12/12/23 - Porsche Macan EV finally arrives with 300+ miles range, Huawei Asks Mercedes and Audi to Collab on Software, Here’s how Ducati made its motorbikes reliable under VW Group

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• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • Porsche Macan EV finally arrives with 300+ miles range

  • 2024 BMW Z4 M40i Finally Gets a Manual in the US

  • 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric pricing goes for value

• 🏭 Industry trend: Here’s how Ducati made its motorbikes reliable under VW Group

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Huawei Asks Mercedes, Audi to Collab on Software, This European Startup Wants To Turn Your Car Into An EV In A Ridiculously Short 8 Hours

• ⚡ EV: The Different Types of E-Bikes - A Comprehensive Guide

• 🙌 Tips/advices: Everything You Need To Know About Flex Fuel

Porsche Macan EV finally arrives with 300+ miles WLTP range, track skills (5 mins read)

Porsche unveiled the Macan EV in October, showcasing its significance as the brand's second top-selling vehicle globally. Transitioning to electric, it utilizes the PPE platform co-developed with Audi. Notable specs include a 152Ah, 662V battery, 500km WLTP range, and 670 horsepower. Charging impressively, it achieves 10% to 80% in 22 minutes. A thrilling track ride highlighted its sporty nature, while off-road capabilities were demonstrated.

2024 BMW Z4 M40i Finally Gets a Manual in the US (3 mins read)

BMW introduces a six-speed manual option for the 2024 Z4 M40i in the United States, signaling a return to the "Ultimate Driving Machine." Expected launch in late January 2024, with a comprehensive package (around $3,500) featuring the manual, sharper steering, and firmer dampers. The manual, designed specifically for the U.S. market, addresses past criticisms, offering shorter, tighter shift throws. The Z4 M40i maintains its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 382 horsepower.

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric pricing goes for value (3 mins read)

The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric in the U.S. offers three trims: SE ($32,675), SEL ($36,675), and Limited ($41,045), excluding a $1,335 destination fee. The SE features a 99-kW electric motor, 48.6 kWh battery, and 200-mile range. The SEL upgrades to a 64.8 kWh battery, 261-mile range, and added features. The top-tier Limited includes luxury upgrades, starting with the SEL's powertrain.

Here’s how Ducati made its motorbikes reliable under VW Group (5 mins read)

Ducati, under Volkswagen Group ownership, saw its most profitable year in 2022, selling 62,000 bikes worldwide. The article reveals advancements in desmodromic engines, addressing historical reliability concerns. The system eliminates valve springs, improving performance by overcoming heat-related softening. Ducati's modernized processes extend valve clearance check intervals to 18,000 miles, enhancing the appeal of its motorcycles for daily and weekend riders.

Huawei Asks Mercedes, Audi to Collab on Software (3 mins read)

Huawei has reportedly discussed software collaboration with Mercedes and Audi, seeking a 3-5% stake in Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solution (IAS) business, valued at $30 billion. Mercedes has apparently rejected the offer, expressing a desire for autonomy in software development. Audi's involvement remains uncertain, but there are hints of a partnership focusing on autonomous driving aids for Chinese market-specific installation. Official statements from the involved parties are unavailable.

This European Startup Wants To Turn Your Car Into An EV In A Ridiculously Short 8 Hours (7 mins read)

The European startup, Transition-One, aims to convert traditional cars into electric vehicles (EVs) within 8 hours. The retrofit process involves replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric motor, battery pack, and control systems. Transition-One claims a cost-effective conversion, estimating around €10,000. The startup plans to offer its services for various car models, promoting sustainability by extending the lifespan of existing vehicles.

The Different Types of E-Bikes - A Comprehensive Guide (5 mins read)

The article provides a comprehensive guide to different types of e-bikes. It covers various categories, including commuter e-bikes, mountain e-bikes, fat tire e-bikes, folding e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, and cruiser e-bikes. Each type is explained with details on features, benefits, and ideal use cases. The guide aims to help readers understand the diverse options available in the e-bike market, catering to different preferences and needs.

Everything You Need To Know About Flex Fuel (5 mins read)

This article discusses quick facts about E85 fuel, which is an ethanol-gasoline blend with approximately 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) can use E85 or regular unleaded, but traditional gas engines cannot. E85 costs about 60 cents less per gallon than regular gas, but FFVs may have lower fuel efficiency. The article discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and availability of E85, as well as other ethanol blends like E10, E15, E25, and E98. It also mentions the decline in new FFV offerings due to shifting incentives towards electric vehicles.