As vehicle development becomes increasingly integrated across propulsion, software, testing and design, a new industry event focused on chassis and powertrain engineering will launch this October as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026.

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase will debut alongside three established exhibitions within a newly unified event framework designed to reflect how modern vehicles are engineered today.

Taking place October 27-29, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan, Vehicle Tech Week North America will bring together four co-located exhibitions covering the full vehicle development lifecycle:

• Intelligent Vehicle Expo (previously known as Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo)
• Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase (new launch)
• Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo (previously known as Automotive Interiors Expo)
• Automotive Testing Expo (the world’s largest and most established event for automotive testing, validation and quality engineering)

The event is expected to attract thousands of OEM engineers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology leaders, creating a single destination for cross-functional collaboration and technical insight.

About Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026

Vehicle Tech Week North America is a new multi-event platform designed to reflect the full complexity of modern vehicle development. By bringing together four co-located exhibitions in one unified framework, the event connects the technologies, teams and disciplines shaping the future of mobility.

From propulsion systems and software-defined vehicles to testing, validation and in-cabin experience, the event provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle ecosystem. Hosted in Novi, Michigan, a region with deep roots in automotive engineering, the event is positioned as a central meeting point for innovation across North America.

A new platform for chassis and powertrain innovation

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase has been developed in response to the growing complexity of propulsion and platform engineering. OEMs are now managing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric programs in parallel, often across shared vehicle architectures, introducing new challenges around efficiency, cost, thermal management and vehicle dynamics.

Rather than focusing on individual components, the showcase will highlight system-level approaches to vehicle performance and integration. Key technology areas include:

• Battery systems and energy storage
• Electric drivetrains and e‑axles
• Power electronics
• Thermal management
• Braking and suspension systems
• Vehicle dynamics and control
• Simulation and validation technologies

“Chassis and powertrain technologies are at the center of some of the industry’s most complex engineering decisions,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at Vehicle Tech Week organizer UKi Media & Events. “This new showcase creates a dedicated platform for engineers and suppliers to explore how those challenges are being solved at a system level, and how those solutions translate into real-world performance.”

Repositioned, market‑leading events in a single framework

Alongside the launch of the new chassis and powertrain showcase, two established events have evolved to reflect their expanding roles within the vehicle ecosystem.

Intelligent Vehicle Expo highlights the growing impact of software, AI and connected systems across all areas of the vehicle, while Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo reflects the increasing importance of interior architecture, HMI and user experience.

Together with Automotive Testing Expo, the industry’s leading event for validation, testing and quality engineering, Vehicle Tech Week North America creates a unified environment where traditionally separate disciplines converge.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects how vehicles are engineered today,” added Massey. “It brings together advanced technologies, specialist expertise and real-world application into one connected experience, accelerating collaboration across the entire vehicle development process.”

For more information, and to exhibit or register, visit: https://www.vehicletechweek-northamerica.com/.

For speaker enquiries, please contact Marc LeDuc, senior conference content producer NA, UKi Media & Events (marc.leduc@ukimediaevents.com).

The Gen4 Formula E car has run its debut in front of a select audience at Circuit Paul Ricard, signaling the beginning of a new era for electric motorsport.

Brought by Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the all-new next-generation machine will act as the foundation that will be further developed and then raced by the teams and manufacturers in the 2026/27 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 335kph, 0-100kph in approximately 1.8 seconds and 0-200kph in just 4.4 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than its predecessor – GEN4 will deliver 50% more power in race mode than the current Gen3 Evo race car.

Formula E predicts the Gen4 car will be an average of 10 seconds faster per lap than the Gen3 in qualifying mode. In Attack Mode, Gen4 produces up to 600kW of power, a 71% increase in base output over the Gen3 Evo, delivering performance that pushes the limits of electric racing. Gen4 is the only single-seater race car with permanent all-wheel drive.

The on-track demonstration highlighted Gen4’s performance in real conditions, with overtaking laps against Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3 models showing a clear step forward in capability. Set to debut in the 2026/27 season, Gen4 is expected to deliver lap times at least five seconds faster on street circuits than the Gen3 Evo.

In addition to outright performance, sustainability remains a central pillar of innovation for Gen4, which will be the world’s first racing car that is 100% recyclable, with at least 20% recycled materials across key components. Its tires are made from 65% natural and recycled materials, including 30% certified natural rubber, and the battery contains no rare earth minerals. At a broader level, Formula E remains the first global sport certified to the BSI Net Zero Pathway Standard and the first motorsport series in the world to achieve B Corp Certification.

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said, “Gen4 isn’t just a car, it’s a statement of intent. Seeing what it can do on track for the first time is a real milestone for Formula E – we are now delivering performance levels that were thought impossible for electric vehicles just five years ago. The step up in performance is immediately clear, from the speed and power to the way it delivers on track, and there was a genuine buzz among everyone who witnessed it. This is a hugely exciting moment for the championship as we head into the upcoming 2026/27 season, and a clear signal of where we are headed.”

Dodds continued, “This is just the beginning, as its refinement is now in the hands of our manufacturers – Porsche, Jaguar, Stellantis, Nissan, Lola Cars and Mahindra – to push development to even higher limits of performance ahead of its racing debut later this year. Gen4 isn’t just an evolution, it’s a step change in innovation and performance that will redefine motorsport for years to come.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president, FIA added, “The new Gen4 Formula E car marks a significant step forward for electric racing, setting a new global benchmark for performance, innovation and sustainability.”

He continued, “collaboration has been central to the development of this car, and it will continue to be at the heart of a new era for the championship defined by greater performance, road relevance and excitement. We are redefining what is possible alongside some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers using the laboratory of motorsport.”

Gen4 will also introduce enhanced safety features, including a wider cockpit for increased hand clearance and power steering to help mitigate steering loads during impacts, while intensifying the driver challenge at the highest level of motorsport. It has also been designed with improved adjustability in the driving position, helping to level the playing field and re-engineering the sport for inclusivity at the top level.

Related news, Project Cavendish: Mahle hydrogen-fueled 13-liter engine matches diesel performance

In line with its sustainability strategy, the BMW Group is applying product sustainability innovations in its latest BMW 7 Series. These include new battery cell technology and an increased share of secondary materials in other body parts, such as the wheel rims. These measures build on established sustainability approaches across the group’s model range.

The Gen6 battery cells for the BMW i7’s high-voltage battery are manufactured exclusively using energy from renewable sources. The same applies to the production of the anode and cathode active material. Cell production also relies in part on secondary raw materials for the lithium, cobalt and nickel required. This reduces the overall supply chain CO₂e footprint of the Gen6 battery cell in the BMW i7 60 xDrive by approximately 33% compared with the Gen5 cell that has thus far been used in the BMW i7.

In related news, ETA-Model 20 integrated electric powertrain system launched by ETA Green Power

With the European electric vehicle market continuing to grow, Nissan has unveiled the all-electric Juke at its Vision event at the company’s global HQ in Japan. The third-generation Juke is part of an expanded EV line-up in Europe and marks a major step forward in the auto maker’s electrification strategy on the continent.

Since its original launch in 2010, Juke has captured the imagination of 1.5 million customers across Europe and this new EV Juke carries “personality and emotion” into the electric vehicle era, the auto maker said, in a reimagination of one of Europe’s most distinctive compact crossovers that forms part of Nissan’s broader strategy to offer an electrified powertrain for every type of customer today.

The path toward full electrification 

The Juke EV will join the third-generation Leaf in offering vehicle-to-grid technology, supporting the integration of EVs into the wider energy ecosystem.

“Europe is central to Nissan’s electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future,” said Massimiliano Messina, chairman, Nissan AMIEO. “With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region. Together, this next generation of vehicles will accelerate our transition to zero-emission mobility.”

The EV Juke will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK. “Juke has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age,” said Clíodhna Lyons, region vice president, product, brand and marketing strategy, Nissan AMIEO. “As our first fully electric Juke, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range.”

The third-gen Juke will be launched in spring 2027.

Related news, Volvo begins on-road testing of hydrogen ICE heavy trucks

MG has launched the SolidCore Battery, a semi-solid-state system designed to improve electric vehicle (EV) range, charging speed, performance and cold-weather reliability.

The battery features solid-state electrolytes within each cell, forming a protective barrier that extends lifespan and ensures compliance with future regulatory standards. According to MG, this architecture performs well in low temperatures, enabling immediate vehicle start-up without preheating and delivering improved acceleration compared with conventional EVs. The SolidCore Battery is expected to appear in MG electric vehicles in Europe by the end of 2026.

Alongside the new battery, MG has also introduced its Hybrid+ technology, which combines advanced software and hardware to optimize fuel consumption, provide faster power delivery and improve integration between mechanical and electric systems. The technology includes a larger 1.83 kWh battery to extend electric-only range, an innovative three-speed hybrid transmission and an eight-mode Logic Engine to enhance power management.

MG said Hybrid+ also improves cabin refinement through noise and vibration suppression while maintaining high thermal efficiency and responsive, smooth power delivery. A fully integrated Hybrid Control Unit with real-time terrain detection enables the system to adapt propulsion strategies to changing conditions. In 2025, MG sold 137,000 hybrid vehicles across Europe, with the MG HS ranking among the top 10 best-selling hybrid models in most countries.

Commenting on the latest technology advances, MG Europe and the UK’s vice present, Kimi Li said, “MG’s new SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technology provide tangible benefits for our customers and position our vehicles at the forefront of their class. These advancements reinforce MG’s commitment to making cutting-edge technology and electric mobility more intuitive, accessible and widely available. Our strategy of developing MG vehicles in Europe, for Europe further enhances the desirability, versatility and value that our cars deliver to customers across the European market.”

The announcements coincide with the opening of MG’s European Engineering Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, which will serve as a hub for developing vehicles tailored to local climate conditions, road environments and customer preferences.

Related news, Flexible, modular hybrid drive targets global EV applications

Nissan Formula E Team has renewed its sponsorship agreement with long-standing partner Alpine Tech for the remainder of Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The agreement includes branding on the Japanese outfit’s race cars and drivers’ overalls.

Nissan Formula E Team says its partnership with Alpine Tech has been a key factor in the squad’s journey across the GEN3 era. The French manufacturer has helped with the development of the Nissan e‑4ORCE 05 Formula E powertrain, leading to the Nissan Formula E Team winning six races and the Season 11 Drivers’ World Championship with Oliver Rowland. The two companies have also collaborated closely on the development of young racers, with several of Nissan Formula E Team’s rookie drivers having a pre-existing relationship with Alpine.

To celebrate this long-lasting collaboration, the Alpine Tech logo will appear on the inside of the rear wing end plates on the #1 and #23 Nissan e‑4ORCE 05 cars from this weekend’s Madrid E-Prix. The brand’s logo will also feature on the drivers’ race suits.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal at Nissan Formula E Team, commented, “We’re very happy to showcase the Alpine Tech brand for the remainder of the GEN3 season, as our partnership and collaboration have been key to our success in this era of Formula E. We’re excited to continue working with Alpine Tech. Our relationship is a broad one with several different touchpoints, making their support very valuable.”

Axel Plasse, VP at Alpine Tech, added, “At Alpine Tech, we continue to build on the expertise developed through many years at the highest level of motorsport, including Formula 1 and endurance racing. Together with Nissan Formula E Team, we have exceptional engineering ability. Applying our know-how to new projects through consultancy and technology services is a key priority for us. This partnership with Nissan Formula E Team is a perfect example of optimization of talent and expertise. It showcases how two highly competitive organizations like Alpine Tech and Nissan Formula E Team can combine their efforts to push the boundaries of efficiency and power density, developing the highest-performing electric powertrains in the world.”

In related news, Porsche expands Cayenne electric range with S variant

The Cayenne S Electric stands out not only through its model-specific design, but also through its all-wheel-drive system delivering 400kW (544PS) – rising to 490kW (666PS) with launch control. Positioned between the Cayenne Electric and the range-topping Cayenne Turbo Electric, it bridges performance and everyday usability within the line-up.

The Porsche Cayenne S Electric accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 250km/h. Its combined WLTP range is up to 653km. Like the other two current Cayenne Electric models, the S variant features a high-voltage battery with a gross energy capacity of 113kWh, which, at up to 400kW at a suitable fast-charging station, can be charged from 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in 16 minutes.

Direct oil cooling

The drive system, which features one permanent magnet synchronous motor on both the front and rear axle, delivers a system output of 400kW (544PS), or up to 490kW (666PS) with Launch Control. Like the Cayenne Turbo, the Cayenne S uses direct oil cooling for the rear-axle electric motor. Unlike with conventional electric motors, the heat is dissipated directly from the current-carrying components. The pulse inverter on the rear axle uses silicon carbide as a semiconductor material and processes currents of up to 620 amps.

Differentiating style

The Cayenne S Electric is characterized by model-specific front and rear aprons in Volcano Grey Metallic, while the inserts and diffuser are painted in the body color. The exterior styling is rounded off by 20-inch Cayenne S Aero wheels; optional equipment available for the Cayenne S that was previously reserved only for the Turbo model.

Under the Style product line, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers curated packages developed by the Style Porsche design studio and Exclusive Manufaktur. The first of these is an interior style package.

Related news, Behind the scenes: the in-house development of the Temerario GT3

Audi is set to debut the all-electric A2 e-tron in fall 2026, marking the brand’s entry into the compact premium EV segment. Built in Ingolstadt, the A2 e-tron aims to refresh Audi’s line-up while making premium electric mobility more accessible. A preview of the vehicle’s silhouette can already be seen.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner commented, “We’ve listened. Our customers want electric mobility that impresses in everyday life. The A2 e-tron is our promise to deliver exactly that – efficient, compact and confident. We’re making entry into the electric Audi world easier and more relevant than ever.”

Its name pays homage to the original Audi A2, which redefined efficiency and urban mobility over 25 years ago. The A2 e-tron carries that legacy forward into the electric era.

“The A2 e-tron is crucial for our brand and also for our German home. With the production of an additional fully electric model family in Ingolstadt, we are securing jobs and delivering electric mobility ‘made in Germany’,” said Gernot Döllner.

Related news, Behind the scenes: the in-house development of the Temerario GT3

Helix has partnered with electric hypercar brand McMurtry Automotive to develop a bespoke drive motor system for the McMurtry Spéirling Pure Electric Fan Hypercar. The new system is compatible with McMurtry’s gearbox.

Featuring two Helix SPX242-94 motors at the rear, Spéirling can deliver up to 1,000hp. Helix’s bespoke propulsion system works alongside McMurtry‘s proprietary downforce-on-demand fan system to deliver groundbreaking performance.

Capable of accelerating from 0-96km/h in 1.5 seconds and covering 0.4km in eight seconds, Spéirling has already achieved records at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Laguna Seca Hill Climb, and driven the fastest-ever lap of the Top Gear test track.

Helix electric motors are confirmed for application on the McMurtry Spéirling Pure production car, set for first customer deliveries in 2026.

Developed from Helix’s scalable core technology range, the SPX242-94 is one of the most powerful motors the company has ever produced. Each unit provides 500Nm of torque, in an ultra-lightweight package of 33kg.

The SPX242-94’s packaging reportedly unlocks new automotive design possibilities, allowing for the most effective use of space within the Spéirling’s compact, single-seater configuration.

Expanding technology access

Building on the success of the Spéirling program, a new division called McMurtry Technology offers OEMs the opportunity to access proven technologies for their own programs, including fan downforce systems to improve performance and safety, high-performance batteries using tailored designs or modules already developed for the Spéirling, and e-axles to deliver proven powertrain performance.

Simon Mead, automotive chief engineer at Helix, said, “The McMurtry Spéirling is an exceptional example of British engineering and demonstrates one of the most effective applications of advanced electric motor technology. We are proud to have been involved in its journey from an early stage, with Helix drive motor propulsion systems featuring throughout the evolution of this groundbreaking hypercar, from prototype to production. The partnership between Helix and McMurtry reflects our passion for pushing boundaries and driving the advancement of next-generation propulsion systems.”

In recent news, Changan and CATL launch world’s first mass-production sodium-ion EV

Changan, in partnership with CATL, has unveiled the world’s first mass-production passenger electric vehicle equipped with sodium-ion batteries, with the vehicle set to reach the market by mid-2026.

As Changan’s sodium-ion battery partner, CATL will supply its advanced Naxtra sodium-ion batteries across Changan’s full brand portfolio, including Avatr, Deepal, Qiyuan and Uni.

“The arrival of sodium-ion technology marks the beginning of a dual-chemistry era,” said Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s China E-car Business. “Changan’s vision shows both its responsibility for energy security and its strategic foresight. Much as it embraced electric vehicles years ago, Changan is once again taking the lead with its sodium-ion roadmap. At CATL, we value the opportunity to work alongside such an industry leader and fully support its strategy, combining our expertise to bring safe, reliable and high-performance sodium-ion technology to market.”

Cold-weather performance and safety

CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion battery has an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg, which sets the current benchmark for mass production. Its Cell-to-Pack system and intelligent BMS enable a pure-electric range exceeding 400km. As the sodium-ion supply chain advances, ranges are projected to reach 500km-600km for pure-electric variants and 300km-400km for range-extended/hybrid configurations – covering over 50% of the range requirements in the new energy vehicle market.

It operates reliably under extreme cold, delivering nearly triple the discharge power of equivalent LFP batteries at –30 °C, while maintaining over 90% capacity retention at -40°C and stable power delivery at temperatures as low as -50°C. The battery remained smoke and fire free and continued to provide power when tested under tough conditions such as crushing, drilling and sawing.

CATL began sodium-ion research in 2016, investing nearly ¥10bn (US$1.5bn) to develop nearly 300,000 test cells.

By combining technical innovation with industrial scale, CATL and Changan are moving sodium-ion batteries from laboratory breakthroughs to mass-market adoption, establishing them as a viable mainstream solution for electric mobility.

Related news, Lucid tops NAF winter test range in record cold