Genesis has showcased the Magma GT3 Concept, which it describes as a “first glimpse at one potential future project” for Genesis Magma Racing.

The concept was unveiled by Genesis Magma Racing team principal Cyril Abiteboul and Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke at the Le Mans 24 Hours earlier this month, where GMR made its debut.

Abiteboul said, “The Genesis Magma GT3 Concept is one potential future direction for Genesis Magma Racing, alongside our FIA WEC Hypercar entry, as we grow to support the entire Genesis brand.

“Since the very start, we have stated that Genesis Magma Racing is a long-term project, and here we have one possible direction we can take. Like Hypercar, GT3 is another of the recent success stories in motorsport.

“Having Genesis and Genesis Magma Racing represented there would closely link the road-going and racing sides of the brand and add further to our profile in world motorsport.”

The Genesis Magma GT3 Concept has been developed in alignment with GT3 technical regulations. Conceived as an independent study, it explores how race-driven architecture, aerodynamics and engineering principles could inform future Genesis performance vehicles, rather than being derived from an existing road-going model.

More than one potential

At the press conference at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Genesis also presented an updated Magma GT Concept – first revealed in November alongside the GV60 Magma – with a redesigned interior. The GT Concept illustrated “a parallel exploration of how race-inspired thinking could translate into a refined road-going grand tourer” the auto maker said, adding that ” the two concepts highlight one potential pathway for connecting Genesis’ motorsport ambitions with its evolving performance portfolio, without confirming specific production or racing plans.”

“The Magma GT Concept and Magma GT3 Concept represent two distinct yet connected expressions of Genesis performance,” Donckerwolke said. “The Magma GT Concept embodies our vision of luxury and athleticism on the road, while the Magma GT3 Concept translates that philosophy into the race environment, where every element is driven by performance, efficiency and purpose. Together, they demonstrate how Genesis is exploring the full spectrum of high performance – from refined grand touring to uncompromising motorsport.”

Continued expansion 

After announcing last year its expansion into new markets in Italy, France, the Netherlands and Spain, the manufacturer is now preparing for further entry into Poland, Bulgaria, Austria, Portugal and Denmark as part of its European growth strategy.

Genesis also noted how its presence at the Le Mans 24 Hours has also expanded – one year after the first European presentation of the GMR-001 Hypercar design as a show car, it had returned to the Le Mans 24 Hours as a fully operational Hypercar team.

The company also showcased two evolved X Gran Convertible Concept models – originally introduced at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show – during the Drivers’ Parade in Le Mans city center on June 13. Building on the earlier concept, these latest iterations represent “refined and more visually striking evolution” that further align the model with the the Magma portfolio.

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The Xpeng X9 has recorded the largest positive deviation from WLTP range and the fastest charging time among all vehicles tested in the summer edition of El Prix 2026, the world’s largest independent electric vehicle test organized by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor magazine.

The seven-seater, launching in the UK later this year, achieved the highest result among all 24 vehicles tested, delivering a leading 11.4% positive deviation versus its official WLTP range. In real-world conditions, it covered a total of 646km and continued operating for more than 11 hours after the start of the test. NAF noted that the Xpeng X9 “clearly stood out” in this year’s range evaluation.

The X9 also delivered the fastest charging performance, going from 10% to 80% in 12 minutes and 55 seconds. At the El Prix Winter 2026 held in February, the model topped the field at -10°C with a 12-minute charge. While Europe’s current 400kW charging infrastructure has yet to fully unlock the X9’s maximum capability, the vehicle continues to achieve top-tier charging times across different environments.

The result makes the Xpeng X9 the standout performer of El Prix and further demonstrates the real-world benefits of Xpeng’s latest-generation EV technology.

“Recording the largest WLTP range deviation and the fastest charging time is strong validation of the technology behind the Xpeng X9,” said Alex Tang, general manager of international business at Xpeng. “Customers should not have to choose between long range and fast charging. The X9 delivers both, helping drivers spend more time on the road and less time waiting at a charger.”

Held twice a year, El Prix is widely regarded as the world’s largest independent comparison of electric vehicle range and charging performance.

The Xpeng X9 is one of the new Xpeng models launching in Europe during 2026.

In related news, BYD enters Europe’s B-segment with Dolphin G DM-I

Texas Instruments (TI) has launched a high-cell-count battery monitor with an integrated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) engine, bringing predictive intelligence, comprehensive data and real-time diagnostics to battery monitoring in electric vehicles and energy storage system applications.

The BQ79826Z-Q1 battery monitor enhances safety and extends battery life by detecting potential failures from within battery cells. The single chip tracks up to 44% more channels than previous generations. With this increase, the device significantly decreases the number of components required in a battery pack, reducing system complexity and cost without compromising reliability

“The electrification of transportation and the rapid expansion of energy storage are redefining what battery performance must deliver, and as a leader in battery management technology, TI is uniquely positioned to meet that challenge,” said Wenjia Liu, vice president and general manager, battery management systems (BMS) at TI.

“Our high-cell-count battery monitor with a built-in EIS engine helps ‘shine a light’ inside battery cells, delivering rich chemical-state data that enables systems’ software to make informed, real-time decisions on safety and performance of the battery pack, allowing engineers to address the most critical challenges in battery management.”

Delivering safety and performance with EIS technology 

EIS monitors a battery and delivers continuous, real-time insight that reveals the battery’s health and warns of issues before they become critical. Integrated EIS technology enables the BQ78926Z-Q1 to detect fault conditions earlier – from inside the cells – helping maintain safety and notifying passengers of potential vehicle hazards such as thermal runaway.

Maximizing efficiency with industry-leading cell count

According to the company, the BQ79826Z-Q1 supports up to 26 cells per device – eight more than competing solutions. By reducing the number of monitoring devices required, it lowers bill-of-materials costs, simplifies system architecture and minimizes board space requirements, delivering significant cost savings per channel without compromising quality or reliability.

When paired with the BQ79881-Q1 pack monitor and optional TI communications bridge, these devices create a powerful chipset that works across different module sizes, battery chemistries and mechanical designs, giving engineers the flexibility to design once and deploy everywhere.

Calculating charge readings with the best-in-class accuracy

With a voltage accuracy of <2mV across a full temperature range of –40°C to +125°C, higher resolution analog-to-digital converters and ultra-low noise, the BQ78926Z-Q1 enables more accurate state-of-charge calculations, directly addressing one of the biggest concerns for EV drivers: range anxiety.

Using EIS technology, this device enables more accurate temperature and state-of-charge estimation, helping designers achieve longer battery life and faster charging without compromising battery health.

With an EIS measurement time that is five times faster than previous solutions, this device delivers the highest functional safety voltage reading per cell. Compliance with Automotive Safety Integrity Level D and International Organization for Standardization 26262 gives designers a smarter, more efficient path to safer, longer-lasting batteries.

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Plans to unveil the A2 e-tron are set for autumn 2026, complementing Audi’s portfolio with an all-electric entry-level model family in the compact class.

The vehicle will be manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany. The prototype is undergoing various tests before its debut, clocking up vital test miles on snow and ice, in the wind tunnel at Audi Technical Development in Ingolstadt, and on public roads.

Cold-weather trials

During winter testing in Lapland, the A2 e-tron performed under extreme conditions, including icy temperatures, snow-covered roads and slippery test tracks on a frozen lake. The validation process at a test site in northern Sweden focused not only on driving dynamics but also on thermal management and battery performance. Engineers have developed the A2 e-tron by continuously adjusting the electric drive, brake control system and suspension by the minute.

Aerodynamic optimization

The distinctive roofline is the reason for the A2 e-tron’s excellent aerodynamics, which are constantly being tested and optimized in the wind tunnel at Audi Technical Development. With wind speeds of up to 300km/h, ultra-precise aeroacoustics measurement and a 235km/h rolling road, the wind tunnel provides ideal conditions for optimizing the airflow characteristics, noise development and thermal stability of the vehicle.

Road testing in Bavaria

The development team used the diverse conditions of the Altmühl Valley region in Bavaria, including inclines, variable road surfaces and tight bends, to test the suspension and assistance systems in real road traffic.

In related news, Nissan launches electric Juke

The rise of e-mobility is profoundly changing test routines, speed profiles and requirement landscapes. Yet precision, reliability and process safety remain indispensable in measurement technology.

At Automotive Testing Expo 2026 in Stuttgart, Mayr Power Transmission will present its portfolio for test stand technology.

Automotive drivetrain test stand technology is evolving significantly, and shaft couplings that compensate for misalignment remain key components in these systems.

Based on the ROBA DS steel disk pack coupling, Mayr Power Transmission has introduced the ROBA DS Type 9120, a lighter aluminum version. Compared with the previous steel model, the aluminum design reduces the outside diameter by up to 10mm. Depending on the size and configuration, its mass and rotational inertia are reduced to about 40-60% of the steel version while maintaining comparable performance density.

The coupling is designed for rotational speeds of up to 32,000rpm. Its lightweight construction, low rotational inertia and high performance density provide practical operating advantages. The design balances rigidity and flexibility to minimize restoring forces within the drivetrain. In addition, a balance quality of G 2.5 at 5,000rpm supports smooth, low-vibration operation, helping to maintain high measurement accuracy throughout the speed range.

As standard, the coupling features manufacturing tolerance IT6. A nickel-plated surface, disk packs made of stainless steel and galvanized connecting screws provide comprehensive corrosion protection. Backlash-free shaft connections via shrink disk hubs or external shrink disk hubs ensure reproducible measurement results. The coupling is compatible with all common torque transducers as standard.

With its modular design, the ROBA DS 9120 can be configured with a range of connection options and components to suit different applications, from high-performance research and development test stands to end-of-line production testing.

In addition to coupling technology, the company will present its portfolio of safety brakes for test stand applications. Test stands for automotive drives frequently include vertical axes and linear movements that must be reliably secured, whether during ongoing test operation, during maintenance work or in the event of a fault.

The ROBA guidestop profiled rail brake acts directly on the moving masses of vertical axes, clamping them in position without backlash and with high rigidity. It is available in hydraulic, pneumatic and electromagnetic versions and is compatible with common linear guide systems.

The ROBA linearstop piston rod brake is designed to secure linear motion on round rods. Operating on the fail-safe principle, the brake remains engaged when de-energized and is intended for dynamic emergency braking applications. The product range includes six sizes with braking forces from 70-17,000N.

The ROBA-stop M series also provides a robust motor brake for compact protection directly at the drive motor. As a holding brake, it clamps reliably and holds the system in position; as a dynamic brake, it brings the load to a standstill in the shortest time possible.

Smart modules for intelligent monitoring

The ROBA brake-checker module provides sensorless monitoring of safety brakes while also supplying them with power.

By analyzing current and voltage signals, the module detects the brake’s switching status and can issue an early warning if the brake may no longer release reliably under existing operating conditions. This supports predictive maintenance and helps users identify critical factors such as insufficient supply voltage, improperly sized power lines, increased coil temperature or excessive air-gap wear.

When combined with the ROBA gateway module, the system can be integrated into networked environments. Brake data can be continuously accessed via ethernet and displayed on a dashboard for monitoring and analysis.

This allows anomalies in the test process to be identified early, supports planned maintenance and helps reduce unplanned downtime. The system can also be integrated into remote maintenance and monitoring platforms.

Mayr Power Transmission will be exhibiting at Booth 1824 at Automotive Testing Expo in Stuttgart, June 23-25. Click here to register for your FREE expo pass

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).

A new water-cooled adapter is available for use with Kistler’s 4017A miniature absolute pressure sensor in engine development and other high-temperature applications. It can be purchased separately or as a pre-assembled set with the sensor. The adapter helps keep the sensor within its operating temperature range, enabling accurate measurements in high-heat environments while maintaining a compact installation size.

Piezoresistive absolute pressure sensors are suitable for recording static and dynamic pressures. They have long been used in the automotive industry for engine and powertrain development, where high accuracy is required. To enable this degree of precision at elevated temperatures, the sensor needs additional cooling.

The 4017A…W set from Kistler includes the water-cooled 7547A adapter and the 4017A pressure sensor with an M8x0.75 threaded connection. The 4017A is around 25% smaller than the 4049B water-cooled sensor, making it easier to use in space-constrained engine applications. The adapter’s low mass and optimized cooling channels improve cooling efficiency, helping to extend sensor life and reliability. A welded heat shield keeps the sensor within its operating temperature range in hot environments, and the lower weight reduces sensitivity to engine vibration.

The modular design of the 4017A…W set allows the sensor and adapter to be easily replaced. For cleaning, the 4017A can be disconnected from the adapter and reattached as needed. Its oil-filled, media-separated measuring cell provides high compatibility with gaseous media, along with strong measurement accuracy and stability (≤1% FSO), supported by digital temperature compensation.

Kistler’s PiezoSmart technology enables automatic recognition of the miniature absolute pressure sensor by DS-compatible amplifiers, reducing the risk of incorrect setup and configuration. The system also uses model-based digital temperature compensation to adjust the output signal in real time according to sensor temperature, improving accuracy and response. In addition, it allows for continuous monitoring of sensor temperature.

In related news, Evonik opens lab to develop EV motor materials for Asia-Pacific market

Mahle Powertrain has achieved a major milestone in Project Cavendish, successfully converting a 13-liter heavy-duty engine to run purely on hydrogen. The converted engine has matched the maximum torque of the diesel baseline engine, and measured engine-out NOX suggests that emissions can be readily maintained below 0.2g/kWh across the entire engine operating map using existing aftertreatment technology.

Launched in early 2023, Project Cavendish is a £9.8m (US$13.2m) program supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) to develop end-to-end hydrogen powertrain capability for heavy-duty applications and enable the UK’s transition to net zero transportation. As part of the project, Mahle Powertrain has upgraded its testing infrastructure in Northampton for hydrogen operation.

“This milestone demonstrates that hydrogen combustion has a place as a clean fuel in the heavy-duty market,” said Jonathan Hall, head of research and advanced engineering at Mahle Powertrain. “Achieving the target torque and low raw engine-out emissions from a hydrogen-fueled 13-liter heavy-duty engine represents a significant step forward, both for Mahle Powertrain and for the wider industry, as we move toward practical hydrogen combustion solutions for heavy-duty applications.”

Achieving target torque is just the first step, says Mahle; the bigger challenge in hydrogen combustion is controlling NOX emissions. The measured raw engine-out emissions of its converted engine are very low and the addition of a simple selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system will enable the tailpipe emissions to be significantly less than EU VII limits. The measured particulate emissions were negligible and readily manageable using existing particulate filter technology. The results demonstrate that hydrogen combustion engines offer a practical, fast-to-market pathway toward zero-carbon heavy-duty transportation.

Project Cavendish also aims to facilitate wider hydrogen adoption by creating opportunities for external partners to undertake hydrogen engine testing at Mahle Powertrain’s facility in Northampton. The site serves as a center of excellence for the design, development, calibration and testing of all aspects of hydrogen and renewable-fuel powertrain engineering. Mahle Powertrain has reported growing interest from new customers and expects commercialization of its hydrogen and renewable fuels infrastructure to expand significantly over the coming year.

The project brings together expertise from Mahle Powertrain, Phinia, BorgWarner, Cambustion, Hartridge and Oxford Brookes University to deliver the next generation of hydrogen combustion technology.

In related news, Marelli showcases latest propulsion and thermal management innovations

To help automotive manufacturers improve their acoustic, vibration and mechanical performance processes, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has combined its Discom NVH end‑of‑line (EOL) testing tool with its torque measurement technology.

EOL NVH testing plays a critical role in modern automotive manufacturing, verifying the acoustic and dynamic behavior of every unit in production. To support this function, HBK’s NVH EOL solutions have been designed to detect noise, vibration and functional defects before shipment, ensure quality products and enable fast, automated pass/fail decisions.

The integration of torque and speed measurement into the NVH test process provides manufacturers with additional insight into mechanical behavior at EOL. The T40Lite torque transducer has been optimized for EOL test benches, so it integrates directly into the Discom NVH system, enabling combined torque, speed, vibration and acoustic measurements. This combined approach supports early detection of imbalance, misalignment and wear, which helps prevent downstream quality issues in series production.

Discom by HBK provides a complete end‑of‑line testing solution from a single source, integrating sensors, front‑end hardware, PC racks, analysis software and a big data/AI interface. The system supports 100% testing of e-drive systems, transmissions, gearboxes, actuators, combustion engines, turbochargers, bearings and durability applications, delivering reliable and reproducible measurements under real production conditions.

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

Volvo Trucks has begun on-road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines en route to the planned commercial launch of its hydrogen solution by 2030.

The hydrogen-powered trucks use high-pressure, direct injection (HPDI) technology, which the company says improves energy efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and increases engine power compared with conventional hydrogen combustion engines. HPDI works by injecting a small amount of ignition fuel at high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. Volvo already uses this technology in its gas-powered trucks, with over 10,000 units sold worldwide.

The hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering “diesel-like performance” while substantially cutting CO₂ emissions, the auto maker said.

“On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks. I feel confident that they will be the best in the industry if you look at fuel efficiency, power, torque and drivability,” said Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management at Volvo Trucks. “Customers will be able to operate them just like diesel trucks. Our experience with HPDI technology in more than 10,000 gas-powered trucks is strong proof of its performance.”

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for the recharging of battery-electric trucks.

Volvo trucks with combustion engines powered by green hydrogen have the potential to deliver net-zero CO₂ well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel. They are categorized as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) under the agreed EU CO₂ emission standards.

The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement the company’s offering of other alternatives, such as battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels, like biogas and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

“We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks and they will have a role to play in the transformation to zero-emission transport,” said Hjelmgren. “Several technologies will be needed to decarbonize. As a global truck manufacturer we offer a variety of decarbonization solutions and help our customers choose the best alternative based on transport assignment, available infrastructure and green energy prices.”

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