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Tesla Model 3 brings back a missing feature, and it can be retrofitted

Tesla Model 3 brings back a missing feature, and it can be retrofitted

The Advertiser2 days ago
Tesla doesn't really do mea culpas, so it has quietly added indicator stalks to all Model 3 sedans available in China.
The stalks are now listed as standard on all Model 3 variants available in China. They can also be added to existing facelifted Model 3 vehicles, but owners will need to pony up ¥2499 (A$535) for the privilege and have the retrofit done a Tesla service centre.
Retrofitting stalks can only be done on cars built after February 7, 2025. The option to add stalks to facelifted cars built before this date will be "available later".
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Tesla didn't issue a statement about the update, with the change quietly appearing on the company's website in China.
Debuting in 2023, the facelifted Model 3 – known internally as 'Highland' – brought a bunch of visual changes to the car, including new front- and rear-end designs.
There was also a revamped interior that controversially binned the indicator and gear selector stalks. The former was replaced by a pair of vertically stacked buttons on the steering wheel spokes, while the latter moved to a slider on the touchscreen.
After plenty of complaints online by reviewers and owners, Tesla has now reversed course on the indicator.
It should be noted the closely related Model Y skipped the whole the indicator stalk kerfuffle completely because its facelift, which was introduced last year, had an indicator stalk from the get-go.
While the Model 3 indicator stalk has yet to appear on other countries' Tesla websites, it's likely the change will eventually filter through to other markets.
Given all Australia-bound Model 3s are built in the company's Shanghai plant, it's possible we'll receive the change soon enough.
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Tesla doesn't really do mea culpas, so it has quietly added indicator stalks to all Model 3 sedans available in China.
The stalks are now listed as standard on all Model 3 variants available in China. They can also be added to existing facelifted Model 3 vehicles, but owners will need to pony up ¥2499 (A$535) for the privilege and have the retrofit done a Tesla service centre.
Retrofitting stalks can only be done on cars built after February 7, 2025. The option to add stalks to facelifted cars built before this date will be "available later".
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Tesla didn't issue a statement about the update, with the change quietly appearing on the company's website in China.
Debuting in 2023, the facelifted Model 3 – known internally as 'Highland' – brought a bunch of visual changes to the car, including new front- and rear-end designs.
There was also a revamped interior that controversially binned the indicator and gear selector stalks. The former was replaced by a pair of vertically stacked buttons on the steering wheel spokes, while the latter moved to a slider on the touchscreen.
After plenty of complaints online by reviewers and owners, Tesla has now reversed course on the indicator.
It should be noted the closely related Model Y skipped the whole the indicator stalk kerfuffle completely because its facelift, which was introduced last year, had an indicator stalk from the get-go.
While the Model 3 indicator stalk has yet to appear on other countries' Tesla websites, it's likely the change will eventually filter through to other markets.
Given all Australia-bound Model 3s are built in the company's Shanghai plant, it's possible we'll receive the change soon enough.
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Tesla doesn't really do mea culpas, so it has quietly added indicator stalks to all Model 3 sedans available in China.
The stalks are now listed as standard on all Model 3 variants available in China. They can also be added to existing facelifted Model 3 vehicles, but owners will need to pony up ¥2499 (A$535) for the privilege and have the retrofit done a Tesla service centre.
Retrofitting stalks can only be done on cars built after February 7, 2025. The option to add stalks to facelifted cars built before this date will be "available later".
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Tesla didn't issue a statement about the update, with the change quietly appearing on the company's website in China.
Debuting in 2023, the facelifted Model 3 – known internally as 'Highland' – brought a bunch of visual changes to the car, including new front- and rear-end designs.
There was also a revamped interior that controversially binned the indicator and gear selector stalks. The former was replaced by a pair of vertically stacked buttons on the steering wheel spokes, while the latter moved to a slider on the touchscreen.
After plenty of complaints online by reviewers and owners, Tesla has now reversed course on the indicator.
It should be noted the closely related Model Y skipped the whole the indicator stalk kerfuffle completely because its facelift, which was introduced last year, had an indicator stalk from the get-go.
While the Model 3 indicator stalk has yet to appear on other countries' Tesla websites, it's likely the change will eventually filter through to other markets.
Given all Australia-bound Model 3s are built in the company's Shanghai plant, it's possible we'll receive the change soon enough.
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Tesla doesn't really do mea culpas, so it has quietly added indicator stalks to all Model 3 sedans available in China.
The stalks are now listed as standard on all Model 3 variants available in China. They can also be added to existing facelifted Model 3 vehicles, but owners will need to pony up ¥2499 (A$535) for the privilege and have the retrofit done a Tesla service centre.
Retrofitting stalks can only be done on cars built after February 7, 2025. The option to add stalks to facelifted cars built before this date will be "available later".
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Tesla didn't issue a statement about the update, with the change quietly appearing on the company's website in China.
Debuting in 2023, the facelifted Model 3 – known internally as 'Highland' – brought a bunch of visual changes to the car, including new front- and rear-end designs.
There was also a revamped interior that controversially binned the indicator and gear selector stalks. The former was replaced by a pair of vertically stacked buttons on the steering wheel spokes, while the latter moved to a slider on the touchscreen.
After plenty of complaints online by reviewers and owners, Tesla has now reversed course on the indicator.
It should be noted the closely related Model Y skipped the whole the indicator stalk kerfuffle completely because its facelift, which was introduced last year, had an indicator stalk from the get-go.
While the Model 3 indicator stalk has yet to appear on other countries' Tesla websites, it's likely the change will eventually filter through to other markets.
Given all Australia-bound Model 3s are built in the company's Shanghai plant, it's possible we'll receive the change soon enough.
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo review: Quick drive
2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo review: Quick drive

Perth Now

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2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo review: Quick drive

The sight of Nissan's hallowed Nismo badge on the back of an electric SUV might irk a few traditional enthusiasts, but the Ariya Nismo spearheads a new era for the motorsport-inspired performance brand, and you better get used to it. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Not that the hottest Ariya is designed to actually go on track. This is very much a go-faster version of the mid-size electric SUV that finally arrives in Australia next month, and it brings exterior and interior upgrades to set it apart (a little) from the rest of the range, but don't go expecting Hyundai Ioniq 5 N levels of ability or giggles. Nissan first floated the idea of the Ariya Nismo back in January 2024 and only now has it arrived in most markets, with Australia still to come. Our first chance to drive it was on a closed test track in France. Australian pricing – and indeed availability – for the Ariya Nismo has yet to be confirmed. But if it's released Down Under it would sit atop a model lineup that ranges between $55,840 and $71,840 before on-road costs. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert That would make it considerably pricier than the similarly positioned Volkswagen ID.5 GTX ($72,990 plus on-roads), but much cheaper than the more special Hyundai Ioniq 5 N ($110,383 plus on-roads). To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The architecture and layout of the Ariya's cabin are unchanged, though there are plenty of Nismo touches applied to make it feel a little more special – as incongruous as that might be in a family-sized electric SUV. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert A red-and-black colour palette (okay, there's grey as well) denotes the sporting pretensions here and we do like the suede-like material on the sports seats and door panels. There are Nismo badges and red stitching, too, and the seats are really comfortable – if not figure-hugging. The steering wheel has a chunky leather wrap with a red 12 o'clock marker. It feels good to hold, even if we would prefer a fully round design. The anodised red start button is a nice touch, complemented by unique graphics for the digital instruments. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert It's a shame Nissan didn't replace the low-rent drive selector of the standard Ariya with a Nismo-branded alternative, and the haptic-touch controls – some love 'em, but many do not – are also unchanged. Nonetheless, there's plenty of space front and rear, with the design of the (movable) centre console making the front in particular feel spacious and open, despite the moody colour scheme. As with all versions of the Ariya using two electric motors, the boot space is reduced a little (in comparison to front-wheel-drive variants). Cargo volume of just over 400 litres is adequate, but many similarly sized electric SUVs can accommodate over 500L of luggage so it's not outstanding. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Ariya Nismo uses the same 'CMF-EV' platform as a range of other Nissan, Renault Dacia and Dongfeng EVs, with modest tweaks to the suspension, steering, brakes and powertrain. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert It also uses the same 'e-4ORCE' dual-motor setup as found elsewhere in the Ariya range, and the largest battery available in the model, with an 87kWh usable capacity. For the Nismo variant, peak power has been upped to a pretty serious 320kW, while total maximum torque is 600Nm. 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Nissan quotes a WLTP range of 417km for the 87kWh battery pack, but good luck achieving that while making any use if the Nismo's considerable performance… To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Car enthusiasts that know where the Nismo name comes from won't be impressed with the Ariya Nismo, despite its undoubted performance and moderately enhanced ability. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Those that just want a sporty looking version of an otherwise sensible electric family SUV might be tempted, but the engineering that has gone into this car means it's likely to be prohibitively expensive for all but a few buyers. If Nissan could apply some of the Nismo magic, without necessarily adding the performance and chassis upgrades, while keeping pricing sensible, we reckon the formula would be more successful. As it is, we're not entirely convinced. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Nissan Ariya. 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Jim Chalmers' three-day roundtable builds consensus on road user charge, clearing housing approvals backlog
Jim Chalmers' three-day roundtable builds consensus on road user charge, clearing housing approvals backlog

News.com.au

time2 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Jim Chalmers' three-day roundtable builds consensus on road user charge, clearing housing approvals backlog

Progressing road user charging and clearing a backlog on homes awaiting environmental approvals are among the 10 immediate reform directions to result from a three-day roundtable aimed to boost Australia's ailing productivity levels. Speaking after talks ended on Thursday, Jim Chalmers said there was 'a lot of conceptual support for road user charging', however no final model had been settled. The next steps will involve presenting an options paper to state treasurers at a meeting in two weeks on September 5, which would be drafted by NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King and other relevant ministers. 'The model is not determined, but the key considerations are what's in and out and whether that's sequenced or not and over how long a time period,' he said. 'Treasurer Mookhey was very informed and very constructive on this question and really right around the table people had a view that this is an idea whose time has come and so we will do that work.' The charge, which would likely capture EV drivers currently exempt from the fuel excise, would reform how the government collects revenue to fund road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Other short-term reform initiatives involve fast-tracking deadlocked reforms on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act to speed up approvals for projects while protecting the environment, and further work to remove nuisance tariffs and regulation reductions. Speeding up housing approvals was another 'quick win' which achieved consensus following 29 hours of discussions, with Environmental Minister Murray Watt set to work with Housing Minister Clare O'Neil to speed through the 'backlog of environmental approvals for new homes, most likely in the tens of thousands'. Longer-term reform areas included investigating prefabricated and modular housing, plus more modern methods of construction to increasing housing supply. Mr Chalmers also highlighted three priority areas of tax reform, which dominated the last day of talks, and appeared to achieve little consensus beyond agreement on the need for reform. This included improving intergenerational equality, 'affordable, responsible' offsets to 'incentivise business investment', and a simpler and more sustainable system to fund services such as aged care and the NDIS. 'There are hundreds of different changes you can make to the tax system. Some of them obviously unpalatable to our government or to governments broadly,' he said. 'But what they wanted to do was to give us the guidance that they will help us in those three areas to do the work that we need to do to inform future budgets.' Speaking more broadly about the roundtable, which had been criticised as a 'talkfest' and a 'stitch up' by the opposition, Mr Chalmers said he 'finished the three days more optimistic than I was at the start'. He also praised participants for working through the issues in a 'methodical, considered, consultative way'. 'I'm genuine when I say at the end of that three days I looked around the table and I saw people of, you know, big achievers in their own areas representing workers, business CEOs, academics, economists, public servants and others,' he said. 'I drew great strength and confidence from their contributions because not because they had some kind of faux camaraderie, but because they take the challenge so seriously.'

AI's next crisis isn't electricity or even sentience, it's something far more essential to both humans and machines
AI's next crisis isn't electricity or even sentience, it's something far more essential to both humans and machines

News.com.au

time3 hours ago

  • News.com.au

AI's next crisis isn't electricity or even sentience, it's something far more essential to both humans and machines

In Frank Herbert's best-selling novel Dune, a peculiar and dystopian premise was put to the world. What if water became so scarce that it turned into a currency, culture, and religion? A planet where the super-rich schemed to control the most crucial finite resource known to man. Similar themes were touched on in Mad Max, and we all know how grim that depiction of Australia looked. Unfortunately, art really does imitate life in some cases. About 25 per cent of countries on Earth face chronic water scarcity – and that's just drinking water. But now, the world's most influential tech figures are in a bind over exactly how to source enough just to keep their AI servers afloat. Nobody expected that we'd be having this conversation a few short years into the AI boom, but Europe is steaming towards an ugly crossroad. With record heatwaves, raging wildfires, and prolonged droughts sweeping across the continent, the crisis no longer lies in the skies or on the ground. The problem is in the digital cloud, and specifically, how to keep that cloud from overheating. While millions around the world sit glued to their screens incessantly using artificial intelligence for everyday tasks, AI data centres have developed their own enormous addictions. According to experts from leading data and analytics firm GlobalData, the issue of water scarcity has now outstripped skyrocketing electricity demands. 'Climate change has produced weather patterns from wildfires to flash floods that are becoming more extreme worldwide,' Robert Pritchard, Principal Analyst at GlobalData, says. 'Superheated ground results in less rain getting absorbed into aquifers and instead running over dry soil, often destroying lives and livelihoods. 'Climate change also means that the requirement for water to cool the ever-expanding base of data centres is likely to become an issue that needs addressing.' It gets a bit wild once you start crunching the numbers. A 2023 OECD study estimated that AI systems will consume between 4.2 and 6.6 billion cubic metres of water per year by 2027. That's more than the annual water use of Denmark, or nearly half the entire United Kingdom. Most of it is used to cool high-performance computing clusters powering large language models. But as models grow larger and demand scale ups, so does the drain on freshwater supplies. With tensions mounting, some cities have actually started pushing back. Singapore and Dublin have already paused or blocked new data centre construction over fears that water and energy systems were becoming dangerously strained. 'Data centre providers are using technology innovations to try to address the energy demands of their growth, particularly given the explosion of artificial intelligence,' Mr Pritchard said. While alternatives like air cooling or immersion systems exist, water remains the industry's most cost-effective and reliable solution. 'As with most things in tech, solutions will be found for the emerging challenges. The problem, however, is that any solutions must be set within the context of climate change and the immediate impact it is having on citizens' lives,' Mr Pritchard continued. 'It is a political issue and a social issue, not just a technology issue.' I know what you're thinking. Why not seawater? Unfortunately, the issue isn't as simple as scooping out a few litres from the Pacific every year. Seawater just isn't practical for cooling data centres because it's highly corrosive and requires extensive treatment before it can be used safely. Salt content can damage pipes, heat exchangers, and other infrastructure, leading to higher maintenance costs and reliability risks. Even when used indirectly, it still needs to be filtered, desalinated, or chemically treated to avoid corrosion, scaling, and biofouling. In short, the process of treating seawater for cooling use is just too costly. And unlike electricity, which can at least be temporarily backed up with generators, freshwater has no substitute. 'There is no water equivalent of carbon credits to hide behind, obfuscation tactics that have often saved blushes among greenwashers,' Mr Pritchard said. 'On top of that is the potential threat of terrorist attacks on critical water infrastructure, which looks like far more of an important issue.' The problem is humanity's crippling addiction to technological progress and automation isn't going to stop any time soon. The data centres will continue to be built and more GPT updates will be coming in hot. Too hot, evidently. Welcome to Arrakis, folks.

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