Team FJ, the organizer of the NASCAR Euro Series, has signed a technical partnership with Oreca Motorsport, to participate in the NASCAR Euro Series engine program.

New and rebuilt EuroNASCAR-spec V8 engines will undergo dyno validation by Oreca’s engine specialists in Magny-Cours, France, before delivery to race teams. Oreca will also support technical inspections by providing engine dyno analysis to assess performance parity between engines. The two organizations will also explore future engine development projects for EuroNASCAR.

Over the past decade, the NASCAR European championship has focused on improving technical standards and maintaining close competition. Its partnership with Oreca Motorsport will provide additional engineering and technical expertise to support teams, drivers and partners.

“We are very happy to partner with the Oreca engine department to continue improving the series and the EuroNASCAR cars,” said Jerome Galpin, NASCAR Euro Series president. “Since we founded the series in 2009, we never stopped looking ahead and far ahead. This technical partnership will bring immediate impact before starting the 2026 playoffs, but also a great opportunity for the future evolution of our power units. The best is always to come!”

“We are proud to bring our engine expertise and experience to the NASCAR Euro Series and to contribute to the continued development of its V8 engine program,” said Serge Meyer, Oreca Motorsport engine department director. “With its strong technical heritage and experience across some of the world’s most demanding racing programs, Oreca’s engine department is looking forward to putting its know-how to work alongside the NASCAR Euro Series. This partnership is about more than engine validation and technical support: it is about combining our expertise to keep raising the level of competition and preparing the next steps for the series.”

Work is already underway following the NASCAR GP Czech Republic and the closing of the regular season.

In related news, Ford Hypercar completes first track tests

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen has entered its next development phase ahead of series production. Current prototypes are undergoing comprehensive road testing, while the third-generation fuel cell system is entering a new assembly phase at BMW’s Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. Preparations for industrialization and future series production of the fuel cell system are also underway at BMW’s engine facility in Steyr, Austria.

“Our ambition for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is clear: a true BMW – with Sheer Driving Pleasure. A perfectly coordinated overall system is crucial for this,” commented Josef Hochreiter, head of hydrogen vehicles at BMW Group. “Current testing demonstrates how the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery and electric drivetrain are already successfully integrated and how systematically we are developing the technology toward series production. The primary focus is on further validation of the overall system, preparations for industrialization and the integration of fuel cell technology.”

Testing is currently focused on the interaction of all drive system components. This includes the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, electric motor, hydrogen tanks and the overall system control unit. Efficiency, driving performance and driving dynamics will also be examined under different operating conditions.

Systems integration, efficiency and driving dynamics

Focusing on validation of the overall system under demanding environmental and operating conditions, the development teams validate the functionality of all components within the integrated vehicle system and optimize the complex system control, even under high loads. The aim is to ensure the full performance capabilities of the drivetrain at all times while optimizing BMW’s hallmark driving dynamics in the fuel cell electric vehicle.

Current testing is confirming the coordinated operation of the fuel cell system, electric motor, high-voltage battery, BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage and Energy Master. The high-voltage battery and Energy Master, which serves as the central control unit for the high-voltage system, enable greater recuperation performance and can improve overall system efficiency. Development is also targeting driving performance comparable with the BMW iX5, including acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in less than five seconds.

Fuel cell system enters next phase of construction

Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen from the tanks reacts with oxygen from the ambient air in an electrochemical reaction. This generates the electric current that drives the electric motor and powers the vehicle. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen uses the third-generation fuel cell system co-developed by the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation.

Alongside vehicle testing, the next prototype assembly phase for the third-generation fuel cell system is getting underway at the Hydrogen Competence Centre in Munich. The focus is on finalizing and validating the testing methodology and preparing for industrialization.

The previous prototype phase centered on component buildability and basic qualification of suppliers. Series production of fuel cell systems will take place at BMW Group Plant Steyr.

“Prototype assembly is about much more than manufacturing individual components. Each phase helps us optimize processes, gain experience and systematically share this knowledge with the teams in Steyr. In this way, we are laying the foundation for the next steps on the road to industrialization,” explained Claudia Stephan, head of technology development and fuel cell prototype assembly at BMW Group.

Industrialization

With the start of this new assembly phase, the project has reached another important development step on the road to industrialization. The first test benches and manufacturing equipment have already been set up at BMW Group Plant Steyr, with employees being trained in stages. The insights gained will form the basis for further industrialization steps and subsequent production ramp-up.

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A few weeks after firing up its engine for the first time in ORECA‘s workshops, the Ford Hypercar has completed its first on-track test sessions.

The LMDh prototype first carried out an initial low-speed run at the Paul Ricard Circuit’s Driving Center, before continuing its test program at Le Castellet Airport and then at the Paul Ricard Circuit, right next to ORECA’s Technocentre where the car was designed and developed.

Dan Sayers, WEC Hypercar program manager at Ford Racing said, “Reaching Paul Ricard and getting the car through its shakedown and three full days of running is exactly the milestone we set out to hit. Everything we did in the buildup – the dyno work in Dearborn, the fire-up in France, the countless hours in the sim – was about making sure that when we rolled out onto track, we were ready to be plug and play. There’s a long list of milestones still ahead of us before Q1 2027, but these past couple of weeks has given the team a lot of confidence and strong foundations to build on.”

From design to track

The prototype – the result of close collaboration between Ford Racing and ORECA –  was jointly developed by teams who have been working for several months at ORECA’s Technocentre to prepare for its return to competition in 2027.

Hugues de Chaunac, president of the ORECA Group, commented, “Seeing this Hypercar take to the track for the first time is a powerful moment for all the teams involved in this project. After several months of close collaboration with Ford Racing, these first real-world outings mark an important step in the car’s development. At ORECA, we are proud to contribute to the return of a brand as iconic as Ford to the highest level of Endurance racing, and we are eager to continue this journey with them through to their competitive debut in 2027.”

All six Ford Racing Hypercar drivers attended the test during the week. Logan Sargeant, Matt Campbell, Tom Blomqvist and Mike Rockenfeller took turns behind the wheel, while British drivers Sebastian Priaulx and Nick Yelloly were also on site to gather feedback and prepare for the next phase of testing.

Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, said, “This is only the first step of a long and demanding development road, but the fact that all six of our drivers were on hand, working together and pushing this program forward, tells you everything about the spirit we’re building at Ford Racing.”

This first phase of testing marks an essential step in the development of the Ford Hypercar before starting a more intensive test program, in preparation for its homologation under LMDh technical regulations.

Ford Racing Hypercar driver Matt Campbell said, “I’ve been here for the whole test and from my side, it’s gone smoothly. I’ve seen fans online raving about how awesome the sound is, but from inside the cockpit, it’s on another level – it’s absolutely deafening! I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead with this car. We know there’s a long road in front of us, but this has been a really positive start.”

The Ford Hypercar will continue its development program through several test sessions at European circuits through the end of 2026, before heading to the USA to continue its preparation. Ford Racing will make its return to the highest level of Endurance racing in 2027 with a two-car entry in the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

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Chery has announced that its new R&D center will initially focus on chassis dynamics and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) tuning and calibration for UK-specification vehicles. The work will take into account the UK’s varied road conditions, including roundabouts, narrow lanes, sharp corners, high traffic density and changing road surfaces, as well as local preferences for responsive steering and suspension. The facility will open in late autumn 2026.

Gary Lan, CEO of Chery International UK and vice president of the right-hand-drive division at Chery International, said, “The establishment of our UK R&D Centre of Excellence is the next step in our long-term plan for the UK. We waited over 20 years for the right time to enter this market, and our ambition has always gone much further than simply bringing vehicles here.

“UTAC Millbrook allows us to turn UK customer insight into product development, from ride and steering to active safety systems. It is another step in our long-term investment in the UK, and its work will become part of Chery Automobile’s wider global R&D activities.”

The selection of UTAC Millbrook builds on Chery Automobile’s existing relationship with UTAC Group, including a homologation joint venture established in 2024 and use of the Linas-Montlhéry facility in France for active and passive safety testing and homologation.

At UTAC Millbrook, Chery Automobile’s engineering teams will have access to more than 70km of purpose-built test tracks, including the Hill Route, Alpine Circuit and specialized durability and NVH surfaces, alongside battery testing laboratories, powertrain testing facilities, semi-anechoic chambers, and ADAS and autonomous vehicle testing capabilities.

Kirsty Andrew, vice president of UTAC UK, said, “The decision by Chery Automobile to establish its UK R&D Centre of Excellence at UTAC Millbrook is a significant commitment to engineering and vehicle development in the UK.

“Creating a standalone engineering center here means Chery Automobile can develop and validate vehicles against the particular demands of UK roads and UK drivers, with direct access to our engineering expertise and testing environments throughout that process. This is about much more than testing individual vehicles. We see this as the sustained momentum of a long-term engineering relationship with Chery Automobile, and we look forward to supporting the team as its capability and development activity at Millbrook grow.”

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High-voltage batteries for e-mobility have become highly complex systems consisting of numerous components. The market for these batteries is becoming increasingly dynamic, and technologies are constantly evolving. Innovative battery cells with new chemical compositions are being introduced. Automotive suppliers and manufacturers therefore require a tailored and flexible testing strategy for battery cell quality assurance, both in development and in production.

To address these challenges, Göpel Electronic has developed a high-performance, quickly configurable battery cell tester that features a modular design and high flexibility. This allows for the quick and transparent determination of quality, charging efficiency and reliability in up to five battery cells simultaneously. The tester complements the product portfolio, which includes, among other things, Göpel Electronic’s EOL battery test system, which performs comprehensive test routines for the entire battery pack.

The battery cell tester covers standard safety tests that evaluate the condition of the cells. The open circuit voltage (OCV) value indicates the voltage of a battery without a load (open circuit) and serves as an indicator of its state of charge. For the alternating current internal resistance (ACIR) measurement, the tester uses a method to determine the internal resistance of the battery cells. This internal resistance under alternating current provides information about the performance, state of aging and quality of the battery cell.

According to Göpel Electronic, its tester delivers fast, repeatable results and can be integrated with automated equipment to enable high-throughput batch testing within seconds. The system is designed for applications including incoming inspection and battery cell grouping.

In related news, Yokogawa launches high-voltage power analyzer for EV testing

The WT1500 by Yokogawa Test & Measurement is a high-precision power analyzer for renewable energy, electrified vehicle (xEV), semiconductor and battery testing applications. The instrument offers four measurement channels in a 2U, 19in rack-mount chassis. It supports input voltages of up to 2,000V DC and includes resolver signal input for motor evaluation without additional equipment. Yokogawa says upcoming multi-unit synchronization will enable up to five WT1500 units to be connected, providing up to 20 power measurement channels.

Development background

Continued growth in xEV technologies and renewable energy is accelerating demand for evaluation, testing and production capabilities built around high-voltage equipment. Target voltages within these systems can reach the thousands, requiring specialized high-voltage divider equipment in typical analysis setups. These dividers can introduce measurement errors, reducing overall accuracy while complicating wiring and equipment installations. Additionally, conventional motor efficiency measurements require separately measured power and resolver signals to be synchronized on a PC.

Existing power analyzer models lacked the required voltage input range for energy storage systems (ESS), power conversion systems (PCS) and resolver support motor testing, or were too large to fit within conventional rack-mounted or desk-based setups. The WT1500 reportedly addresses this gap, delivering the necessary capabilities and functionality while eliminating the need for high-voltage dividers for systems up to 2,000V, all within a compact 19in-wide, 2U height design.

High performance

The WT1500 achieves a total power accuracy of ±0.038% (DC, 50/60Hz) and low-power-factor accuracy of ±0.07% of S at 50/60Hz, the best DC accuracy figures of the WT series, and supports two types of input elements: high voltage (HV) and wide bandwidth (WB). The HV element supports direct measurement up to 2,000V DC and 300kHz, ideal for high-voltage PCS and ESS applications. The WB element supports up to 1,000V with a 2MHz bandwidth, crucial for measuring the complex, high-frequency waveforms generated in modern xEV motors. Both inputs share a common sensor input and can be mixed in a single unit.

System integration and a space-saving design

The WT1500’s compact 2U height (approximately 88mm) design supports four power measurements and four motor evaluations, including encoder and resolver signal inputs, IEEE 1588 time synchronization and data output to CAN/CAN FD buses, and low-latency data transmission via UDP communication. It is equipped with a variety of interfaces for remote control via PC, external monitor or tablet and features a small front panel for straightforward connection setup or even to be used as a standalone instrument. The WT1500’s space efficiency allows easy integration into evaluation system racks.

Scalable measurements

For measurements requiring more than four channels, up to five WT1500 units can be synchronized, enabling 20-channel power measurement. One unit acts as the main controller, directing subunit configuration and consolidating data acquisition. Multi-unit synchronization support will be released soon.

The WT1500 also features four unique current input terminals, alongside its voltage terminals, providing power for current sensors. These, in combination with a series of new current adapters that are provided as accessories, enable the WT1500 to accommodate a wide variety of sensors: the CT Series solid-core (D-sub Terminal, 60A to 2,000A, AC-DC), the CT1000S split-core (BNC, 1,000A, AC-DC) and AC-only current clamp probes (BNC, 50A and 200A class).

The WT1500 is designed for a range of power measurement applications, including four-channel measurement of single-phase and three-phase systems with PC-based configuration and data acquisition. It also supports testing of two-system inverter motors and e-axle systems using dual- or single-unit configurations, as well as multi-unit simultaneous measurement and high-voltage testing of energy storage and power conversion systems.

In related news, Cortec study examines corrosion control during engine hot testing

Cortec has researched how its VpCI-649 BD corrosion inhibitor is being used by several diesel engine manufacturers during hot engine testing and storage. Added to the engine cooling system during testing, the product is intended to protect internal components from corrosion caused by residual water. Cortec says it is also being assessed for use in smaller automotive engines with aluminum components

Why protect engines during hot testing and cold storage?

Residual water left after hot engine testing and fill-and-flush operations can contribute to corrosion of internal engine components during storage. According to Cortec, VpCI-649 BD leaves a protective film of vapor-phase corrosion inhibitors that helps protect engine internals, including where residual moisture is present.

A cure for engine corrosion

In May 2023, a major manufacturer of off-road engines began full-scale testing of VpCI-649 BD to address corrosion concerns. The product is reportedly used as a 3% solution in the cooling system during hot testing and as a 5% solution, combined with glycol, for engines stored in cold climates. Eight months into the trial, the engine maker pronounced its corrosion problem cured. Although VpCI-649 BD was initially used to protect the cast iron of very large engine blocks, it is now being considered for smaller engines with aluminum components, such as those in the automotive industry.

In related news, Smart #2 undergoes global testing ahead of debut

The smart #2 will have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this October and is currently undergoing global testing in preparation. Test vehicles are wearing a black-and-white camouflage livery styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team.

At dedicated proving grounds, the vehicle’s agility was tested against a wide range of real-world urban challenges, including unexpected obstacles, emergency lane changes and low-grip wet road conditions. According to the auto maker, continuous refinement of the chassis hard points, steering ratio and rack travel and suspension movement control ensures the vehicle remains composed, responsive and agile in everyday city driving.

Extensive noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) validation has been conducted across multiple demanding environments, including the wind tunnel, acoustic chamber, temperature-controlled four-post rig, proving grounds and public roads. The testing activities encompassed wind noise, road noise, powertrain NVH, thermal NVH, squeak and rattle, and sound quality optimization.

By testing various tire compounds on rough asphalt, grooved concrete and high-speed straights, engineers sought an optimal balance between low rolling resistance for maximum range and exceptional noise reduction. To achieve long-term reliability, the vehicle has been subjected to demanding durability testing over bumpy roads, continuous undulations and potholed urban streets. Targeted impact tests simulated common city-driving scenarios, such as mounting curbs and striking deep potholes.

By refining chassis rigidity and structural stress points, the company says it has ensured that the smart #2 will serve as a highly reliable on-road companion. Complementing this structural resilience, the next generation of the renowned Tridion Safety cell – a structural design first used on the original smart fortwo – combines compact exterior dimensions with a robust structure that meets modern safety requirements, providing high protection, stability, and driver confidence.

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Electric powertrain development consultancy CamMotive and advanced materials company Thermulon have been named as technology partners in the £2m (US$2.7m) UK government-backed Drive35 project to enhance safety in next-generation electric vehicle batteries.

The companies will collaborate with a leading UK OEM to tackle the issue of thermal runaway (TR) in EV battery systems.

TR is a significant challenge in EV technology. Lithium-ion battery cells used in EVs can, under certain fault conditions, heat uncontrollably, creating a thermal chain reaction that may propagate across a module or battery pack and potentially lead to fire or explosion. Global regulators and manufacturers are increasingly strengthening safety expectations for battery technologies in response to growing awareness of the issue.

The 12-month UK collaboration will develop and evaluate AeroMotive, a UK-made aerogel-based EV thermal runaway barrier solution being developed for use in next-gen battery systems. The technology uses thin, lightweight layers of highly insulating anti-thermal propagation (ATP) material to limit heat transfer between cells and mitigate the propagation of TR.

CamMotive will design a testing and validation program to evaluate the solution’s performance under various conditions. This includes specialist prismatic cell swelling and compression testing to analyze the impact of forces on battery cell longevity and safety and optimize the performance of the ATP pads.

Luke Barron, senior engineer at Cambridge-based CamMotive, said, “This ground-breaking project will deliver critical research and testing methodologies that make EV batteries safer. By advancing UK innovation in battery technology, we’re helping to accelerate the transition to safer, cleaner, high-performance electric vehicles.”

The project is supported by the UK government’s £4bn (US$5.4bn) Drive35 program, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK.

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British engineering company JCB has completed UK testing of its hydrogen-fueled Hydromax car, reaching 208mph and clearing the way for its world land speed record attempt at Bonneville, Utah, in August.

The shakedown runs at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire saw the 32ft-long vehicle driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE reach 208mph under its own hydrogen power – up from the 177mph recorded earlier in the program.

Alongside speed data, the team also gained engineering insight and refined coordination that JCB says can only be developed through on-track running. The crew also worked on the JCB Hydromax’s hydrogen refueling process, a key factor in ensuring fast turnaround on the Bonneville Salt Flats, where refueling speed can determine whether a record attempt proceeds. JCB says this experience will be valuable when the team returns to Utah next month.

JCB chairman Anthony Bamford said, “The UK testing program has given us everything we had hoped for and more. We have a car that runs, a crew that knows it inside out and a wealth of real-world data that no amount of theory could ever provide. The team has done a magnificent job and our focus now turns entirely to the Salt Flats and a new world hydrogen land speed record.”

JCB engineering director Ryan Ballard, who is leading the project, said, “Reaching 208mph is a tremendous result, but the real value of these tests is what we have learned. We now understand how the car behaves under load, we have refined our hydrogen refueling, and we have built the teamwork and communication that will be decisive at Bonneville. Every refuel, run and tire change we have rehearsed here is one we won’t be doing for the first time on the salt. We will arrive fully prepared, with a car and a crew that know exactly what they are doing.”

The car is powered by two of JCB’s own production-based hydrogen digger engines producing a combined 1,600bhp. With UK testing now complete, it will now be prepared for the journey to the USA. Lord Bamford has spearheaded the company’s £100m (US$132m) investment in hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, which now power diggers rolling off production lines.

At Bonneville in 2006, Andy Green drove the JCB Dieselmax car to its Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) diesel world land speed record of 350.092mph, powered by two JCB engines. That record still stands, and JCB aims to beat it with the lighter, more powerful JCB Hydromax.

Andy Green said, “To run JCB Hydromax up to 208mph here in the UK is hugely encouraging. The car feels strong and the team has gelled brilliantly. Now comes the real challenge – Bonneville, the spiritual home of the world land speed record. I can’t wait to get out on the salt.”

In Utah, the team will compete at SpeedWeek, run by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), before pursuing an officially recognised record under the FIA.

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