Bugatti Convertible Sets New Speed Record for Road Cars, Tesla Supports Canceling EV Subsidy Policies | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
Bugatti Breaks Convertible Road Car Speed Record with a Top Speed of 454 km/h
Key Points:
Recently, Bugatti Automobiles has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive speed. Its unique Mistral "World Record Edition" model set a new convertible road car speed record with a speed of 453.9 km/h (282.04 mph) on the Papenburg test track in northern Germany. This feat was achieved by British speed expert and Le Mans racing champion Andy Wallace, who previously set the closed-car top speed record of 304.7 mph in the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ in 2019. The Mistral is one of Bugatti's limited 99-unit convertible models. It is equipped with the same 1,578-horsepower powertrain as the Chiron Super Sport and features a custom convertible body. Its vertical headlights are inspired by the unique La Voiture Noire, while the rear X-shaped taillights are borrowed from the track-only Bolide model. The classic Bugatti C-shaped air intakes on the sides of the body are smaller compared to the Chiron because the W16 engine breathes through dual ram-air intakes behind the seats.
This test was conducted in Papenburg instead of Ehra-Lessien, where Bugatti previously set its speed records. The reason is that after Bugatti broke away from the control of the Volkswagen Group and formed a joint venture with Rimac, it no longer has access to Ehra-Lessien. The high-speed track in Papenburg has a straight section of only 4 kilometers, much shorter than the tracks Bugatti is accustomed to. This means that Wallace needed to reduce more speed in the curves to ensure a peak of 282 mph. Previously, the top speed of the Mistral was labeled as "more than 261 mph". This time, it not only surpassed this speed but also regained the convertible speed record from the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, which set a speed of 265.6 mph in 2016. Before that, the record was held by the 1,183-horsepower Veyron Vitesse with a speed of 254 mph. It is worth noting that the Mistral that set this record is unique, and its owner also owns a Veyron Super Sport, Vitesse, and Chiron 300+ in matching colors. He commissioned Bugatti to build this single-carbon orange model and use it to set the record. Once the task is completed, this car will become a unique collectible and is likely to become part of a very valuable collection.
Bugatti Mistral (Source: TopGear)
Opinions:
The achievement of the Bugatti Mistral "World Record Edition" is not only a demonstration of Bugatti's engineering technology but also a challenge to the limits of automotive speed. In the automotive industry, speed has always been one of the important indicators of technological progress. The success of the Bugatti Mistral undoubtedly adds a new chapter to the automotive speed competition. From a technical perspective, the achievement of the Mistral demonstrates Bugatti's deep accumulation in areas such as powertrain, aerodynamics, and material science. The 1,578-horsepower W16 engine, the custom convertible body design, and the efficient intake system are all the results of the meticulous efforts of the Bugatti team. The application of these technologies not only improves the performance of the vehicle but also provides the driver with an unparalleled driving experience. From a cultural perspective, the record of the Bugatti Mistral is not only a speed record but also an embodiment of dreams and passion. It inspires automotive enthusiasts and engineers to continuously pursue excellence and explore the unknown. Every speed breakthrough is an embodiment of humanity's desire for freedom and speed and a symbol of technological progress. However, we must also be aware that behind such speed records is a great consumption of the environment and resources. While pursuing speed, we should also pay attention to sustainable development and environmental protection. In the future automotive industry, while maintaining technological innovation, more attention should be paid to the research and development of environmental protection and energy-saving technologies to achieve the harmonious coexistence of speed and environmental protection.
Kia's Electric Vehicle Sales Target Remains Unchanged, with the New Model EV3 Leading the Growth in Market Demand
Key Points:
Kia Motors has shown a firm determination in the global electric vehicle market competition. Despite facing policy changes and potential trade barriers, the company still adheres to its goal of selling 1.6 million electric vehicles by 2030. This goal is particularly important in the current context of many uncertainties in the automotive industry. Kevin Ahn, CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, said that despite the rapid market changes and many uncertainties this year, Kia's long-term goal is to sell 1.6 million electric vehicles by 2030. Kia expects to face some difficulties in the short term, including changes in government policies and new tariffs on electric vehicle imports in the United States and the European Union. Despite this, Kia is optimistic about achieving its long-term sales target and expects to encounter some challenges in the process of achieving this goal. In May this year, Kia launched its first three-row electric SUV EV9 on the production line in Georgia, USA, marking another sales record year for Kia in the US market. As of the first ten months of this year, the sales of Kia EV9 in the US have approached 18,000 units. Kia set the starting price of EV9 at less than $55,000, calling it an "alarm bell" for the industry.
Kia is launching a series of low-cost models as part of its "Electric Vehicle Popularization Strategy". The Kia compact electric SUV EV3 has already aroused strong market demand in South Korea, and the company calls it a potential "game-changer" in its domestic market. The starting price of EV3 in South Korea is $30,700, and its range can reach 375 miles. With incentives, the purchase price of this electric SUV can be less than $30,000. Kia has also launched EV3 in Europe, with a range of 375 miles (WLTP standard), and the starting price in Europe is about €36,000 (approximately $38,300). Since August, the starting price of this electric SUV in the UK is £32,995 (approximately $42,500). Next year, Kia will launch EV4, an entry-level electric sedan. Although EV4 adopts a four-door design, Kia claims that it is a "new type of electric sedan". The low chassis and wide stance of EV4 give a sports car-like feeling, and the expected starting price will be between $35,000 and $40,000. Last week, EV4 made its debut on the streets of the US in the form of a hatchback.
Kia EV3 (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
In the context of the global automotive industry's transformation to electrification, Kia's launch of new economical electric vehicle models not only meets the market demand for reasonably priced and reliable electric vehicles but also showcases its competitiveness in the electric vehicle technology field. Kia's strategy, especially EV3 and the upcoming EV4, is expected to further lower the entry threshold for electric vehicles, attract more consumers to switch to electric vehicles, and thereby promote the development of the entire industry. This market demand-oriented product strategy not only helps Kia achieve its sales target but also provides more choices for consumers and helps accelerate the popularization of electric vehicles. However, while pursuing sales growth, Kia also needs to pay attention to the sustainable development of electric vehicles. With the expansion of the electric vehicle market, issues such as battery recycling, energy consumption, and environmental impact are becoming increasingly prominent. Kia needs to find a balance between technological innovation, cost control, and environmental responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of its electric vehicle strategy.
Tesla Supports Canceling the $7,500 Electric Vehicle Tax Credit, Contradicting Its Mission
Key Points:
It is reported that Tesla supports the Trump administration's plan to cancel the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit policy, a position that contradicts its original mission of accelerating the entire industry's transition to electric transportation. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was once a supporter of Trump and participated in his business council, but resigned from the council after Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. Musk's recent remarks suggest that he believes the "woke mind virus" is a greater threat to humanity than climate change. Despite Tesla's past lobbying in support of the tax credit policy, Musk now supports the cancellation of the electric vehicle tax credit if Trump regains power. This incentive measure has been supporting Tesla's sales in the US for the past few years.
Musk even presented a scenario where the cancellation of the tax credit would harm Tesla, but he believes it would hurt other automakers even more, thereby reducing competition. This is directly contrary to Musk's past position of encouraging the entire automotive industry to shift to electrification. Recently, Musk also complained that the main problem with the adoption rate of electric vehicles is the high cost, and the tax credit is a policy that directly addresses this problem in the US. According to Reuters, Trump's transition team is already planning how to cancel the electric vehicle tax credit policy. Ending the tax credit could have a serious impact on the already stagnant US electric vehicle transformation. However, as the largest electric vehicle seller in the US, Tesla representatives told the Trump Transition Committee that they support ending this subsidy. The Trump administration needs the approval of Congress to cancel the electric vehicle incentive measures.
Tesla USA (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Tesla's position in supporting the cancellation of the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit policy has raised questions about its company mission and future strategic direction. This decision seems to be contrary to Tesla's original goal of accelerating the global transition to sustainable energy and is also in conflict with its past position in supporting the tax credit policy. From a business perspective, Tesla may believe that the cancellation of the tax credit will cause greater damage to its competitors, thereby gaining a greater competitive advantage in the market. However, this short-sighted strategy may harm the development of the entire electric vehicle industry, especially in the US, where the penetration rate of electric vehicles is already lagging behind other regions in the world. From an environmental and social responsibility perspective, Tesla's position may slow down the popularization of electric vehicles, thereby affecting the efforts to combat climate change. The tax credit policy is an important tool to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Canceling this policy may reduce consumers' willingness to buy electric vehicles, thereby having a negative impact on the environment. In addition, Tesla's position may damage its brand image, especially for those consumers who value sustainability and environmental protection. Tesla has always been known for promoting clean energy and environmental protection technologies, but its current position may make people question its true commitment and values. In general, Tesla's support for the cancellation of the electric vehicle tax credit policy is a confusing and controversial decision. This decision may bring short-term market advantages, but in the long run, it may harm Tesla's mission, brand image, and the development of the entire electric vehicle industry. Tesla should reconsider its position and work with industry partners to promote policies to accelerate the popularization of electric vehicles and the transformation to sustainable energy.
"Big Events"
Michigan Partners with Electreon and Xos to Deploy Wireless Charging Technology for UPS and Other Commercial Electric Vehicles
Recently, Michigan has announced a new partnership with wireless electric vehicle charging experts Electreon and commercial electric vehicle manufacturer Xos, Inc. The three parties have received state government funding to expand the application of wireless charging technology in commercial vehicles, including UPS trucks in Detroit. Last year, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Detroit, and Electreon showcased the first wireless electric vehicle charging road in the United States. In Detroit, Michigan, MDOT installed Electreon's wireless induction charging coils on 14th Street. These coils can charge electric vehicles equipped with Electreon receivers while they are in motion. At that time, MDOT and Detroit officials stated that the road would be used to test and improve Electreon's wireless electric vehicle charging technology and would be "open to the public" in the coming years. Although the public has not yet been able to enjoy the convenience of wireless charging, thanks to the new partnership between Electreon, Xos, and Michigan, commercial electric vehicles have begun to receive wireless charging services. Electreon's wireless charging technology will be integrated into Xos' delivery vans to demonstrate the value of wireless charging and its potential in reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) of commercial truck fleets. Stefan Tongur, Vice President of Business Development at Electreon, said: "We are excited to demonstrate how Electreon's technology can optimize the use of electric vehicle fleets and show how wireless charging can be seamlessly integrated into daily fleet operations, reducing downtime and enabling charging at the time and place of need. We are proud to be doing this work in Michigan, a state that is fostering innovation and sustainable transportation solutions."
UPS Commercial Vehicle (Source: Electrek)
In addition to expanding wireless charging on the first "electric road" in Detroit, the Michigan project will also install stationary wireless chargers at the UPS facility in Detroit. Dakota Semler, Co-Founder and CEO of Xos, said: "We are proud to partner with Electreon to support UPS in demonstrating the potential of wireless charging in commercial fleets. This innovative approach will revolutionize the way we power electric vehicles and drive the fleet electrification forward." Through this collaboration and the corresponding state funding support, Michigan is strengthening its position as a leader in wireless electric vehicle charging in the United States. The new business partnership has received a $200,000 funding support from the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP), which is based on the "Made in Michigan: Economic Strategy" developed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to invest in the people, places, and projects of the state. Through this collaboration, Electreon will expand its wireless electric vehicle charging network and application cases in Michigan.
Jaguar Accelerates Electrification Transformation, New Electric GT Model Exposed During UK Road Test
The British luxury car manufacturer Jaguar is undergoing a major brand transformation. As the official debut approaches, Jaguar's first electric four-door GT model has been spotted undergoing tests on British roads, and the newly exposed images give us a more intuitive understanding of the future of this historic car brand. Jaguar has announced that from 2025, it will fully transform into a pure electric luxury brand. After discontinuing the F-Type, E-Pace, XF, and the soon-to-be-discontinued F-Pace SUV, we are finally able to catch a glimpse of the new brand image. This new electric GT model is being tested under camouflage, showing an appearance that is completely different from the Jaguar models we are familiar with. One of the most significant changes is the low and elongated body profile, which contrasts with the crossover SUV and sedan models such as the F-Type and I-Pace. The design of the front and rear bumpers is also more aggressive and bold than previous models.
Jaguar Electric Four-Door GT Camouflaged Vehicle (Source: Elelctrek)
The Jaguar electric GT model is undergoing rigorous testing in preparation