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Audi has officially abandoned its short-lived attempt at a new naming scheme, returning to a more traditional approach where model numbers reflect vehicle size rather than powertrain type. The automaker had initially introduced a revised system in March 2023, designating even numbers for electric vehicles (EVs) and odd numbers for combustion-engine models. However, the brand has now decided to revert to its previous method, simplifying its lineup for customers.

Under the reinstated naming convention, Audi will differentiate powertrains using specific suffixes: “TFSI” for petrol engines, “TFSIe” for plug-in hybrids, “TDI” for diesel, and “e-Tron” for fully electric models. Additionally, body styles will retain their familiar designations—Sedan, Avant, or Sportback. This move eliminates the previously introduced double-digit powertrain-based naming format, which was often criticised for being confusing. Terms like “55 TFSI” and “40 TDI” leave many consumers struggling to identify a vehicle’s specifications at a glance.

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BYD’s Ocean Series customer service has confirmed that the Seal 05 DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan will officially debut in China on February 10. The model, which began pre-sales on January 7, is available in three variants, with prices ranging from 89,800 to 109,800 yuan, approximately RM58,000 to RM71,000.

The exterior of the Seal 05 DM-i follows BYD’s latest Ocean series design language, featuring a sleek front fascia and a rear end equipped with a full-width taillight bar, hidden exhaust outlets, and a subtle ducktail spoiler. A “Seal 05” badge on the right side of the tailgate identifies the model. The vehicle is also fitted with advanced camera systems, including a triple-camera setup on the front windshield, rear-facing cameras positioned on the front fenders, and cameras integrated into the side mirrors. Buyers can choose from four exterior colour options: two shades of grey, white, and black.

Source: CarNewsChina

Structurally, the Seal 05 DM-i is a rebranded version of the BYD Destroyer 05. It measures 4,780mm in length, 1,837mm in width, and 1,515mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,718mm. The primary difference from its predecessor is an additional 20mm in height, while other dimensions remain unchanged.

2023 BYD Destroyer 05

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A fire broke out at an electronic waste and electric vehicle (EV) battery collection facility in the Bukit Rambai Industrial Area, Malacca, yesterday, reducing the plant to ruins. The incident occurred around 12:50 pm.

The Malacca Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received an emergency call at 12:51 pm and immediately deployed a fire rescue tender (FRT) vehicle, a water tanker, and seven personnel from the Tangga Batu fire station. Upon their arrival at 12:56 pm, approximately 90% of the facility—responsible for collecting and dismantling mobile and EV batteries for recycling—had already been consumed by flames.

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The automotive industry frequently sees claims of revolutionary advancements in EV battery technology, but Stellantis appears to have made a significant breakthrough. The company is developing lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries that promise to cut costs by half, improve rapid-charging speeds by 50%, and significantly reduce weight. Stellantis aims to integrate this technology into its vehicles by 2030.

The Li-S batteries are being developed in partnership with Texas-based Zeta Energy, a company that has been working on this technology since its founding in 2014. The key advantage of lithium sulphur lies in its gravimetric energy density—the amount of energy stored per unit of weight—which is crucial for improving EV efficiency.

A Game-Changer for EV Batteries

Currently, most EVs use lithium-ion batteries, with two dominant chemistries: nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP).

  • NMC batteries offer higher energy density but rely on expensive and environmentally sensitive materials.
  • LFP batteries are safer, longer-lasting, and more affordable but have lower energy density.

Lithium-sulphur technology has the potential to deliver the best of both worlds—high energy density and cost-effectiveness—while eliminating the need for nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite, making it a more sustainable solution.

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After five months as CEO of Aston Martin, Adrian Hallmark is unveiling his vision for the brand’s future, drawing inspiration from Porsche’s model strategy and reaffirming his commitment to purist sports cars. Among his key priorities is the return of manual transmissions, an element he believes is crucial for delivering an engaging driving experience.

Hallmark highlighted the importance of developing multiple variants for each model, ensuring differentiation beyond simple colour and trim updates. “For a true, purist sports car experience, we need a manual,” he stated, hinting at potential future offerings. Aston Martin’s last manual transmission was featured in the limited-edition Valour and Valiant models, while the 2019 Vantage AMR was the most recent standard production manual model. Hallmark sees strong demand for manual sports cars, as demonstrated by the success of the Porsche 911 GT3 and S/T.

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Ford has officially announced its return to the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race in 2027, aiming for overall victory with a new LMDh prototype as part of a World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign. The move marks the American automaker’s first full-factory assault on Le Mans since the Group C Ford C100 program in 1982.

The decision was revealed by Ford Motor Company’s Executive Chair, Bill Ford, during a motorsport launch event in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reflecting on the brand’s storied history at Le Mans, he highlighted the company’s iconic victories between 1966 and 1969 with the Ford MkII, MkIV, and GT40, as well as its triumph in the GTE Pro class in 2016, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first outright win.

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