seemed futuristic when Volkswagen introduced them, but they’ve sparked more frustration than admiration. Now, according to a new class action lawsuit in the US, these capacitive controls may not just be inconvenient – they could pose a genuine safety risk.

Read: VW Getting Rid Of Dreaded Touch-Sensitive Controls On Steering Wheels

A few years back, Volkswagen admitted that touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons were a misstep and pledged to return to physical switches in future models. That decision, however, does little for current owners still stuck with controls that the common consensus is that they are far too finicky.

According to the lawsuit, these overly sensitive controls mean it’s possible to automatically engage the Adaptive Cruise Control with a “mere light brush of the hand,” potentially putting drivers in dangerous situations.

Focus on the ID.4

The case is focused on VW ID.4 models equipped with these capacitive buttons and names two plaintiffs who are reportedly now “terrified and hesitant” to drive their vehicles. The class action also alleges that VW has failed to disclose the alleged defect, nor has it offered its customers suitable repairs or replacements free of charge, or even offered to reimburse its customers.

It’s also been alleged that VW has known about the problem because of customer complaints, internal records, and information sent from dealers.

The plaintiffs involved assert that Volkswagen is guilty of common law fraud by omission, alongside breach of express and implied warranty and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit has been filed in a New Jersey federal court and also asserts that the company has violated consumer protection laws in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

While it’s been almost three years since VW said it’d ditch its capacitive steering wheel controls, we will have to wait until the launch of the all-electric ID.2all before physical steering wheel buttons make a return. As such, it’ll likely take the German brand several years to completely phase out the haptic switches from the rest of its model range.

Big ambitions sometimes meet unexpected detours, and for Rivian, one such moment reportedly involved a flooded factory floor in Normal, Illinois. A few months ago, operations came to a sudden stop when a forklift operator hit an overhead water pipe, sending water through the facility.

In a TikTok video reportedly posted by someone identifying as the driver, he alleged that he was under the influence and listening to music through his headphones at the time.

Read: From Cracked Skulls To Lost Fingers, Worker Injuries Pile Up At Rivian Plant

It shows him reversing the forklift along the line, but unbeknownst to him, it was too high, and the bright red water pipe was running a little too low. The top of the forklift can be seen smashing into the water pipe, splitting it in two, and causing water to pour into the factory.

According to the operator, who goes by the handle “deryiooo” on TikTok, work on the line had to be halted while other staffers were forced to clean up the mess. While he no longer works for Rivian, he says he was not immediately fired for slamming into the water pipe and only had to file an incident report.

@deryiooo The day I flooded rivian and cost them $457,345 😂😭 and almost got sued 😳 (is a story time necessary) FOR THE 2nd TIME FOLLOW FOR MORE CONTENT #BLACKLISTED #viral #tiktokviral #rivian ♬ original sound – Keepingthetabs

While he was not initially let go, he says that several months later, he did lose his job at Rivian. At around the same time, he also received a letter in the mail, revealing that the incident had caused $457,345 worth of damage.

Carscoops has reached out to Rivian, asking for additional information about the incident and when it occurred. Some online commenters have claimed it took place in the factory’s battery department and that similar incidents have occurred at least twice before. According to those same unverified accounts, the forklift driver may have struck the overhead water pipes on two or possibly three occasions.

@deryiooo (Follow for story time) Aftermath of the work accident I had that caused 400k and damages at rivian 😳😳 #viral #tiktok #rivian ♬ sonido original – Mr. HardHat

@deryiooo Story time when I flooded Rivian with my forklift truck and didn’t lose my job LIKE SHARE FOLLOW AND COMMENT #viral #tiktok #rivian #viraltiktok ♬ original sound – Keepingthetabs

Next year, new car buyers looking for a high-end SUV with a luxury badge and cutting-edge tech will have something new to consider: an all-electric version of the Porsche Cayenne.

The EV follows in the tire tracks of the Macan Electric, offering a distinct design, an entirely battery-powered drivetrain, and a healthy performance boost, all while being sold alongside its combustion-engine sibling. For now, this prototype provides us with the clearest look yet at what’s to come.

Electric Design Language

Like the Macan Electric, the EV variant of the Cayenne will break from the smooth, flowing lines of the gas-powered model. The design appears more upright and muscular, starting at the front with a headlight treatment that mirrors the Macan. Each unit includes four slim horizontal daytime running lights that also function as turn signals.

Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet

Baldauf

Much of the front end of this prototype has been covered by non-production-spec parts, but we can make out the shape of the lower grilles, the central positioning of the main radar unit, and the general shape of the bumper. Those lower grilles will be similar to what’s found on the 992.2-generation 911, meaning they have the ability to be opened or closed.

The rear-end design of the electric Porsche Cayenne should also look familiar. Like its smaller electric sibling, the new model will rock narrow LED taillights, likely joined by a light bar. Some of the plastic design details on the bumper and the diffuser also look a little cheap, but these elements should be refined by the time the production model is revealed.

More: Porsche’s Electric Cayenne Dash Packs Four Screens And Barely Any Buttons

Earlier spy shots give us a good idea of what to expect inside. The cabin will feature a fully digital curved instrument cluster, a wide central infotainment screen, a dedicated passenger display, and a separate touchscreen for climate controls. While this modern, screen-heavy layout may not appeal to every longtime Porsche fan, it’s clearly aligned with the brand’s push toward a more connected, tech-centric driving experience.

Serious Electric Performance

While debate may rage about the SUV’s design, power-hungry buyers should be more than satisfied with the performance on offer. Though official specs haven’t been released yet, early estimates suggest the base model could produce around 400 hp, with the mid-tier S variant climbing to nearly 600.

At the top of the range, the Turbo versions could push past 1,000 horsepower, comfortably outpacing the already formidable 730 hp from the current Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Expect the quickest model to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in the low two-second range, though Porsche will likely cap top speed at 155 mph (250 km/h), as it often does with its EVs.

When it comes to driving range, Porsche is reportedly aiming for between 350 and 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the variant. That figure would keep the Cayenne EV competitive with other high-performance electric SUVs, while also offering the kind of long-distance capability buyers expect at this level.

Baldauf

The Xiaomi YU7 may have only recently launched, but it’s already proving to be so popular that the company can’t keep up with demand. The situation has escalated to the point where the brand’s founder is recommending potential customers check out rival electric vehicles instead.

Read: A 60-Week Waitlist Just Made Xiaomi’s SUV A Flippers Goldmine

Xiaomi unveiled its rival to the Tesla Model Y in June, and within 18 hours it had received roughly 240,000 orders. Given the extraordinary demand, new customers are being told they’ll need to wait an average of 56-59 weeks before taking delivery. While many may not have an issue with this, others have started to complain about the long waiting times.

Redirecting Demand

Writing on social media in response to the growing complaints, Xiaomi chief executive Lei Jun suggested shoppers in need of an EV urgently would be wise to consider other Chinese-made EVs. “If you need to buy a car quickly, other China-produced new energy vehicles are pretty good,” he wrote. Among Jun’s recommendations were the Xpeng G7, Li Auto i8 and, perhaps surprisingly, the Tesla Model Y, the electric SUV the YU7 is gunning for.

Yet Jun seemed to be perfectly fine with potential customers choosing Elon Musk‘s product instead: “The Model Y is a great car, and Tesla also announced a number of promotions yesterday, so you might want to consider it,” he quipped.

Why Is It So Popular?

The extraordinary demand being experienced for the YU7 is understandable given the attractive design and all of the features it packs into an incredibly competitive price. The entry-level Standard variant starts at 253,500 yuan or $35,300 and has an 800-volt architecture, which allows it to charge to 80 percent in just 13 minutes. It can also travel 519 miles (835 km) on a charge and is powered by a 315 hp motor.

For those wanting more performance, Xiaomi offers two upgraded versions. The Pro, which is priced from 279,900 yuan (around $39,000), comes with dual motors delivering a combined 489 horsepower. At the top of the range sits the Max version, which pairs a 101.7 kWh NMC battery with 681 hp. Despite the boost in specs, it remains competitively priced at 329,900 yuan, or roughly $46,000.

At the moment, Xiaomi’s EVs are only available in China, but the company is preparing for a global rollout. When that happens, it’ll be stepping into a much broader ring, aiming squarely at Tesla and other major automakers across international markets.

Update: The Palo Alto Police Department has received its first patrol-ready Rivian R1S for testing, following an announcement earlier this year. In an interview with KRON4, which had the opportunity to ride along in the specially equipped electric SUV, Assistant Chief James Reifschneider commented, “This car works perfectly with a lot of the other technologies we use here in Palo Alto that I think separate us from other agencies.”

Original story continues below.

Screenshot KRON4 / YouTube

The first-ever R1S police cruiser has officially made its debut in the United States, and it’s headed straight to Palo Alto, home to Rivian’s sprawling facility. The electric SUV was unveiled at a recent event at Rivian’s headquarters, where local Mayor Ed Lauing took a moment to shower the company with praise.

Interestingly, this charter city in the northwestern corner of Santa Clara County is also home to Tesla’s new global engineering HQ, which has been operating there since 2023. Yet, for some reason, Elon Musk’s brand didn’t quite make the cut.

Read: 2025 Rivian R1S And R1T Combine Tired Looks With New Tech And More Power

Unlike the louder, garish designs you might expect from a police cruiser, the R1S keeps it understated. Most of the exterior is decked out in gloss black, while the front doors get a clean white trim. The department’s badge makes a neat appearance on the sides, adding just enough flair to remind everyone this is a police vehicle—not a luxury SUV on a road trip.

The R1S Cruiser Still Needs a Few Tweaks

For now, the R1S doesn’t have the customary red and blue roof light bar—it just didn’t arrive in time for the event. There’s also talk of a push bar being added, as well as other custom equipment for the cabin. Rivian’s engineers are reportedly working closely with the city to get the SUV ready for active duty.

Palo Alto’s Captain James Reifschneider spoke to Palo Alto Online, noting that the R1S offers significantly more cabin space than the Ford Explorers and Jeep Durangos currently used by the department.

While giving his State of the City presentation, Palo Alto Major Ed Lauing praised Rivian and his plans for the area.

More: California Cops Speak Out Against Tesla Police Cars, Call Them Unfit For Duty

“The electric car was created years before Rivian first shipped their EV, but Rivian wanted to be the best EV in the future, not the first EV of the past,” he said. “That sounds a lot like Palo Alto to me because Palo Alto is a great place to live and work and shop and play and go to school and that isn’t enough. We’re always looking to be more innovative going forward and to make our place in Palo Alto even better.”

Other Police EVs

Palo Alto is far from the only city jumping on the EV police cruiser bandwagon. Several agencies in California have started adding electric vehicles to their fleets, but the transition hasn’t been without its challenges.

The South Pasadena Police Department has replaced its entire fleet with Tesla Model 3s and Model Ys, but some departments have complained about the lack of space offered by these two Tesla models. The Rivian R1S is much larger, but it’s also much more expensive, starting at $75,900 in base guise before any expensive upgrades are made.

There’s no word on whether police in Palo Alto plan to add more Rivian models to their fleet.

Opening image via Rivian Forums

This may look just like any other Land Rover Defender 110 restomod, right? Wrong. While it shares the familiar rugged looks of many restored Defenders, ECD Automotive’s Project Powder Keg has traded its traditional drivetrain for a fully electric setup, meaning its new owner will be able to go off-roading in complete silence.

However, they better not stray too far from civilization, as the special Defender only has a driving range of “up to” 200 miles (about 322 km).

Read: Classic Land Rover Packs 700 Hp And A Manual Gearbox Just To Show Up The Defender

The transformation centers on ECD’s Electric Direct EV drivetrain, which replaces the traditional combustion setup with an 84 kWh battery pack and an electric motor producing 300 horsepower and 368 lb-ft (499 Nm) of torque.

Eager to retain as much of the original model’s off-road credentials, the company allows it to be driven in two- or four-wheel drive. Charging from 10-80 percent is said to take less than an hour.

Subtle Exterior Mods

When viewed from the outside, there’s little to give away the Defender’s new powertrain, other than the notable absence of any exhaust pipes. It has been finished in Bonatti Gray with Shadow Black accents and includes a six-point external roll cage. A new A-bar bumper has then been added to the front, supporting a Warn winch.

A pair of new front-facing LED lights has also been attached to the roof, while found at the rear are additional lights, a steel bumper, and a new spare wheel.

No restomodded Defender would be complete without a revised interior, so that’s exactly what the Project Powder Keg has. It’s been equipped with Recaro Orthoped seats clad Veluto Pelle leather. Also fitted is a new Exmoor Evander steering wheel, custom gauges, billet aluminum accents, and a modern infotainment display.

There’s no word on how much the Land Rover’s overhaul cost, but if you have to ask, you’re probably not in the market for something like this.

One of Chery’s many sub-brands, Exeed, has just previewed its latest model, known as the Exlantix E05. Set to make its global debut at next month’s Munich Motor Show, the attractive SUV will be sold with a range-extender powertrain and, unlike many other new vehicles coming out of China, should be offered internationally.

Viewed from the front, the shape of the headlights immediately reminds us of the current ICE-powered Porsche Macan, except the lights of the E05 are a little more intricate, each complete with three LED daytime running lights. The main headlamps are then positioned vertically on either side of the small front grille.

Read: Chery Launches New Pickup Brand To Rival Toyota Hilux On Global Stage

While the front half of the SUV looks quite sleek, the rear looks a little bulbous and has been showcased with relatively understated LED taillights. Look closely, and you may also notice the Exlantix E05 comes standard with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor.

Early information out of China reveals the E05 is 4,780 mm (188.1 inches) long, 1,890 mm (74.4 inches) wide, and stands 1,725 mm (67.9 inches) tall with a 2,800 mm (110.2-inch) wheelbase.

Simple Cabin with Many Screens

Like so many new vehicles from China, the interior is quite minimalist and tech-focused. Positioned in front of the two-spoke steering wheel is a small digital instrument cluster, while in the center of the dash is a large infotainment screen. Exeed has then added an expansive display in front of the passenger.

Other key interior details include two cupholders, a pair of wireless phone chargers, and a pass-through storage area under the center console.

As the new model has yet to be showcased in full, many technical details remain unconfirmed. However, regulatory filings have revealed it’ll use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine alongside an electric motor. The engine will deliver 154 hp (115 kW), but it’s unclear how much power the electric motor delivers.

In addition to developing a steer-by-wire system, Rivian also appears to be working on rear-wheel steering, two features that could significantly impact how its EVs handle. That said, there’s no clear timeline for when these updates might roll out, so current Rivian owners probably don’t need to consider trading in their vehicles just yet.

News about Rivian’s latest developments doesn’t come from a press release or a comment made by an executive, but rather from a job listing that the automaker recently posted. In the listing, it says it is looking for an engineer to join the Vehicle Hardware Engineering – Chassis – Product Development team.

Read: Rivian’s R2 Spotted With A Very Interesting Rear Window

Their work will include the product development of important chassis steering hardware components, “such as steer by wire, rear wheel steering, and advanced ADAS steering technologies.”

Given that the current R1S and R1T are both big vehicles with a keen focus on off-roading, it’s somewhat surprising they don’t already have a rear-wheel steering system. The Tesla Cybertruck debuted with rear-wheel steering a couple of years ago, helping its maneuverability on tight trails, as well as in carparks and on the road.

Following In The Footsteps of Tesla and Lexus

Adding steer-by-wire also seems like a logical development for Rivian to make, allowing i t to completely remove any physical link between the steering wheel and the wheels. Like Tesla and Lexus, it would need to add redundancies in case the system fails. Steer-by-wire would also allow Rivian to adjust the steering ratio depending on vehicle speed, something both Tesla and Lexus have done.  

As mentioned, there’s no word on when the systems could be ready, but if Rivian is only now starting work on them, they’ll likely still be a few years out. They could conceivably debut on the R1T and R1S, although they were only recently updated, meaning another significant update would be needed. The smaller R2 and R3 are also possible candidates for the new steering systems.

Earlier this week, information out of China revealed that the new YangWang U9 Track Edition will be capable of producing a combined 2,977 hp. If true, that would eclipse the new Rimac Nevera R by 870 horsepower, but Mate Rimac has thrown cold water on the idea that the U9 will have this much power, suggesting it could have been “wrongly advertised” or “interpreted.”

Read: This YangWang Comes With Three Times The Power Of A Bugatti Veyron

In a comment on the Apex Automotor Facebook group, Rimac pointed out that “most Chinese EVs use LFP cells, I doubt that any of them can deliver 20+C discharge rates (even for 1 second) that would be needed to deliver 2+ Megawatts of power.”

Battery limitations

Rimac went on to add that the Nevera R packs “the latest and greatest in performance battery cell technology,” and it is limited to roughly 1.5 megawatts of power, or exactly 2,107 hp. He explained that while the battery can provide more power, the motors and inverters are at their limits. In his view, the system will “probably do 2 MW for a couple of seconds,” but not without beefing up the rest of the powertrain.

Then there’s the matter of tires. The Nevera R is “already above the traction limit of the highest performance road tires on the market until 100 mph,” Rimac added, meaning that if the YangWang U9 Track Edition had almost 1,000 hp more, “it would probably not be able to put the power down until 150+ mph.”

He also stressed that peak power is just a number and that it’s more important “how that power is delivered and sustained.”

Official specifications

Data released by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) claims that each of the four electric motors of the BYD YangWang U9 Track Edition delivers 744 hp or 555 kW, resulting in a combined 2,977 hp. That said, there’s no confirmation that all four motors can operate at peak output simultaneously in real-world driving.

Tesla has just launched a new version of the Model 3 in China, and it has the longest driving range of any vehicle in the automaker’s lineup. The new model, previously referred to as the Model 3+, is now simply branded the Model 3 Long Range, offering an impressive CLTC range of up to 830 km or 516 miles.

Read: New Model 3+ Isn’t What You Think It Its. It’s Better

As you probably could have guessed, this isn’t a special version of the Model 3 built from the ground up. However, it is the first version in China to come standard with a 78.4 kWh NMC battery from LG, paired to an electric motor with 302 hp (225 kW). The regular Model 3 has a less powerful 260 hp (194 kW) motor.

Understanding the CLTC figures

It’s important to note that the CLTC, or China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, is usually more generous than the WLTP cycle. This is because it’s designed to mimic driving in congested Chinese cities, meaning it includes more frequent stops and moments of deceleration where an EV can use regenerative braking.

We don’t know yet if Tesla has any plans to sell this Model 3 version elsewhere, but if it does, the range figure will inevitably drop.

Performance and pricing

It’s not just the driving range of the Model 3 Long Range that’s impressive. It can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a very respectable 5.2 seconds. It’s also been priced very competitively, starting at 269,500 yuan or roughly $37,500.

That’s roughly 14 percent more than the base Model 3 in China, which offers a 634 km (394 miles) range on the CLTC cycle. If only we could get a Model 3 with this much range, and for this price, here in the US.

Tesla likely launched this new version in China because that’s where it’s facing the fiercest competition. Last year, Xiaomi introduced its SU7, and in range-focused Pro guise, it has a CLTC range of 830 km (516 miles) too, but it does rely on a much larger 94.3 kWh battery pack.

Xiaomi’s latest high-performance electric sedan has been busy making history and smoke. The SU7 Ultra is now the fastest production EV to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, and while that achievement alone would be enough to cement its credentials, it turns out the car can dance as well as it can sprint.

In a display that might surprise those who associate all-wheel drive with understeer, a specially prepared SU7 Ultra takes center stage in a Ken Block–style Gymkhana video that could win over even the most skeptical EV enthusiasts.

Filmed on the Chinese island of Qionghai, the clip shows a bright yellow SU7 Ultra performing loads of impressive powerslides. Aiding in the car’s drifting prowess is the fitment of a hydraulic handbrake, allowing the driver to quickly lock up the rear wheels and kick out the EV’s tail.

Read: Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra Software Upgrade Was A 650-HP Downgrade

Just like the finest of Ken Block’s Gymkhana videos, the SU7 Ultra is filmed sliding mere inches away from curbs and clipping obstacles with pinpoint precision. Behind the wheel of the EV was Formula Drift competitor Ye Zhicheng, and the production quality is just as good as anything we’ve seen from the team over at Hoonigan, who produced Block’s most famous videos.

Perhaps the most impressive stunt comes roughly halfway through the video, where the SU7 Ultra performs a figure-of-8 drift between two moving limousines. As the car pumps out a remarkable 1,526 hp, it should come as no surprise that it generates more than enough tire smoke to make the Block family proud.

Towards the end of the video, the SU7 Ultra joins up with an engine-swapped Toyota 86 to drift up a mountain road. Before long, the 86 is shown overheating, but the Xiaomi is able to continue. Xiaomi itself was so impressed with the video that company boss Lei Jun reportedly shared it on social media.

Voyah, one of Dongfeng’s many brands, already has several impressive models in its range, but its latest might be its most ambitious yet. Currently known by the codename Taishan, the luxury SUV is positioned as a potential rival to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Early previews show a test car under heavy camouflage, concealing most of its defining design features.

More: China’s Voyah Dreamer Took The Hilarious BMW Grille Meme Seriously

The company released images of a camouflaged Taishan parked directly beside a Cullinan. Voyah’s CEO, Lu Fang, explained that the prototype was undergoing “intensive summer testing” and confirmed it will feature “Huawei’s latest ADS Ultra four-lidar intelligent driving solution.”

High-profile promotion

In a bid to drum up attention for the new model, Voyah recently adorned one of its many prototypes with a dark brown, Louis Vuitton-themed camouflage wrap and parked it outside LV’s ‘The Louis’ exhibition building in central Shanghai, designed to mimic the look of a large ship. Voyah will be targeting high-income earners with its new SUV, eager to prove it can match the very best from Europe.

Read: Voyah Free 318 Range-Extender Promises A Record 198-Mile EV Range

The SUV’s front end remains entirely covered, keeping key styling elements out of sight, but some details are visible: smooth door surfaces, silver window surrounds, and flush-mounted door handles. A fixed LiDAR unit is mounted just above the windshield.

It’s reported that the SUV will be above 5.3 meters long with a 3.1-meter wheelbase, allowing Voyah to install six seats in a 2+2+2 arrangement. Given that the brand wants to rival Rolls-Royce, as well as the Li Auto L9, we expect to find a cabin clad in plush materials and plenty of screens.

Powertrain possibilities

Local media speculate that both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric options are likely. The plug-in hybrid will probably be similar to the one in the new Passion L luxury sedan from Voyah, which combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and dual electric motors, delivering a combined 657 hp.

Photos Weibo

An American rapper by the name of Big Huey has spectacularly claimed that Tesla remotely deactivated his Cybertruck after he released a song named after the controversial electric pickup. However, the whole saga has been staged, likely concocted as a way to generate PR for the song and drive traffic to the rapper’s Instagram page.

Things started over the weekend when Big Huey posted a video to Instagram alleging that Tesla had remotely shut down his Cybertruck, leaving him stranded on the side of a highway. The rapper shows the infotainment screen of the EV displaying a bright red and white warning, reading ‘Tesla Cybertruck De-Activated’. It also says ‘Critical issue detected, contact customer service,’ and instructs the rapper to ‘Comply with cease & desist to re-activate.’

Read: Why The US Army Is Preparing To Blow Up Two New Cybertrucks

According to the rapper, he was “stranded as (explicit),” and couldn’t move the truck. The post has generated a huge amount of attention online, generating more than 112,000 likes. A comment, reading ‘U missed ur payments bro,’ has even been liked over 51,000 times.

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Shortly after posting this video, Big Huey also shared a video that he says shows a cease and desist letter sent to him from Tesla. In the letter, the automaker takes issue with the rapper his the Cybertruck name in his song, and imagery related to the pickup. The letter ends with the signature of Dinna Eskin. However, both this letter and the original video are fake.

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Tesla Sets The Record Straight

Tesla took to X and Instagram to confirm that the clip of the Cybertruck being stranded on the highway was faked, confirming that it “does NOT disable vehicles remotely.” Additionally, the claimed cease and desist letter used the old title of Eskin as the Sr. Director and Deputy General Counsel for Tesla, whereas she is now VP of Legal at Tesla.

In addition, a Redditor was able to replicate the red and white screen that shows on Big Huey’s Tesla by plugging in a laptop and typing out a message to be displayed on the screen.

Yet another Cybertruck remotely bricked by Tesla.
byu/joonatoona inCyberStuck