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Motoring
Ford to throw billions behind new EV technology
Ford is set to launch a new tech system in its electric vehicles, following in the footsteps of Tesla's Cybertruck. First commercialised by Tesla in 2023, the new 48-volt electrical architecture would be a major upgrade for a new generation of Ford EVs, which currently run on a 12-volt system. The new rollout will start with a pickup truck in 2027, with a US$30,000 (A$42,417.90) price tag, which will feature the new 48-volt system. The automaker has thrown $5 billion behind the venture, calling it the Universal Electric Vehicle platform, which is also expected to generate 4000 jobs. While first announced back in August, this week, Ford has teased new details for the upcoming family of vehicles using this new technology. “At Ford, we took on the challenge many others have stopped doing. We’re taking the fight to our competition, including the Chinese,” said CEO Jim Farley back in August. “For too long, legacy automakers played it safe.”
Motoring
Ford looks to China’s BYD for hybrid batteries
After betting big on electric vehicles, Ford is recalibrating and this shift may bring it closer to China’s dominant battery powerhouse BYD. The two giant automakers are in talks over a potential deal that would supply batteries for some of Ford’s hybrid models, people familiar with the discussions told the Wall Street Journal. Nothing is finalised but the conversations signal how quickly the global auto strategy is changing as EV demand unwinds. At a basic level, Ford and BYD are exploring how a battery partnership might work. One option on the table is reportedly for Ford to source batteries from BYD for vehicles built and sold outside the United States. Importing China-made batteries directly into the U.S. remains largely impractical due to steep tariffs, making overseas production the most likely path if a deal comes together. While both sides are keeping details close, Ford has acknowledged the discussions only broadly, saying it regularly talks with many companies. Meanwhile, BYD has declined to comment and the sources stressed the talks could still fall apart. However, the timing is no accident, with Ford pulling back from its most ambitious EV plans after demand failed to meet expectations.
Motoring
Porsche unveils new all-electric Cayenne SUV
Porsche has unveiled its new all-electric Cayenne SUV, after saying it would rework its electric vehicle strategy. The Cayenne Turbo Electric model can accelerate from 100 kilometres per hour in 2.5 seconds, while the standard Cayenne Electric can reach 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The electric Cayenne has up to 642 kilometres of range. "The Cayenne Electric shows performance in a completely new dimension, with innovative technologies that we have developed in motorsport. It sets new standards in the SUV segment – in terms of driving characteristics as well as charging," said Porsche chair Oliver Blume. "Outstanding electric performance meets very real everyday usability. Excellent long-distance comfort combines with uncompromising off-road capability.” The standard Cayenne Electric’s top speed is 230 km/h, with 300 kilowatts of power. The Turbo Electric model’s top speed is 260 km/h, with 630 kW in normal driving use and an additional 130 kW available for 10 seconds at a time. The Cayenne Electric vehicle family includes a 113-kilowatt-hour battery, and are Porsche’s first cars to support inductive wireless charging. The vehicles can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 16 minutes. In Australia, Cayenne Electric deli
Motoring
Porsche SE's profits sink after delays in EV rollout
Investment group Porsche SE’s profits fell by 36% in 2025’s first nine months, as a delayed electric vehicle rollout weighed on its earnings. Adjusted profit after tax was EU€1.59 billion, dropping from €2.48 billion. Porsche SE owns 12.5% of automaker Porsche AG, and 31.9% of Volkswagen Group’s shares. “Thanks to the beneficial refinancing and repayment of financial liabilities, we have successfully optimised our financing structure,” said board member responsible for finance and IT Johannes Lattwein. “This underscores that we as Porsche SE are in a resilient position with our financial profile, even in the challenging environment in the automotive industry.” Porsche AG said in September that it would postpone the release of some all-electric vehicles amid weakening demand and United States tariffs. Its new SUV will initially be released with combustion engine and hybrid models, with an all-electric version expected later. The delayed rollout will also impact Volkswagen’s profit by €5.1 billion. Porsche AG is owned by Volkswagen. Both Volkswagen and Porsche AG cut their full-year profit outlooks at the time, and Porsche AG reported a €966 million operating loss in the third quarter. Porsche SE’s net debt was
Motoring
Kia unveils redesigned 2027 Telluride three-row SUV
Kia has lifted the covers on its redesigned 2027 Telluride, banking on the three-row SUV's commercial momentum to justify a more aggressive design direction. The second-generation model, set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month before hitting United States showrooms in Q1 2026, represents a calculated gamble for the South Korean manufacturer. Since launching in 2019, the Telluride has shifted more than 444,000 units and posted 11% year-to-date growth through October - making it one of the brand's most critical models in North America. The new Telluride stretches 2.3 inches longer overall, with the wheelbase extended nearly three inches and height up one inch. Kia's design team has pursued a boxier, more upright profile with vertical headlamps bracketing a prominent front grille, while the rear borrows visual cues from Range Rover's playbook.Credit: KiaThe X-Pro variant adds all-terrain tyres, 9.1 inches of ground clearance, and front and rear recovery hooks - targeting buyers who want SUV capability beyond the school run. Current pricing spans US$36,000 to $54,000 across 10 trim levels, though Kia hasn't confirmed whether that range will shift for the 2027 model year. The Telluride competes dire

Lifestyle

Motoring

Ford to throw billions behind new EV technology

Ford looks to China’s BYD for hybrid batteries

Porsche unveils new all-electric Cayenne SUV

Porsche SE's profits sink after delays in EV rollout

Kia unveils redesigned 2027 Telluride three-row SUV

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