PORSCHE

Porsche wants to offer an automatic transmission that is…manual

Porsche has patented a gearbox that is as curious as it is strange. Simultaneously, it aims to please the most traditional drivers, who prefer manual gearboxes, as well as those who prefer the faster and more efficient dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. The decision to design this new gearbox was made public through patent registration, when the German manufacturer of the Volkswagen Group filed the registration.

Designing a gearbox that is simultaneously automatic and manual is more complex than it may seem at first glance. Obviously, this is not a gearbox like many already on the market, where the dual-clutch system ensures the automatic selection of different ratios, without driver intervention, so that in the next moment, if you want to engage in a more sporty driving experience, you can opt for manual use of the gearbox, selecting the ratios via the paddles next to the steering wheel or by operating the lever. In Porsche's case, the objective goes further. The brand intends to offer a gearbox in which the driver only needs to select Drive, Reverse, and Neutral if they want to move forward, backward, or put the car in neutral, with the driver also having the option of a second selector where the gears are distributed in an "H" pattern, selectable via the lever.

For most drivers, even those of sports cars, gearboxes need to be fast and precise, which leads more and more sports car users to opt for dual-clutch automatics. Perhaps for this reason, about 15 years ago Porsche decided to remove the six-speed manual gearboxes from its most representative model, the 911 GT3, making only the seven-speed PDK automatic available. The reaction from potential customers was immediate and very negative, which led Porsche to reverse course and reinstate the manual gearboxes. With this new gearbox, the German brand intends to please everyone, offering a two-in-one solution to suit all types of preferences.

The idea of ​​a gearbox that is simultaneously automatic and manual is not new, since back in 2022 the ever-surprising engineer Christian Koenigsegg, founder of the Swedish hypercar manufacturer bearing his name, produced two models equipped with this type of gearbox. We are referring to the Koenigsegg CC850 and Koenigsegg Chimera, both of which associate this innovative (and still unique) gearbox with engines with well over 1000 hp.

There is not much information about the gearbox that Porsche patented, but it will certainly be a bulky, heavy and expensive solution, three characteristics that customers who purchase Koenigsegg vehicles can easily accept (the CC850 is sold for 4.2 million euros and the Chimera for more than 9.2 million), but which buyers of Porsche models will have more difficulty accepting. To give you an idea of ​​the complexity, Koenigsegg's two-in-one gearbox has six individual clutches, gears distributed across three shafts, and a great deal of electronics and servo motors to provide a highly realistic feel when operating the clutch pedal and gear selector in manual mode.

It will be interesting to see how closely Porsche's manual/automatic gearbox approaches the one conceived by the Swedish manufacturer, and the German brand's engineers have surprised us more than once by creating simple and reliable solutions to complex problems. A good example was the variable valve timing system, which performed its function perfectly despite using only the timing chain tensioner.

Autonews and Mundoquatrorodas

 

AUTONEWS

Which cars are the best after 100,000 km?

The German car magazine Auto Bild has the rare opportunity to test cars in a marathon test of 100,000 km. Now it has a database of vehicles that have undergone the demanding treatment, and the best models with the fewest faults have been published. The cars are driven in all weather conditions, on short trips as well as on motorways. The result is not just a technical assessment, but a comprehensive and reliable picture.

The following models were impressive and achieved the highest rating. Not only did they demonstrate high quality and reliable technology, but they also showed only minimal weaknesses in everyday use and during disassembly.

So, the best after 100,000 km was the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, tested in 2017. It received a rating of 1+ (in German terminology, the best rating is 1 to the worst rating is 5). The Audi did not have a single fault.

Next comes the 2023 BMW M3 with a 1+ rating, tested with a manual transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

In third place is the 2019 Audi A4 Avant TFSI ultra with a 1 rating (all subsequent models also have a 1 rating) with no major issues.

Next comes the 2021 Audi A6 Avant 40 TDI, with no issues other than the parking sensor that kept triggering error messages.

The 2021 BMW Z4 sDrive 30i completed the endurance test with virtually no wear or complications. It never required an unscheduled service visit during the entire period. Even a teardown under the strict supervision of DEKRA revealed no defects or significant wear.

Seat Ateca 1.4 Eco TSI Style (2020) – after long drives, several drivers complained of back pain and numbness in their buttocks. This resulted in a penalty point, spoiling the otherwise exceptional and impeccable performance.

The VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI (2023) covered 100,000 kilometers without a single fault or defect. During the final inspection, a light brown film was noticed on the front and rear axles, which, as harmless surface corrosion, did not affect the performance of the T-Cross. Engine, gearbox, clutch – all in perfect working order.

The BMW 320d Touring (2022) endured 100,000 kilometers with complete calm and ease. A few functional weaknesses in everyday use, a couple of (mostly cosmetic) problems during disassembly and a high price – that's all that could be noticed.

The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 184 AWD (2021) also passed the test without any significant defects and with impeccable service in the service. Initial, but still harmless, corrosion was found under the trunk lid seal. The installed 2.2-liter diesel engine showed no signs of wear after 100,000 kilometers.

The Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet (2021) completed the test without any problems. It was only during disassembly that a defect was discovered: (relatively minor) rust in the longitudinal members. The corrosion protection was insufficient. Without this defect, the Swift Sport would have received the highest rating.

The cars that best maintain performance and reliability after 100,000 km are mostly from Japanese brands, such as Toyota, Lexus, and Honda. These vehicles are designed with conservative engineering and durable components that, with proper maintenance, often exceed 300,000 km.

The most reliable sedans and hatchbacks...These models are frequently cited by experts and in longevity studies as safe choices for high mileage.

Toyota Corolla: Known worldwide for its extreme durability, it is common to see units in taxi service reaching 500,000 km.

Honda Civic: Praised for its simple and efficient mechanics, it is one of the top recommendations for those looking for a used car with more than 100,000 km in 2025/2026.

Toyota Camry: One of the most robust sedans on the market, with many owners reporting that the car "only starts to break in" at 100,000 km.

Honda Accord: Frequently achieves impressive mileage; there are records of units that have exceeded 1.6 million km with the original engine.

Lexus ES: Offers the luxury of the brand with Toyota's ultra-reliable mechanical base, being considered one of the most durable luxury sedans.

Long-lasting SUVs and pickups...Vehicles built on a body-on-frame chassis or with robust drive systems tend to handle wear and tear better over time.

Toyota 4Runner: Frequently voted the most reliable vehicle since 2010 for its robust construction and few design changes, which guarantees parts tested for years.

Toyota RAV4: Leader in the compact SUV segment in terms of longevity, especially in hybrid versions that reduce stress on the combustion engine.

Honda CR-V: Recognized for its build quality and ease of maintenance, remaining strong well beyond 200,000 km.

Toyota Tacoma/Hilux: These pickup trucks are designed for heavy-duty use and are known for maintaining resale value even with high mileage.

Subaru Outback/Forester: Cited for their durable all-wheel drive, provided preventive maintenance is rigorous.

European models and other brands...Although Japanese brands dominate, some European and Korean models stand out in fleets and heavy use.

Skoda Octavia / Volkswagen Passat: Favorites of taxi drivers in Europe for their spaciousness and diesel engines known for enduring long distances.

Volkswagen S90: Maintains the Swedish brand's historic reputation for creating cars built to last decades.

Kia Ceed: Offered with a long-term warranty (in some markets), reflecting the brand's confidence in its mechanical durability.

Toyota Prius: Toyota's hybrid technology has proven to be extremely resilient, with batteries that last much longer than initially expected.

MOTO GP

Bezzecchi wins the Brazilian Grand Prix, strings together four consecutive wins and takes the lead in MotoGP

Marco Bezzecchi is experiencing the best phase of his career. This Sunday (22), the Italian won the Brazilian Grand Prix, in Goiânia, and achieved his fourth consecutive victory in MotoGP — an unprecedented feat for him and also for Aprilia, which also secured a one-two finish in the stage, which had its number of laps reduced from 31 to 23 due to asphalt degradation at a specific point on the track.

The sequence puts Bezzecchi in a select group. He is the first rider to win four races in a row in the modern era after names like Valentino Rossi, Marc Márquez, Jorge Lorenzo and Francesco Bagnaia.

The Italian also took the lead in the world championship for riders, with 56 points. Jorge Martin jumped to second, with 45. As he finished seventh, Pedro now has 40.

The reunion between MotoGP and Brazil finally happened. This Sunday (March 22), the main category of motorcycle racing delighted Brazilians, who hadn't seen it since 2004. In total, almost 150,000 people attended the event over the weekend.

For Rafael, a 42-year-old businessman from Goiânia, the spectacle brought diversity to the city. He also said it was an honor to have this atmosphere in his city.

The MotoGP category hadn't been held in Brazil for 22 years, since a race was held at the Jacarepaguá Autodrome in Rio de Janeiro. In Goiânia, the waiting time was longer, since the last time the event was held in the city was in 1989.

1-Marco Bezzecchi (25 points)

2-Jorge Martín (20 points)

3-Fabio Di Giannantonio (16 points)

4-Marc Márquez (13 points)

5-Ai Ogura (11 points)

6-Álex Márquez (10 points)

7-Pedro Acosta (9 points)

8-Fermín Aldeguer (8 points)

9-Johann Zarco (7 points)

10-Raúl Fernández (6 points)

11-Luca Marini (5 points)

12-Franco Morbidelli (4 points)

13-Diogo Moreira (3 points)

14-Álex Rins (2 points)

15-Enea Bastianini (1 point)

16-Fabio Quartararo

17-Toprak Razgatlioglu

18-Maverick Viñales

by Autonews

HYUNDAI

Hyundai Exter 2026 restyled

After less than three years since its premiere, Hyundai has refreshed its small SUV model Exter.

It is a micro SUV shorter than 4 meters, which is made in India and exported to neighboring countries.

Visual changes primarily concern a different front bumper and grille, new 15-inch alloy wheels, a redesigned rear bumper and a rear roof spoiler.

Let’s start with the exterior changes. The new Exter comes with a redesigned front grille in a black finish, new front and rear bumpers with silver inserts, 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels in a new design with chunky wheel arch cladding and a new rear roof spoiler and C-pillar garnish.

The Exter is now offered with a dashcam, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a USB Type-C charging port for rear passengers, an electric sunroof, Bluelink with over 60 connected features and more than 300 embedded voice commands. Standard safety features include 6 airbags, ESC and Hill Start Assist Control.

The interior features a new steering wheel, higher-quality materials and new color combinations.

The 2026 Exter gets a two-tone interior in a Navy and Grey colour scheme. The compact SUV now gets metal pedals, a new flat-bottom steering wheel, and a folding driver armrest. A height-adjustable driver’s seat and adjustable rear headrests are now standard across all variants.

The driver's seat now has an armrest, rear passengers get type C USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless via a portable adapter. Driver's seat height adjustment and adjustable rear headrests are also standard on all variants.

Other features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen and an 8.0-inch digital driver display, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, wireless charging and an optional sunroof remain as before. In terms of safety, six airbags, ESC, hill start assist and central locking come as standard. Higher variants also get a rear camera, automatic headlights and more.

A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 61 kW/83 hp and 114 Nm is on offer, as is a 1.2-litre CNG-powered one (with 51 kW/69 hp and 95 Nm).

Drive is only to the front wheels, and in addition to a 5-speed manual, an automated manual transmission will also be offered.

Finally, the colour palette has been expanded with the addition of Golden Bronze and matt Titanium black, and three two-tone combinations are also offered.

 

AUTONEWS

Peglica for the 21st century: A charming reinterpretation of a Fiat classic by an Italian designer

This is what a new small city car could look like, according to designer Francesco Salvia, which has also become famous in our region under the unique name Peglica.

Retro was quite present in the automotive industry two to three decades ago. VW recognized it with the Beetle, BMW with the Mini, and Fiat felt it back in 2007 when it brought back the iconic 500.

Out of nostalgia for old legends, designer Francesco Salvia from Rome suggests the same for another small classic – the Fiat 126, or the legendary Peglica as we called it in our region.

Between 1972 and 2000, a total of more than 4.5 million of these cars were produced, in Italy and Poland. It was Salvia's father's first car, so that was his motivation to sit down and draw a modern version.

The design remained faithful to the original and retained characteristic details such as the rear air intake, fuel filler flap and door handles, only adapting them to modern standards. The light signatures at the front and rear directly reflect the original angular lights.

Salvia believes that the A-segment is unfairly dying out. A small car means lower consumption, less CO2 and easier parking in crowded cities.

"In an automotive industry where the A-segment seems to be dying out, I firmly believe that it is time for a bold counter-wave. Why would we give up the compact dimensions that made urban mobility so great?"

In addition to the basic one, the Italian also drew a sporty Abarth variant and a Cross version with higher ground clearance and off-road tires.

The interior combines retro simplicity with modern technology – physical buttons, a central screen, vibrant colors.

The author concludes and hopes that Fiat will notice this work, because the new 126 would be the ideal successor to the Fiat 500.

In Italy, 1,352,912 Fiat 126s were produced between 1972 and 1980. Another 3,318,674 Fiat 126s were manufactured in the Polish factories of Bielsko-Biała and Tychy between 1973 and 2000. This 3.05-meter-long car, with its 23-horsepower engine, survived for a remarkable 28 years. The Italian architect and designer also cherishes childhood memories associated with this small vehicle.

"As far back as I can remember, it was my father's first car," says Salvia. To honor this memory, he dedicated himself to designing a new Fiat 126. The focus of the redesign was the luminous signature of the front and rear headlights. They echo the simple, angular headlights and the smooth front of the original model. A thin strip of light extends towards the logo.

The side view remains simple and discreet. A side-by-side comparison clearly shows that the 126 concept was adapted only in terms of dimensions and a more robust stance. Distinctive details, such as the rear air intake, the fuel tank cap, and the door handles (now flush with the body), were retained. Even the generous glazed area was perfectly reinterpreted.

AUTONEWS

Electric cars can make power grids more reliable (and earn owners money)—so why aren't we doing that?

Electric vehicles (EVs) can effectively serve as mobile batteries that provide energy to the power grid when not being driven, improving the reliability of the grid, serving as a source of backup power and potentially reducing energy and EV ownership costs. So why have so few places adopted the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) model? A new study details the barriers to V2G adoption and outlines possible paths forward for this technology.

"Most people are unfamiliar with the idea of what V2G is or how it can benefit both them and the power system more broadly," says Serena Kim, corresponding author of the study and an assistant professor in North Carolina State University's School of Public & International Affairs. "EVs are parked 95% of the time, and when EVs are parked they're essentially a battery on wheels.

"That battery storage can be used to feed energy back into the power grid—and EV owners can actually get paid if their vehicle is supplying energy to the grid," Kim says. "This can be useful to the grid because the vehicle may be parked—and providing energy—during periods of high energy demand, which is normally during the late afternoon or early evening. Feeding energy into the grid can also be useful if the vehicle is parked overnight, when some renewable energy sources—such as solar panels—are not producing electricity."

Experts estimate that there are approximately 4 million electric vehicles on the road in the U.S., and electric vehicles make up a significant portion of new vehicle sales. But so far most V2G efforts for passenger vehicles remain in pilot mode.

"Where the technology is being deployed, it is often focused on electric school buses and other fleet vehicles rather than privately owned cars," says Kim. "Utilities have not yet rolled out V2G programs at large scale for the cars and light trucks most consumers drive.

"We wanted to explore why V2G has not been adopted more widely," Kim says. "We know that a lack of clear compensation mechanisms is a variable. We know that limited infrastructure plays a role. But we wanted to get a deeper understanding of all the factors in play, as well as which factors may be most important, in order to support stakeholder decisions that can promote V2G efforts in the future."

For the study, researchers conducted interviews with 42 stakeholders representing a variety of relevant interests. These included power utilities, EV manufacturers, local and state governments, school districts, and EV owners who participated in V2G pilot projects.

The interviews were designed to collect information about the barriers to V2G adoption. What are the stakeholder perceptions of V2G? What have their experiences with V2G been? What do they view as the biggest obstacles? And what do they see as the best path forward for V2G?

"A key finding here is that V2G adoption is a coordination problem rather than a technology problem," says Kim. "It's really a chicken-and-egg issue.

"On the one hand, utilities want to see more V2G-capable vehicles before they invest in V2G infrastructure and programs to compensate EV owners. On the other hand, EV owners are unlikely to participate in V2G programs if they don't know how they will be compensated. And potential EV buyers can't plan on defraying the cost of buying an EV if there is no infrastructure in place to support V2G programs.

"It's a complex problem. Essentially, utilities are likely to play a central role in coordinating these problems if V2G programs are going to move forward. But there is currently little incentive for those companies to make the investment, beyond the potential to improve grid resilience."

The study also found that this challenge is compounded by a patchwork of regulations and policies that vary across jurisdictions, with relevant rules differing from state to state and even at the local government level. This makes it harder for automakers, companies that build and operate EV charging networks, utilities, and other stakeholders to plan and invest at scale.

"One key takeaway message, then, is that harmonizing technical standards and interconnection requirements is an essential step toward scaling V2G programs," Kim says.

A paper describing the study, "Electric Vehicles as Grid Resources: Barriers to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) in the United States," is published open access in the journal Utilities Policy. First author of the paper is Crystal Soderman, a Ph.D. student at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver). The paper was co-authored by Jen Yip, a Ph.D. student at NC State; and Manish Shirgaokar, an associate professor of urban and regional planning at CU Denver.

Provided by North Carolina State University  

HYUNDAI

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N: the electric car that could also inspire Porsche

The name IONIQ comes from the combination of “ion” and “unique,” ​​within the IONIQ Project, Hyundai's R&D program focused on ecological mobility. In 2016, the first Hyundai IONIQ arrived, the world's first car to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric propulsion in a single body. In 2020, Hyundai transformed IONIQ into a specific brand for electric vehicles, opening a new chapter in its electrification strategy. From then on, the dedicated family of electric vehicles was launched with numerical nomenclature: even numbers for sedans and odd numbers for SUVs. Today, this line includes the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9 and their sporty variants, the 5N and 6N, where Hyundai decided to demonstrate that an electric car can also be a street car or a track car.

650 HP electric...Hyundai raises the bar for its electric range with the IONIQ 6 N: a 650 hp and 770 Nm sedan, supersonic performance for a sports sedan; a comfortable and spacious Gran Turismo with plenty of sporty DNA. Starting from the IONIQ 6 as a base, it goes through the N laboratory and transforms into something much more serious: 609 hp in normal use, 650 hp with the N Grin Boost, a top speed of 257 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds with Launch Control.

The recipe is not simply about adding more power. Hyundai adjusted the suspension geometry, lowered the roll center, installed ECS shock absorbers with new calibration, and added an electronic limited-slip differential to optimize traction. In addition, the car boasts a reinforced body, stiffer rear stabilizer bars, and a state-of-the-art braking system: 400 mm front and 360 mm rear discs, with regenerative braking of up to 0.6 g. In other words, this car not only accelerates quickly; it was also designed so that if you enjoy driving it on winding roads (or better yet, taking it to a track, as we were able to do in this international launch), it doesn't lose its composure when approaching a corner or when the pace becomes less "civilized."

And it is during these moments of sporty driving that the N line's electronics come into play. The N e-Shift simulates gear changes, the N Active Sound+ adds sound to the experience (with incredible realism), the N Torque Distribution allows torque distribution between the two axles in 11 levels, the N Drift Optimizer allows you to adjust the initiation, angle, and wheel slip, and the N Track Manager adds a timer, a ghost car, and custom tracks. It looks like a video game, yes, but that's precisely the intention: to offer layers of interaction to an electric vehicle that, by its very nature, tends to simplify everything.

Underneath this bodywork lies an 84 kWh battery and a 400/800-volt charging system. With fast direct current (DC) charging up to 350 kW, Hyundai claims that the charge reaches 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, a number that starts to seem more realistic for long trips or days on the track, without needing to stop for too long. The official range for Spain is 487 km, with a combined consumption of 21.2 kWh/100 km. It's not exactly economical, but frankly, this vehicle wasn't designed for that.

At 4.935 meters long, 1.94 meters wide, and with a generous wheelbase of 2.965 meters, the Hyundai remains, in terms of concept and proportions, a spacious sedan, not a car for weekend getaways. The Spanish specifications indicate a trunk capacity of 401 liters, a reasonable number for daily use, and the interior maintains the dual approach that Hyundai summarizes so well: sporty for those who want to explore the car's potential to the fullest and practical for those who need to live with it.

The vehicle features two 12.3-inch screens, an N steering wheel with specific N1/N2 buttons, sport seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather, heating and ventilation, N Ambient Shift Light gear shift indicator, metal pedals with sporty details, wireless charger, USB-C ports, and an elegant center console. In addition, it offers a complete suite of safety features: Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance systems, Highway Driving Assist 2, collision avoidance assist, 360° vision monitor, and Intelligent Remote Parking Assist 2.

Its exterior design is far from discreet. The large swan-neck rear wing, the 20-inch forged wheels, the Pirelli P Zero 275/35 R20 tires developed specifically for this model, and the orange details make it clear that this is not just a flashy IONIQ 6. Hyundai wanted it to have a low, wide, and imposing appearance. And it succeeded. The aerodynamics also play in its favor: a drag coefficient of 0.27, a very good value for an electric vehicle with this level of performance.

It comes very well equipped as standard: 20-inch forged wheels, high-performance and regenerative brakes, electronically controlled suspension, structural reinforcement, N sport seats, N steering wheel, N e-Shift, N Active Sound+, N Grin Boost, Hyundai 2 digital key, Vehicle-to-Load function, and OTA updates.

An interesting option is the suede package, which adds more suede to the armrests and center console, covers the steering wheel in Pasubio leather, and enhances the perceived quality of the cabin without sacrificing its sporty character. Genuine Hyundai accessories include practical everyday items: a Mode 3 charging cable, an adapter for household outlets, all-weather rubber mats, and a waterproof and non-slip trunk protector.

Sensations...Testing this type of vehicle on the road is pleasant, quiet like any electric car (until you press the N button to hear the sound, which makes you think you're driving a car with a combustion engine), full of driving aids that make you feel very safe while driving (I loved the blind spot images when changing lanes on the sides of the driver's instrument panel), but testing it on a speed and drifting circuit showed us that, despite its large size, the sporty driving experience of this large sedan is not just about aesthetics.

by Autonews