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Highlights

Porsche 917 used in Le Mans film sells for NZ$19m

August 23, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

The car that gave Porsche its first Le Mans win and co-starred alongside Hollywood hero Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans has sold for US$14.08 million (NZ$19.2m). The orange and blue Porsche 917K was auctioned at the annual Pebble Beach shindig in California. It is now the most expensive Porsche on the planet. The car might forever be linked to the film Le Mans, but 917s … [Read more...] about Porsche 917 used in Le Mans film sells for NZ$19m

Hydrogen fuel-cell breakthrough: Aussie plans exports of energy

August 21, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

Research in Australia could result in the country supplying sustainable fuel-cell energy for ‘green’ cars throughout the Asia-Pacific. The Canberra-based Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has developed a membrane reactor to turn liquid ammonia into pure hydrogen. A CSIRO scientist said the process is the “missing link” in the drive for … [Read more...] about Hydrogen fuel-cell breakthrough: Aussie plans exports of energy

Diesel pollution: ‘Welcome to Fort NOx’, said the protest signs

August 20, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

Managing editor Alastair Sloane has been overseas talking to electric vehicle (EV) groups, specifically the Norwegian EV Association, which has spearheaded the growth of EVs in Europe. He was in Berlin, on the sidelines of protests over the effects of diesel pollution, the result of which is further boosting sales of EVs. The sale of diesel cars in Germany last month fell by … [Read more...] about Diesel pollution: ‘Welcome to Fort NOx’, said the protest signs

Norway driving the world towards electric vehicles

July 21, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

The picture above of me at the wheel of an electric Tesla Model S 100D sedan was taken the other day between Stockholm and Oslo, cities around 530km apart. I’m in Scandanavia to talk to electric vehicle groups, specifically the secretary-general of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association (NEVA). Her name is Christina Bu – and she spent a year at high school in New … [Read more...] about Norway driving the world towards electric vehicles

Jay Leno’s Garage: going ‘Bush’ in a Ford F-150 – see video

July 5, 2017 by Alastair Sloane

The US season premiere of Jay Leno's Garage celebrates cars built in America, by Americans, using all American parts. In this episode Jay heads to former President George W. Bush’s ranch in Texas to ask about his Ford F-150 pick-up, then he challenges comedian Wanda Sykes to a race … in a minivan. He takes a ride with Mike and Molly star Billy Gardell, and gets his … [Read more...] about Jay Leno’s Garage: going ‘Bush’ in a Ford F-150 – see video

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The Good Oil

French carmaker Renault has won the 2025 European Car of the Year award with the all-electric R5 supermini (pictured). It’s the brand’s second win in a row, following the new Scenic’s gong in 2024. The R5 led the vote count from start to finish from the 60 jurors in 23 countries. It received 353 points, beating the Kia EV3 (291 points) and the Citroen C3/e in third place with 215 points. It’s Renault’s eighth win in the 62-year history of the Coty award. The R5 goes on sale in the UK this month. There are two main drivetrains: a 90kW motor/40kWh battery model with a 300km range, and a 112kW/52kWh example with a 400km range. The R5 starts in price at £22.995, or $NZ50,000.

EU carmakers seek trade deal with Trump

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are among carmakers urging the European Union to get a favourable trade deal with US President Donald Trump. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) wants to keep open trade with both the US and China. It fears Trump, who promises heavy tariffs on Chinese imports to the US, will look unfavourably on countries that continue to trade freely with Beijing. Ola Kallenius, president of the group and chairman of the management board of MB, said in a letter to EU leaders:  “Overall, it is essential to recognise that trade with China and the US is most vital for the prosperity of the European economy.The EU should seek a grand bargain with the US and attempt to avoid a potential trade conflict.”

Diesel fuels EV concept for US military

A  go-anywhere EV concept for the US military uses an onboard 12kW diesel generator to top up the batteries on the move.  The all-wheel-drive has 800-volt technology and a 200kWh battery pack to power three electric motors, two in the rear and one up front. Claimed output is 745kW/15,590Nm, or 1000hp and 11,500 ft-lb of torque.  The four-seater was developed by the defence division of General Motors and is based on the platform of the Hummer SUV. It rides on Fox performance shock absorbers and 37-inch tyres and comes with “exceptional” approach and departure angles for off-road mobility. Maximum range using the generator to keep things ticking over is said to be around 500km.

We are the World

The outside temperature in Midland, Texas, was 40.5C when staff at the local office of the US National Weather Service set out to show the cabin of a closed car can literally get baking hot in summer. They mixed up a batch of chocolate chip cookies and laid them on the car’s dashboard – the surface of which showed a temperature of 87.7C. A little over four hours later the cookies were ready to eat. “Even though ours weren’t golden brown, we can confirm that they are done and delicious,” the staff wrote on Facebook.

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Electric G-Wagen takes you for spin

https://youtu.be/NwHbJ7HN1sU

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