The EU is changing tariffs on EVs made in China

At the beginning of June, the EU announced additional tariffs of up to 38.1% on electric cars imported from China, but according to information from some media, that decision could be changed.

Currently, imported cars made in China have a 10 percent tariff. However, as of July 4, this rate will rise to as much as 38 percent in some cases. For example, BYD will pay 17.4 percent, Geely 20 percent, and SAIC, which with the help of former British brand MG is by far the biggest seller in Europe, will pay 38.1 percent. Other brands that were cooperative will pay a 21 percent duty, and those that refused will pay 38.1 percent.

In 2023, the European Commission launched an investigation into the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China due to subsidies. “These can also be vehicles from other manufacturers if they have used subsidies in China,” said Executive Vice President of the European Commission for an Economy Valdis Dombrovskis.

According to Bloomberg, manufacturers that cooperated during the investigation will have lower tariffs (20.8% instead of 21%). However, those who refused to cooperate will have tariffs of 37.6 percent instead of the original 38.1 percent. It should also be noted that these tariffs are temporary and that the EU will make a new decision on permanent tariffs by the end of the year.

Source: Bloomberg

Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R upgraded by Built By Legends

The Japanese company Built By Legends is restoring and tuning cars, and their latest project is the legendary Japanese car Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R.

“Our goal was to show the GT-R’s full potential as a true driver’s car and offer a world-class driving experience. Our new Built By Legends R34 GT-R represents our commitment to excellence,” said the company’s co-founder and CEO Masaharu Kuji.

BBL removed the paint from the car body by sandblasting, increased the rigidity with 400 additional welds, protected against rust with epoxy, and painted it in a two-tone shade of White. Body panels were replaced with new carbon fiber panels to reduce weight. He added new suspension parts, new bearings, and upgraded AP Racing brakes. BBL also offers owners the option of restoring their car, as well as the choice of combining old and new parts.

Under the bonnet is MINE’S MB7 engine with 659 hp (491 kW), mated to a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Also, a 3D alignment test was performed at 108 points before the entire structure was reinforced.

When it comes to price, the entire assembly and restoration process costs $450,000 (donor car not included).

Source: Built By Legends

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The new Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​is powered by a Hybrid V8

After Bentley recently stopped offering its most powerful 6.0-L W12 engine, and replaced it with a plug-in hybrid system with a 4.0-L V8 engine that powers the Continental GT Speed.

The redesigned Continental GT is the first Bentley model that, in the Speed ​​version, is powered by a 4.0-L biturbo V8 engine in combination with an electric motor supported by 25.9 kWh batteries that, due to the distribution of mass by axles (49:51), are located in the rear of the luxurious four-seater. The car is available as a Coupé and Cabrio version, and Bentley says that the batteries ensure an electric range of up to 80 kilometers (WLTP) and a speed of 130 km/h.

Talking about the design, the new Continental GT is inspired by the Bacalar and Batur models, but this time there are no twin headlight housings that have graced Bentley cars for years.

When it comes to the powertrain, the new 4.0-L biturbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor delivers a total of 790 hp (589 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Speed ​​Coupé reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). The GTC Speed ​​has an electronically limited top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph).

Production will begin in Q4 2024, and the first deliveries are expected by the end of the year.

Source: Bentley

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