Police cordon off Southend road as firefighters on scene of cars blaze
Police have taped off part of West Road near Salisbury Avenue as two cars are on fire.
Plumes of thick black smoke can be seen rising from the scene as one of the cars, a white Audi, appears to be fully engulfed in flames.
Multiple fire engines and police are on the scene.
Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.
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Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Audi/AUDI starts E5 Sportback production and pre-sales in China
'AUDI' in China has started series production of the electric E5 Sportback - created specifically for the Chinese market – at a plant in Anting, Shanghai. The car is the first to have been developed for a new AUDI-branded intelligent electric family of models under a strategic partnership between Audi and its Chinese partner SAIC. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You AUDI (all characters capitalised) is Audi's new China-only brand. Audi said last year that the new brand AUDI – without the four rings logo but spelled in four capital letters – signals both the connection to and differentiation from the sister brand. Gernot Döllner, Audi CEO said: 'By launching this new brand for electric and intelligent models in China, Audi is breaking new ground to tap into new and more tech-savvy customer segments.' Buyers in China can now preorder the AUDI E5 Sportback model, with the first vehicles planned to be delivered in September. Fermín Soneira, CEO of the China-dedicated AUDI brand, said: 'Every vehicle from the AUDI brand embodies the best of both worlds: iconic design, premium quality, technical precision, emotional driving dynamics, combined with China's cutting-edge technology, innovation and digital ecosystem. With pre-sales now launched alongside production, the E5 Sportback enters the market fully equipped to deliver an uncompromising experience for Chinese customers. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era of ICVs.' Dedicated production facility for AUDI models To manufacture AUDI models, the two partners have established a dedicated production facility on the existing SAIC Volkswagen site in Anting, Shanghai. Initially, around 700 employees will produce the AUDI E5 Sportback there. Two additional AUDI models are scheduled to follow within the next two years. The manufacturing operations in Anting are defined by a high degree of automation, state-of-the-art technologies – including machine learning for quality monitoring – and a fully digitalized production management system. The four-door AUDI E5 Sportback, is described as a fully electric fastback, combining dynamic proportions, power outputs of up to 579 kW and a maximum range of 770km. Four distinct powertrains offer rear-wheel or quattro drive for a 'dynamic driving experience', accelerating from 0-100km/h in up to 3.4 seconds. The car is built on a new Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP) and offers 'next-generation connected vehicle functionality and full-car over the air updates'. "Audi/AUDI starts E5 Sportback production and pre-sales in China" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
Some popular car models are going away. See which models are being discontinued by 2026.
It's getting harder to find new sedans. The Chevrolet Malibu, Subaru Legacy and Volvo S90 are among a handful of vehicles that won't return for the 2026 model year. Their departure comes as automakers adjust their portfolios to meet shifting demands among U.S. drivers ‒ namely, increased interest in SUVs and electric vehicles. Car sales accounted for just 19% of the market between January and October 2024, according to car shopping site Edmunds. SUVs, in comparison, made up 58%. "The downfall of sedans continues" even though they are often more affordable than larger counterparts, said Justin Fischer, media specialist at online car marketplace CarEdge. "We're seeing lots of affordable sedans going away, so we expect to see the average selling price of new cars in America increase in 2026 because of that alone." Here's a roundup of models that are hitting the end of the road in 2025. Audi A4 Audi's A4 sedan is on its way out, as previously reported by USA TODAY. The sedan will be replaced by the new A5 Sportback as part of Audi's efforts to shift all combustion-engine cars to odd-numbered model names and all even-numbered cars to electric models, said spokesperson Mark Dahncke. The new A5 Sportback went on sale in June, and a RS 5 high-performance model is expected "in the near future," Dahncke said. Cadillac XT6, XT4 Cadillac is ending production of the XT6, a three-row SUV, toward the end of 2025. The XT6's target demographic was households with an annual income of at least $200,000, according to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. Production of the gas-powered SUV at parent company General Motors' Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee is set to be replaced by the Vistiq, a new all-electric SUV, according to the Free Press. As for the XT4, production of the small SUV at GM's Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, ended in January. BMW XM base BMW is axing half of its XM portfolio. The automaker in June said it would offer just one XM SUV model, the XM Label, and scrap the XM base design for model year 2026. The XM Label is the most powerful road vehicle produced by BMW M, a subsidiary of BMW focused on high-performance vehicles, with a total system output of 738 horsepower. The XM base, by comparison, offers up to 644 horsepower. Chevrolet Malibu General Motors wrapped up production of the Chevrolet Malibu, a midsize sedan, in late 2024, making 2025 the last model year for the nameplate. The discontinuation comes as GM prepares its Fairfax assembly plant to produce Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles and the gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox. In June, the company said the plant is on track to begin building the Bolt by the end of 2025 and the Equinox beginning in mid-2027. How often should you inspect brakes? 5 costly mistakes to avoid Infiniti QX50, QX55 The QX50 compact luxury SUV and QX55 luxury crossover coupe will no longer be available in the Americas after the 2025 model year, spokesperson Ashli Bobo said. Bobo noted that the brand offers a 'refreshed' QX60 luxury crossover SUV and recently introduced the QX80 Sport, another luxury SUV. Infiniti is also set to unveil two new nameplates: the QX65 crossover coupe and Vision QXe electric SUV. Lexus LC Hybrid Coupe, RC and RC F Lexus earlier this year announced that the brand would say goodbye to the RC and RC F sports cars after the 2025 model year. The decision comes after a decade on the market and more than 90,000 units sold, according to a January news release. Lexus is also dropping the LC Hybrid Coupe in the U.S. market for the 2026 model year. Parent company Toyota's June sales report shows just 7 LC Hybrids were sold in the first six months of 2025, compared to 790 gas LCs. Mercedes-Benz EQB The EQB, an all-electric compact SUV, will not be offered in the United States or Canada after model year 2025. The company remains 'fully committed to electrification," said spokesperson Andrew Brudnicki, who noted the new all-electric CLA sedan is set to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year. Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman Porsche confirmed the two 718 sports cars will end production this year. The gas-powered Macan, a compact SUV, is set to end sometime in 2026. Subaru Legacy Production of the Subaru Legacy wrapped up this spring, according to a news release from Subaru. The automaker sold more than 1.3 million units spanning six generations in the United States since the sedan's 1989 debut. In an April statement, Subaru said the discontinuation 'reflects market shifts from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers and Subaru's transition to electrified and fully electric vehicles." The company previously announced plans to produce eight electric vehicle models by 2028. Volvo S60, S90, EC40 Sales of the S60, a midsize luxury sedan, and the S90, a large luxury sedan, ended in the United States with the conclusion of the 2025 model year. Volvo spokesperson Thomas Schultz said the brand is axing the models as it continues to evaluate its portfolio 'to align with customer needs as well as sales demand,' noting that the market for sedans has been waning. Tariffs also played a role in the decision to end S90 sales in the United States, Schultz said. Volvo ended production of the S60 at its South Carolina plant in 2024 after five years of production, turning its attention to building the EX90 electric SUV and XC60 SUV. The automaker also stopped importing the EC40 electric SUV, Schultz said.
Car and Driver
5 days ago
- Car and Driver
2027 Lucid Gravity Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The 2027 Lucid Gravity SUV EV captures the core ethos of its Air sedan sibling and applies it to the SUV blueprint. Featuring standard all-wheel drive, a two-motor configuration, and a claimed range of up to 450 miles, its style and design echo that of the sedan but offer a cavernous interior with seating for up to seven passengers when equipped with the optional third row. The Gravity features plenty of gee-whiz tech, particularly its curved, oblong 34-inch instrument panel and 12.8-inch center touchscreen that combine to provide control of nearly every vehicle function. This is a large SUV, and Lucid's use of cutting-edge EV technology is a bid to compete with the equally advanced Audi Q8 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq, and Rivian R1S. What's New for 2027? Barely out of the gate with its 2026 launch edition, Lucid has displayed a new Grand Touring X model that places a priority on off-road capability. Based on the Grand Touring and its 828-hp powertrain, it delivers all the off-road must-haves, including skid plates, a lifted ride height, improved approach and departure angles, a wider track, integrated tow-hooks, and off-road tires. Cosmetics include a modular roof system with integrated crossbars, LED light bars, and a roof box. Given the current popularity of off-road variants of nearly every SUV on sale today and the fact that it's based on an existing powertrain and platform, it's highly likely the Grand Touring X will join the lineup as a 2027 model. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2027 Lucid Motors Gravity is expected to start around $82,000 and go up to $142,000 depending on the trim and options. Touring $82,000 (est) Grand Touring $97,000 (est) Dream $142,000 (est) 0 $50k $100k $150k $200k $250k Though its arrival date is still fuzzy, we maintain that the base touring is the value play here. We may realign our priorities, however, when—and if—the Grand Touring X becomes available. EV Motor, Power, and Performance EV Motors: 628-hp dual motor, 828-hp dual motor, 1070-hp dual motor, 628-hp dual motor, 828-hp dual motor, 1070-hp dual motor, Drivetrain: all-wheel-drive The Gravity SUV currently comes with dual electric motors and standard all-wheel drive. The base Touring trim is still waiting in the wings, but we believe it will have 628 horsepower when it takes the stage; the Grand Touring has 828 horsepower, and the Dream Edition has 1070 horsepower. An air-spring suspension is standard, and a rear-wheel steering system is optional. We were able to test drive a Gravity Grand Touring and can report that acceleration is rapid and the ride is nicely controlled. When we get a chance, we'll take the Gravity to the test track and update this story with acceleration results and driving impressions. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: a Gravity Dream Edition leaped to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. It ripped through the quarter-mile in just 10.6 seconds at 140 mph, making it the quickest SUV through the quarter that we've ever tested. In Comparison: The 2025 Rivian R1S Tri-Motor Max we tested raced to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, but was far slower in the quarter mile in 11/1 seconds at 121 mph. View Exterior Photos Lucid Motors Towing and Payload Capacity Max Towing: 6000 Pounds Towing with an EV generally comes with a major loss in range, but the torque-rich nature of electric motors makes them well-suited to the task. Just make sure to have plenty of charging stations mapped on your route if you're going more than a short jaunt. In Comparison: Rivian maintains that the R1S is capable of towing 7700 pounds. Range, Charging, and Battery Life C/D Range Test: N/A N/A EPA EV Range: 386-450 miles Although its sedan sibling boasts a driving range of up to 516 miles per charge with its 112.0-kWh battery pack, the Gravity Grand Touring's estimated 450-mile range is still longer than that of the most efficient Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X. Like the Air, the Gravity can juice quickly via DC fast-charging. Lucid says it can add up to 200 miles of range to the battery in just 15 minutes on a 350-kW connection. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: N/A N/A EPA City Ratings: 96-113 MPGe 96-113 MPGe EPA Highway Ratings: 89-103 MPGe The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2027 Gravity yet, but we don't anticipate them to move far off the mark of the current model. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Gravity's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. In Comparison: The Rivian R1s dual motor SUVs are currently EPA-rated for 82-94 MPGe city and 70-77 MPGe highway. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The seats are similar to the comfortable and supportive ones found in the Lucid Air sedan, and head and shoulder room is massive in comparison. A novel center console between the front seats features reconfigurable bins and cubbies. A massive 34.0-inch curved display screen floating above the dashboard runs everything from a speedometer to an FM radio. Despite the focus on technology, the vibe is clean and uncluttered. Second Row: Second row seating is similar to the front, but if you opt for the bench, you'll find you give up some contouring in trade for the increased passenger capacity. The second row does slide, however, helping optimize legroom possibilities, especially when the Gravity is equipped with the third row. A pair of picnic tables with built-in device charging ports deploy from the front seatbacks. Third Row: Third row seating is available as an option, and is roomy enough for adults. It brings along two additional USB-C ports for the way-back passengers' convenience. Cargo Capacity: The second- and third-row seats fold flat and take up surprisingly little space when stowed, creating an almost minivan-like cargo area. There's 15 cubic feet with all rows in place, 48 cubic feet with the third folded, and 98 cubic feet with both folded. There's also usable frunk space of 8 cubic feet. View Interior Photos Lucid Motors Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.6-inch touchscreen 12.6-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 10-speaker stereo (standard), 22-speaker Pro Audio (optional) The Gravity's 12.6-inch center touchscreen is mounted in landscape orientation as opposed to the Air's horizontal format. It shares and, in some cases, redundantly doubles infotainment duties with the massive, curved driver instrument and data screen, and also controls many vehicle functions. The receiver portion includes traditional AM/FM and FM HD capability, and there's native support for streaming apps including Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, and Tidal. A single 12-volt power outlet is standard, but three 120-volt household outlets can be added with the technology package that also brings an augmented reality head-up display. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Air is offered with a full complement of driver-assistance technology, and the company is working on Level 3 self-driving abilities. Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature For more information about the Gravity's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Lucid is a startup automaker with no previous products, but its warranty coverage is very similar to Tesla's. Tesla doesn't offer any complimentary maintenance, but new Lucids are covered for up to two years or 24,000 miles. Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 24,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for an older model, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate. Specifications Specifications 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5- or 7-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base: $96,550 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet AC, 228 hp Rear Motor: permanent-magnet AC, 600 hp Combined Power: 828 hp Combined Torque: 909 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 123 kWh Onboard Charger: 19.2 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 400 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 119.5 in Length: 198.2 in Width: 78.7 in Height: 65.2 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 59/59/37 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 98/48/15 ft3 Front Trunk Volume: 8 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 5900–6050 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 3.4 sec 100 mph: 6.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 11.2 sec Top Speed: 150 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined: 92–108 MPGe Range: 386–450 mi More Features and Specs
