Author: M.Chen

Kia Teases Second-Gen Seltos, Embracing EV Design Language
3Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

Kia Teases Second-Gen Seltos, Embracing EV Design Language

Kia has unveiled teaser images of the all-new second-generation Seltos SUV ahead of its official reveal on December 10. The new model is set to adopt a bold design inspired by Kia's Opposites United styling philosophy, evident in the brand’s latest electric vehicles like the EV3 and EV5.Key TakeawaysThe Seltos will feature a distinctive front fascia with Star Map daytime running lights and a full-width horizontal lightbar at the rear.Kia’s new K3 platform is expected to underpin the second-gen model, potentially offering hybrid powertrains for the first time.Local deliveries of the 2026 Seltos are scheduled for the second half of the year in Australia.The teaser images highlight a bolder exterior design with signature Kia elements such as Star Map daytime running lights and pumped wheel ar...
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Battery Capacity No Longer Dominates Electric Vehicle Debate
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
News

Battery Capacity No Longer Dominates Electric Vehicle Debate

The debate around electric vehicles (EVs) has long centered on battery capacity, but today's discussion is shifting towards other critical factors that influence an EV's performance and efficiency.Key TakeawaysBattery capacity alone does not determine the true potential of an electric vehicle.The ecosystem around battery technology, including power electronics, motor efficiency, and software optimization, significantly impacts EV performance.Advancements in power electronics have led to substantial improvements in energy management and thermal control.Battery capacity is just one part of the equation. Factors such as aerodynamics, vehicle weight, battery and motor thermal management, powertrain architecture, and software strategies play a crucial role in determining an EV's real-world rang...
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Tesla Upgrades Exterior Cameras for AI5 Readiness
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

Tesla Upgrades Exterior Cameras for AI5 Readiness

Tesla is reportedly making changes to the exterior cameras on its vehicles, likely in preparation for the upcoming AI5 suite. The company's latest move involves a potential upgrade from the current Sony IMX963 sensor to an unspecified model with the code name IMX00N.Key TakeawaysTesla is upgrading its exterior side repeater cameras to potentially support AI5 suite capabilities.The current camera uses a Sony IMX963 sensor, which has a 5-megapixel resolution and superior dynamic range compared to previous models.A new sensor model with the code name IMX00N is mentioned in Tesla's firmware but specifications are not yet available from Sony.The upgrade appears to be part of Tesla’s ongoing efforts to enhance its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities and improve data collection for autonomous dr...
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Toyota’s bZ3X Electric SUV Dominates Chinese Market at $15,000 Price Point
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News, SUV & Crossovers

Toyota’s bZ3X Electric SUV Dominates Chinese Market at $15,000 Price Point

Toyota’s GAC joint venture launched the affordable electric SUV, bZ3X, in China this March. Starting at around $15,000 (109,800 yuan), it quickly became a best-seller, outperforming competitors like Volkswagen and BMW.Key TakeawaysThe bZ3X is Toyota's most affordable electric SUV in China, priced at 109,800 yuan ($15,000).Sales exceeded 10,000 units for two consecutive months and have surpassed 62,000 cumulative deliveries.The bZ3X offers advanced ADAS features and comes with battery options providing ranges of up to 610 km (379 miles).Since its launch in March, the Toyota bZ3X has seen impressive sales figures. By May, it became the best-selling foreign-owned electric vehicle (EV) in China, surpassing models from Volkswagen and BMW.The compact SUV measures 4,645 mm long, 1,885 mm wide, an...
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2027 BMW Serie 3: Power and Efficiency Reimagined
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
News

2027 BMW Serie 3: Power and Efficiency Reimagined

The 2027 BMW Serie 3 marks a pivotal moment for the Bavarian brand, blending traditional gasoline engines with cutting-edge electric technology to cater to diverse market demands. With impressive specifications such as up to 700 horsepower from its hybrid M3 variant and an 800 km range for the all-electric i3 model, BMW aims to set new standards in premium sedan performance.Key TakeawaysBMW Serie 3 2027 offers up to 700 horsepower from its hybrid M3 variant and an impressive 800 km range for the all-electric i3 model.The car features four motors in the sporty iM3 version, showcasing BMW's commitment to innovative powertrain solutions.BMW is testing prototypes on German roads with both gasoline and electric engines undergoing rigorous evaluation.BMW’s Neue Klasse platform introduces signifi...
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NASCAR Antitrust Trial Kicks Off with Denny Hamlin’s Testimony
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
News

NASCAR Antitrust Trial Kicks Off with Denny Hamlin’s Testimony

On Monday, NASCAR Cup driver and 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin testified in federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of an antitrust lawsuit filed against the sanctioning body. The case centers on claims that NASCAR is engaging in anti-competitive practices and underpaying teams for charters.Key TakeawaysDenny Hamlin testified that it costs $20 million annually to put a car on the track, which does not cover additional expenses like sponsor activation and human resources.The team has an $8 million annual service agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), allowing 23XI Racing to operate with only 140 employees.Hamlin stated that in 2020, the team paid $4.7 million for its first Charter and $13.5 million for a second Charter in 2021.Denny Hamlin began his testimony by criticizing ...
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Tesla Model Y Scores Lowest in Reliability Among 2022-2023 Models
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

Tesla Model Y Scores Lowest in Reliability Among 2022-2023 Models

TÜV, a renowned German organization known for its rigorous product evaluations, has released its latest reliability report covering electric vehicles (EVs) from the 2022–2023 model years. The findings reveal that Tesla's Model Y has the highest defect rate among all tested models, marking it as the least reliable vehicle in the industry over the past decade.Key TakeawaysThe Tesla Model Y recorded a 17.3% defect rate for cars aged 2–3 years, surpassing all other models tested.The Model 3 also performed poorly with a 13.1% defect rate, placing it third worst among the 110 models evaluated.Most electric vehicles demonstrated superior reliability compared to Tesla's offerings, with the Mini Cooper SE leading at 3.5%, followed by Audi Q4 e-tron and Fiat 500e.The report assessed over 9.5 million...
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Optimal Charging Profiles for EV Batteries: MG4 Essence vs Competitors
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

Optimal Charging Profiles for EV Batteries: MG4 Essence vs Competitors

The debate over the optimal charging profile for electric vehicle (EV) batteries continues, with many owners questioning whether they should charge their vehicles to full capacity. This article explores the nuances of battery care in an MG4 Essence equipped with an NMC lithium-ion battery.Key TakeawaysNMC chemistry batteries like those in the MG4 Essence can be charged to 100% less frequently than LFP batteries without significant degradation risks.Maintaining a regular charging habit between 20-80% SOC (State of Charge) helps prolong battery life for NMC batteries, but occasional full charges are recommended.Equalization charges are necessary to maintain cell balance and should be performed regularly as per manufacturer guidelines.NMC batteries in the MG4 Essence can handle partial chargi...
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Ford Expands Ranger Super Duty Line-Up with New Models in Mid-2026
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
News, Pickup Trucks

Ford Expands Ranger Super Duty Line-Up with New Models in Mid-2026

Ford has announced plans to expand its Ranger Super Duty line-up by mid-2026, adding a double cab pick-up variant and an XLT model. This expansion aims to cater to the growing demand for heavy-duty work trucks in Australia.Key TakeawaysFord will introduce a new double cab pick-up variant priced at $93,990 and an XLT model starting from $95,990.The Ranger Super Duty’s towing capacity is rated up to 4500kg, with a GVM of 4500kg and GCM of 8000kg.A new 'Traction Green' paint option will be available across the entire Ranger Super Duty range.The expanded line-up includes existing single cab-chassis ($82,990), super cab-chassis ($86,490), and double cab-chassis ($89,990) variants. The new additions will offer enhanced features such as leather upholstery, electric front seat adjustment, heated a...
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Holley’s Modernized 408-Mile 1995 Z28 Debuts at SEMA 2025
2Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
News

Holley’s Modernized 408-Mile 1995 Z28 Debuts at SEMA 2025

Holley unveiled its meticulously preserved and modernized 1995 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with just over 400 original miles at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The build showcases a supercharged LT4 engine paired with an advanced 6L80E automatic transmission, transforming this classic into a high-performance machine.Key TakeawaysHolley installed a supercharged LT4 crate engine and a 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission in the original Z28.The build includes Holley's Terminator X Max system, digital dash, fuel system upgrades, and custom mounts for a complete ecosystem demonstration.Braking improvements feature BAER 6S brakes with two-piece rotors and QA1 suspension components.The project began in August 2025 to highlight Holley's fourth-generation engineering capabilities. The LT4 engine, producing...
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