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  • 10/24/23 - Mini Releases More Details on Electric 2025 Countryman, Chinese Auto Inch Closer to American Market, Tata Motors unveils state-of-the-art facilities for hydrogen propulsion technologies

10/24/23 - Mini Releases More Details on Electric 2025 Countryman, Chinese Auto Inch Closer to American Market, Tata Motors unveils state-of-the-art facilities for hydrogen propulsion technologies

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  • 🚗 Car reveal/review: Mini Releases More Details on Electric 2025 Countryman, Porsche 911 Hybrid Coming Sooner Than We Thought, Future BMW I3 Will Be Less Weird Than Original

  • 🏭 Industry trend: Chinese Auto Inch Closer to American Market

  • 🤖 Auto Tech: Tata Motors unveils state-of-the-art facilities for hydrogen propulsion technologies

  • ⚡ EV: DOJ probing Tesla’s EV range after reports of exaggerated numbers, The Problem With Buying A Used EV Might Have A Solution

  • 😄 Fun read: An F1 mechanic breaks down McLaren’s best worst car

Mini Countryman | Cars.com

The 2025 Mini Countryman SE All4, Mini's first mainstream electric vehicle in the US, boasts a 66.5-kilowatt-hour battery, offering 269 miles of range (European test cycle). It accelerates 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. Equipped with hands-free driving and automated lane change features, it will be available in four trim levels with various interior and exterior options.

Porsche 911 | CarBuzz

Porsche plans to electrify the iconic 911 in the mid-2020s with a performance hybrid version of the 992.2 model. The hybrid 911 won't be a plug-in hybrid and is expected to have over 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Porsche currently has no immediate plans for a fully electric 911. The 718 Boxster/Cayman lines will receive a fully electric replacement, catering to customers not yet ready for an electric sports car. Porsche is also working on distinctive sounds for its electric models.

BMW I3 | TheTruthAboutCars

The BMW i3, the brand's first mass-produced electric vehicle, faced challenges due to its quirky design, limited range, and high cost. BMW's development boss, Frank Weber, acknowledges the i3's uniqueness but aims to create a more affordable, compact EV as part of the Neue Klasse electric architecture. This initiative is expected to enhance charging, range, and production efficiency. However, it won't be available until 2025, with the i3 replacement coming later.

IChinese automakers are eyeing the American market, with BYD, Chery, Guangzhou Automobile Group, Geely Auto, and SAIC Motor among potential contenders. Chinese companies like Chery have already entered the Mexican market and could use Mexican factories to meet requirements for U.S. federal EV tax incentives. Local production could also help bypass the 25% tariff on many Chinese-built goods. Mexico has become an attractive stepping stone for Chinese automakers aiming to enter the U.S. market. However, the complex regulatory landscape poses challenges.

Tata Motors has revealed new facilities dedicated to the development of hydrogen propulsion technologies. This move aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The new setup will encompass a Hydrogen Centre of Excellence (CoE) and a dedicated testing facility. It aims to explore and develop hydrogen fuel cell technology for various applications, including fuel cell electric vehicles and commercial vehicles. The initiative underscores Tata Motors' dedication to advancing alternative propulsion systems and reducing carbon emissions in the automotive sector.

The US Department of Justice is investigating Tesla's vehicle range claims, prompted by allegations of exaggerated figures. Customer complaints about significant range shortfalls led to a "diversion team" canceling service appointments for cars functioning correctly. Tesla's range estimates have been criticized for being overly optimistic, with past legal challenges and fines in countries like South Korea.

Startups are racing to solve the used electric vehicle (EV) battery problem, offering battery health estimates for prospective buyers. These startups, such as Battery Quick Check, Recurrent, and Altelium, provide valuable insights into the condition of an EV's battery, which can represent a significant portion of the vehicle's value. The battle to become the go-to brand for used EV battery assessment is gaining momentum. .

This article delves into the McLaren MP4-18, a notoriously disastrous Formula 1 car that never saw the racetrack due to numerous issues, including frequent fires and crashes during testing. Former McLaren F1 mechanic Marc "Elvis" Priestley reflects on the car's innovative design, the challenges faced in its development, and the impact it had on the team's morale. While it never received the credit it deserved, the MP4-18 holds a unique place in Formula 1 history, preserved in McLaren's museum as a testament to their ambitious pursuit of innovation.

And.. that’s a wrap