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Xiaomi YU7 Lineup Expands with Record-Breaking GT Variant

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Xiaomi is turning up the heat in the performance EV space with two new additions to its YU7 luxury SUV range — the YU7 Standard and the range-topping YU7 GT. And it’s the GT that’s grabbing headlines. The YU7 GT has stormed the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a blistering lap time of 7:22.755, setting a new production SUV record and undercutting the previous benchmark by a massive 14 seconds. That’s serious pace for a full-size electric SUV. Powering the GT is a dual-motor setup producing a staggering 1,003 PS, driven by Xiaomi’s HyperEngine V8s EVO that spins up to 28,000 rpm. The result? A 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2.92 seconds and a claimed top speed of 300 km/h — numbers that firmly place it in supercar territory. On the other end, the YU7 Standard offers a more balanced package. It gets a 73 kWh LFP battery on a 752V platform, delivering a CLTC range of 643 km. Performance remains strong, with 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h. Fast charging...

Geely Starray EM-i Put Through Unique Crash Test in Europe

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Geely Auto has pushed safety testing a step further by subjecting the Geely Starray EM-i to a unique, beyond-regulation crash test in France. Conducted at UTAC ’s Euro NCAP-accredited facility, the test combined a side-impact collision with a secondary pole strike—simulating a real-world chain crash scenario. The test saw a moving deformable barrier hit the SUV at 60 km/h, forcing it into a rigid pole placed on the opposite side. This dual-impact setup goes beyond standard Euro NCAP protocols, which typically assess single-phase impacts. According to Geely, the Starray EM-i maintained cabin integrity during the crash, with airbags deploying as intended. The vehicle also activated its emergency eCall system and automatically unlocked its doors post-impact. Battery safety—crucial for electrified vehicles—was also evaluated, with the system reportedly remaining protected. The demonstration took place at the “Automotive Safety Tech Globalization & Innovation in ...

BYD Ti7 Seven-Seat Hybrid SUV Confirmed for UK

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BYD is expanding its footprint in the UK with the introduction of the all-new BYD Ti7 —its largest model yet for the market. This three-row SUV is aimed at families and lifestyle buyers looking for space, performance and electrified efficiency in one package. Measuring over 5.1 metres in length, the Ti7 sits at the top of BYD’s UK lineup. Under the hood, it uses the brand’s Dual Mode Performance (DM-p) plug-in hybrid setup, combining a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. The result is a claimed 0-62 mph time of just 4.8 seconds, making it surprisingly quick for its size. It also offers a WLTP electric-only range of up to 79 miles, though full battery and charging details are yet to be revealed. Design-wise, the Ti7 gets a bold stance with split LED lighting up front, a contrasting lower bumper finished in titanium tones, and chunky wheel arches. The upright rear profile emphasises practicality, while inside, the cabin is con...

Range Rover Electric Set for 2026 Preview Ahead of Launch

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Jaguar Land Rover is gearing up to showcase the all-new Range Rover Electric, marking the first fully electric model to carry the iconic Range Rover badge. The EV will be previewed at exclusive, invitation-only events through summer 2026, before order books officially open later in the year. The pre-production SUV has already made its first public appearance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with additional showings lined up in Sardinia and at Wimbledon. These curated events will offer select customers an early look—and feel—of the brand’s most anticipated EV yet. In terms of design, the Range Rover Electric sticks closely to the brand’s signature silhouette. Subtle cues like a flush grille and unique wheel centre caps are the only giveaways of its all-electric underpinnings, keeping the classic Range Rover identity intact. JLR is keeping technical details under wraps for now, with no confirmation yet on battery specs, range, pricing or drivetrain configuration. Wha...

Hyundai Expands Bluelink Store to More Models in the US

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Hyundai Motor America is scaling up its software game, expanding its over-the-air (OTA) digital features marketplace to more vehicles. The Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Cruz and Hyundai Ioniq 5 now join the platform, taking the total to six models alongside the Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Through the Bluelink Store, customers can browse, purchase and activate software-driven features directly via the app or website. Updates are delivered over the air and installed without a dealership visit, making the process seamless. Hyundai also confirms that once purchased, these features remain with the car for life—even transferring to the next owner. To mark the expansion, Hyundai has introduced a special FIFA World Cup 2026 display theme, available free for US customers until October 19, 2026. It features tournament branding along with visuals of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Spot robots. Other themes on offer include Nature, a retro-inspired Hyun...

Maruti Suzuki Flex-Fuel Car To Be Unveiled On June 5

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Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to showcase its first flex-fuel vehicle in India on World Environment Day, signaling a fresh push towards alternative fuels. The announcement was made by Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during a recent event in Nagpur. This move doesn’t come out of the blue. Maruti has been quietly developing flex-fuel technology, and previously pulled the wraps off an E100-ready version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx at the Japan Mobility Show. That prototype hinted at the brand’s readiness to adapt to ethanol-based fuels as India explores cleaner mobility solutions. At the same time, the government is accelerating efforts to support flex-fuel adoption. Plans are underway to establish around 5,000 E100 fuel stations across the country within the next two years, a move aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil imports. The upcoming unveiling could mark a significant step in making ethanol-powered vehicles more mainstream in India. If...

NISMO Performance Centres Confirmed for Australia

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Nissan Motor Company is stepping up its performance game Down Under, confirming a major expansion of the NISMO brand in Australia. The move brings factory-backed expertise, heritage support and genuine performance parts closer to one of the world’s most passionate GT-R fanbases. The headline development is the introduction of dedicated NISMO Performance Centres, making Australia among the first markets outside Japan to tap directly into the knowledge base of the legendary NISMO Omori Factory . These centres will offer access to authentic NISMO upgrades, restoration programs and specialised services, all backed by factory-trained NISMO Meisters. The first facility is slated to open in the second half of 2026 at Nissan Ferntree Gully in Victoria, with more locations expected to follow. Customers can expect a direct link to Japan’s performance hub, ensuring the same level of precision and craftsmanship associated with NISMO globally. This announcement also aligns w...