Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
BMW Doesn’t Think You Need More Than 621 Miles Of Range From An EV
While range anxiety is still a concern for many ICE users not yet on-board with the idea of an EV, those fears should reduce as infrastructure improves and recharges get quicker. At least, that’s BMW‘s hope, with the automaker deciding it won’t sell electric cars with a range greater than 621 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge. BMW’s new Gen6 cylindrical cells will be sourced from China’s CATL and EVE and will be smaller and lighter, with a 30 percent greater range than the Gen5.
Delage Has Chopped The Roof Off The D12 Hybrid Hypercar
French manufacturer Delage has given the D12 hypercar two exciting new variants, chopping the roof off to create the Speedster and the F1. The Speedster drops the roof and adds a glass windshield, while the F1 turns things up a notch. The more extreme of the two, the F1 omits the windscreen and instead sports a small wind deflector, with a motorsport-inspired halo available. Those who want the best of both worlds will be able to switch between the two — at an extra cost, of course.
2024 Ford Transit Custom Revealed With Diesel, PHEV, And EV Powertrain Options
It was a big day for van fans, with two new reveals taking place. The first is the 2024 Ford Transit Custom which will be available in Diesel, PHEV, and EV forms. Visually it shares many similarities with the fully electric e-Transit Custom, revealed earlier this month. There are some subtle differences, including the grilles and the side intakes for the ICE-only models. The diesel version will feature Ford’s EcoBlue engine with up to 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS), while the plug-in hybrid Transit Custom combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery for 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS).
Ram Revolution EV Truck Concept To Debut In November, Ahead Of LA Auto Show
Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr. has confirmed that the company’s electric offering — that will do battle with the likes of the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Hummer — will be revealed soon. The concept will be shown to the public on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, meaning the pickup should debut on November 16th.
Renault Unveils Trafic Van E-Tech Electric LCV With A 149-Mile Range
The new Renault Trafic E-Tech continues the electrified van trend, featuring a single motor producing 121 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) and a 52 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 240 km (149 miles). The EV version of the Trafic Van is expected to be followed by the equivalent passenger-friendly Trafic which was previewed in 2021 with the Hippie Caviar Hotel camper concept.
Single-Seater Mazda MX-5 NA With An ND Engine Looks Like A Lot Of Fun
Newly established Gorgona Cars have developed a unique version of the first-gen Mazda MX-5. The restomod takes the original roadster and transforms it into a single-seat speedster, with the latest SkyActiv-G powertrain and an improved chassis. The windshield and the roof have been removed, and a body-colored cover has been added to the cabin leaving only the driver’s seat exposed. There is also an aerodynamic hump behind the headrest that is fading out on the rear deck and an integrated spoiler on the tailgate. Pricing will start from around €70,000 ($69,797) plus taxes, excluding the cost of a donor car.
2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Thinks The C-Class Interior Is Too Good To Mess With
Mercedes-Benz will be merging the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe into one model that will adopt the CLE moniker. But, while the badge may have an E in it, it would appear that the interior is being heavily modeled off the C-Class sedan, with our spy photographers capturing the car testing in Germany. The images, which include snaps of the interior, show us the dashboard, twin digital screen setup, and air vents, all of which look virtually identical to the C-Class.
What Else Is Making The News
Hackers Deleted Holiday Inn’s Data “For Fun”
According to BBC, the hackers carried out a destructive cyber-attack against Holiday Inn owner Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) "for fun", after they found an easy and weak password 'Qwerty1234'. pic.twitter.com/81E8e3tQci
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 17, 2022
Speaking to the BBC, a hacker couple from Vietnam says that they deleted large amounts of data against Intercontinental Hotels Group “for fun.” Calling themselves TeaPea, the hackers had initially planned a ransomware attack but were foiled, so they wiped data instead.
Nine Million People Evacuated As Super Typhoon Nanmadol Hits Japan
Typhoon Nanmadol. Another video from Japan.#台風14号 #台風 #Nanmadol #storm #stormhour #hurricane #typhoon #Japan #TyphoonNanmadol #日本 #Japanese pic.twitter.com/2zwv8GAztT
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) September 19, 2022
Japan faces one of the worst typhoons it has ever seen, with over nine million told to evacuate from near the city of Kagoshima. Meanwhile, trains, ferries, and flights have been suspended, with many businesses closing up. Wind speeds of up to 234km/h (145mph) were seen, with rainfall as much as 400mm (16 inches) in 24 hours.