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Toyota Hilux Gets Major Update for Japan

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Toyota has rolled out a comprehensively updated Hilux in Japan, bringing fresh tech and improved durability to its iconic pickup. Prices start at JP¥4.98 million for the Z grade, going up to JP¥5.5 million for the more rugged Z Adventure variant. Built at Toyota’s Ban Pho plant in Thailand, the new Hilux sticks to its proven ladder-frame IMV platform but gets notable structural upgrades. Thicker frame side rails and 36 additional spot welds in the floor enhance rigidity, promising better toughness — something Hilux buyers swear by. Under the hood sits the familiar 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. A part-time 4WD system comes standard, along with Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor, making it as capable off-road as ever. Dimension-wise, the pickup measures 5,325 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width and 1,865 mm in height, with a payload capacity of up to 500 kg. While the core remains rugged, Toyota has injected a dos...

LML EGR Delete: Solving Common Soot Issues

Modern diesel trucks are built to deliver strong towing power, dependable performance, and long-term durability. However, as emissions systems become more advanced, many diesel owners begin facing issues related to soot buildup and restricted airflow. One of the most discussed topics among heavy-duty diesel enthusiasts is the LML EGR delete , particularly due to recurring maintenance concerns associated with excessive carbon buildup in the engine. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation system, commonly known as the EGR system, was designed to reduce emissions by redirecting a portion of exhaust gases back into the engine’s intake system. While this process helps lower nitrogen oxide emissions, it also introduces hot soot-filled exhaust into vital engine components. Over time, this can create thick carbon deposits that affect airflow, throttle response, cooling efficiency, and overall engine reliability. As soot accumulates, drivers may begin noticing reduced power, sluggish a...

Lancia Gamma Breaks Cover as Hybrid & EV Fastback

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Lancia has revealed the first look at its all-new Gamma, a sleek crossover fastback that signals the brand’s next chapter under Stellantis . Built on the STLA Medium platform, the Gamma will be offered with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains for Europe. Measuring 4.67 metres in length, the Gamma sits firmly in the premium mid-size space, blending coupe-like styling with crossover practicality. Under the hood, Lancia is offering a 145 hp hybrid variant capable of delivering a claimed range of over 1,000 km. The EV lineup is where things get interesting. Buyers will get three options: a 230 hp version with over 540 km range, a more efficient 245 hp variant pushing past 740 km, and a range-topping 375 hp all-wheel-drive model with up to 675 km on a single charge. The Gamma has been designed, engineered and developed entirely in Italy, and will roll out of Stellantis’ Melfi plant — one of the group’s most advanced production facilities. Lancia says the model r...

Volvo EV Customers Can Now Use 20,000 Tesla Superchargers in Europe

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Volvo is set to significantly boost charging convenience for its EV customers, announcing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network across Europe starting in Q4 2026. This move will open up more than 20,000 Supercharger stations spanning 29 European countries, dramatically expanding fast-charging availability for Volvo drivers. Key markets include Germany, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Spain — regions where Tesla ’s infrastructure is already well established. Eligible models will include Volvo’s latest electric lineup such as the EX30, EX40, EC40, EX60, EX90, and ES90. Access to the Supercharger network will be seamlessly integrated through the Volvo Cars app, keeping the user experience clean and familiar. The Swedish automaker isn’t stopping there. It also plans to transition select models in Japan and South Korea to the North American Charging System (NACS) by 2029, aligning with Tesla’s widely adopted charging standard and future-proofing...

Bosch and Mitsubishi Launch Fast-Swap EV Truck Hub in China

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Bosch has taken a major step in electrifying heavy-duty transport, with its joint venture Bosch MC Battery Service Innovations securing its first customer in China. Partnering with Mitsubishi Corporation, the venture has rolled out a new energy service hub in Chizhou, operated by Shanghai Lingzhou Technology. The facility introduces a ‘Battery as a Service’ model tailored for electric truck fleets. In simple terms, it allows trucks to either swap depleted batteries or recharge them within minutes — a game-changer for commercial operations where downtime directly impacts profitability. The hub is already capable of handling over 100 electric trucks per day. Behind the scenes, an AI-driven charging system and integrated inspection tech manage the entire process, ensuring both speed and safety. Bosch’s ‘Battery in the Cloud’ software plays a crucial role here, constantly monitoring battery health, predicting degradation, and optimising charging strategies for fleet ope...

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 ...