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Volvo Trucks Unveils 700km FH Aero Electric and Next-Gen EV Lineup

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Volvo Trucks has revealed its next wave of electric heavy-duty trucks, headlined by the FH Aero Electric with an impressive 700km range. Alongside it, the updated FH, FM and FMX Electric models promise up to 470km per charge, with market rollouts set to begin from 2026. The FH Aero Electric stands out with a new e-axle setup that integrates dual motors and a six-speed gearbox directly into the rear axle. This clever packaging frees up space for larger battery packs, enabling the extended range. It also supports megawatt charging (MCS) at up to 700kW, allowing a 20–80% top-up in around 50 minutes—perfectly timed with mandatory rest breaks in Europe. The truck can handle a gross combination weight of 48 tonnes and a payload of up to 28 tonnes. Meanwhile, the next-gen FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks get a new dual-motor drivetrain paired with an eight-speed purpose-built gearbox, delivering up to 540kW. A key highlight is the integrated gearbox power take-off, enabling the truck to ope...

Mercedes-Benz EQS Updated with 926 km Range, Steer-by-Wire Tech

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Mercedes-Benz has revealed the updated EQS electric saloon, pushing efficiency and technology to new heights. The EQS 450+ now delivers an impressive WLTP range of up to 926km, marking a 13% improvement over its predecessor. A key highlight is the introduction of steer-by-wire, a first for a series-production model from a German automaker. The updated EQS also benefits from 800-volt architecture, enabling ultra-fast 350kW DC charging that can add up to 320km of range in just 10 minutes. Under the skin, Mercedes has developed new in-house electric drive units paired with a two-speed rear gearbox. The 122kWh battery features advanced silicon oxide-graphite anodes, offering around 3% more energy within the same footprint. Recuperation power has also been boosted to 385kW, improving overall efficiency. ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz Unveils Electric VLE Grand Limousine with 700 km Range Future-ready tech includes bidirectional charging, with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V...

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Debuts with Convertible Roof and Manual Gearbox

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Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT3 S/C, a unique take on its track-focused icon that blends open-top driving with hardcore GT3 performance. It’s the first GT3 to feature a fully automatic convertible roof, while staying true to purist roots with a six-speed manual gearbox. At its heart is the familiar 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3, producing 375kW (510PS) and screaming all the way to 9,000rpm. Borrowing revised cylinder heads and aggressive camshafts from the GT3 RS, it promises sharper high-rev response. Performance remains blistering, with 0–100km/h coming up in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 313km/h. The GT3 S/C leans heavily on lightweight engineering. It uses carbon fibre panels from the 911 S/T, magnesium centre-lock wheels, and a magnesium-framed soft top, keeping kerb weight to 1,497kg. That’s just around 30kg heavier than the previous-gen 911 Speedster. Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes come standard. ALSO READ: Porsche Unveils Cayenne S Electric with ...

Geely E2 EV Launched in South Africa at R339,900 with 325km Range

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Geely Auto has introduced the E2 compact electric hatchback in South Africa, targeting budget-conscious EV buyers with a practical and well-equipped package. Prices start at R339,900 (approx. $20,800) for the Aspire variant, going up to R389,900 (around $23,900) for the top-spec Apex. The five-door hatch is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 85kW and 150Nm, paired with a 39.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. It delivers a claimed WLTP range of up to 325km, making it suitable for daily urban commutes. Charging is fairly competitive, with DC fast charging of up to 70kW enabling a 30–80% top-up in around 25 minutes. A full AC charge (10–100%) takes approximately 6.5 hours. The E2 also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L), adding extra versatility. Built on a dedicated EV platform, the E2 offers a 2,650mm wheelbase, translating into decent cabin space. Boot capacity stands at 375 litres, expandable to 1,320 litres, along with a 70-litre front trunk. ALSO READ: BM...

MINI Convertible JCW Pack Bookings Open Today in India

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Mini India has opened pre-launch bookings for the new Convertible John Cooper Works Pack from 2 PM on 14 April 2026. This special edition brings a sportier edge to MINI’s open-top offering, combining the thrill of convertible driving with the aggressive styling of the John Cooper Works (JCW) pack. Inspired by MINI’s racing heritage, the model gets distinctive JCW design elements on both the exterior and interior, enhancing its signature go-kart-like appeal. The Convertible JCW Pack aims to deliver a unique blend of performance-focused aesthetics and the freedom of open-air motoring—something that continues to define MINI’s character globally. ALSO READ: MINI Cooper S Victory Edition Launched in India with Iconic Styling Cues Customers can place bookings through authorised MINI dealerships across India. The brand currently operates 12 sales outlets spread across 9 cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and more. After-sales support is backed by th...

McLaren Appoints Kemal Curic as Chief Design Officer

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McLaren Automotive has appointed Kemal Curic as its new Chief Design Officer, effective April 2026. He will join the company’s Executive Leadership Team and lead the design vision across McLaren’s future lineup. Curic brings over two decades of global automotive design experience, with a strong background in performance and luxury vehicles. He joins from Ford Motor Company, where he served as Global Design Director for Performance Vehicles, overseeing several high-impact projects. In his new role, Curic will head all design functions at McLaren, including exterior and interior design, colour and materials (CMF), as well as digital design. He will work closely with engineering and product strategy teams to ensure the brand continues to push boundaries in lightweight construction, performance, and emotional appeal. Also read: McLarens, Corvettes, and an R8: $1.5 Million Toasted in a Truck Inferno Known for evolving iconic models while staying true to their heritage, Curic’s de...

Mercedes-Benz Opens Global ‘Studios’ Retail Spaces Across Cities

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Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new global “Studios” initiative, aimed at redefining the brand’s retail and customer experience across major urban hubs. The rollout begins in 2026, with the first studio already opened in Copenhagen. More locations are planned across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, with over ten city-centre studios set to go live this year. Unlike traditional dealerships, these Studios are designed as immersive urban spaces that combine vehicle displays, curated brand experiences, exclusive events, and direct sales—all under one roof. Each location is tailored to reflect its host city while maintaining a consistent global identity. The initiative aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s “Welcome home.” brand philosophy, focusing on creating a more personal and engaging connection with customers. It also coincides with the brand’s 140th anniversary, marking a historic milestone since Carl Benz patented the first automobile. from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/94hQp...