Cars

Volvo EX90: Enhancements for the 2026 Model Year

Volvo is making substantial enhancements to its EX90 electric SUV for the 2026 model year, aiming to overcome the initial software issues that plagued the 2025 release. These comprehensive updates focus on improving both charging capabilities and the vehicle's overall technological performance. The new model introduces an advanced 800-volt electrical system, which is designed to facilitate quicker charging times and greater energy efficiency. Furthermore, the EX90's computing power has been significantly boosted, integrating sophisticated AI and data processing to refine safety features, driver assistance systems, and infotainment experiences. These strategic improvements reflect Volvo's commitment to delivering a seamless and reliable luxury electric vehicle, addressing past criticisms and setting a new standard for the EX90's performance.

The initial launch of the Volvo EX90 was met with mixed reactions, as its sophisticated design and robust safety features were overshadowed by software glitches. This led to owner dissatisfaction, with some even pursuing legal action or expressing regrets about their purchase decisions. In response, Volvo has swiftly introduced the 2026 EX90, incorporating a suite of upgrades intended to rectify these early shortcomings. This proactive approach underscores the brand's dedication to product refinement and customer satisfaction. The forthcoming model is poised to showcase a more polished and dependable user experience, crucial for solidifying the EX90's position in the competitive electric SUV market and rebuilding consumer trust.

Accelerated Charging and Enhanced Efficiency with the New 800-Volt System

The 2026 Volvo EX90 integrates a groundbreaking 800-volt electrical system, a significant departure from its predecessor's 400-volt architecture. This innovative upgrade is poised to revolutionize the vehicle's charging experience, drastically reducing heat generation during the process and leading to substantially faster charging speeds. Coupled with Volvo's proprietary battery management software, this advanced system ensures optimal energy transfer and conservation. The tangible benefits for owners include the ability to gain an impressive 155 miles of range with just a 10-minute charge, a feature that significantly alleviates range anxiety. Beyond charging, the 800-volt system also contributes to a noticeable increase in power delivery, enhancing the EX90's acceleration capabilities, which were already formidable, allowing it to reach 60 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds.

The transition to an 800-volt electrical architecture in the 2026 Volvo EX90 represents a pivotal leap forward in electric vehicle technology. This new system fundamentally improves thermal management during charging, which is critical for preserving battery health and extending its lifespan. By mitigating heat buildup, the EX90 can sustain higher charging rates for longer periods, dramatically cutting down the time spent at charging stations. The synergy between the upgraded hardware and Volvo's refined battery management software creates a highly efficient energy ecosystem. This holistic approach not only boosts charging performance but also optimizes power distribution across the vehicle's components, contributing to the EX90's impressive acceleration and overall dynamic responsiveness. As stated by Anders Bell, chief technology and engineering officer at Volvo Cars, these advancements are designed to instill greater confidence and control in the driver, ensuring a superior electric driving experience.

Advancements in Computing Power and Integrated Smart Technologies

For the 2026 model year, the Volvo EX90 receives a substantial upgrade in its technological core, featuring a dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin-based computer system. This enhancement elevates the SUV's computing capacity to an impressive 500 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This formidable processing power is instrumental in facilitating the seamless integration and operation of advanced data, software, and artificial intelligence, leading to significant improvements in both safety and overall vehicle performance. The increased computational strength allows the EX90 to handle complex algorithms more efficiently, translating into more responsive and sophisticated driver assistance systems and a more intuitive user interface. This upgrade also brings good news for current 2025 EX90 owners, as Volvo plans to offer a one-time free upgrade of their vehicle's computer system at authorized workshops, ensuring they can also benefit from these cutting-edge advancements.

The integration of a more powerful computing platform in the 2026 Volvo EX90 is a strategic move to leverage the full potential of AI and software-defined functionalities. This enhanced processing capability allows for real-time analysis of vast amounts of data, continuously improving the vehicle's safety protocols and operational efficiency. As highlighted by Anders Bell, this translates into advanced safety and driver support features, alongside ongoing enhancements to the infotainment and battery management systems, all delivered effortlessly through over-the-air updates. Such comprehensive improvements are crucial for addressing the initial software-related challenges and ensuring a robust, future-proof user experience. Furthermore, the 2026 EX90 introduces a suite of new features, including connected safety alerts for road conditions, automatic e-call with Emergency Stop Assist, expanded automatic emergency steering in low-light conditions, Park Pilot assist, and an electrochromic panoramic roof with adjustable glass transparency. These additions underscore Volvo's commitment to innovation and driver convenience, although specific details regarding their standard or optional availability will be confirmed upon the release of the 2026 model's configurator.

Walmart Offering FloTool Extended Oil Drain Pan at a Steep Discount

Changing your car's oil can be a cost-effective maintenance task, but it often leads to messy spills in your garage or driveway. Fortunately, an innovative product is now available to mitigate this issue. Walmart is offering a specialized oil drain pan designed to simplify the process and keep your workspace clean. This tool is currently available at a substantial discount, making it an attractive option for anyone who performs their own vehicle maintenance.

The FloTool Extended Oil Drain Pan, originally priced at $79, can now be purchased for only $29. This significant price reduction makes it an accessible solution for minimizing the common frustrations associated with at-home oil changes. Its unique design features and user-friendly attributes aim to transform a typically messy chore into a much cleaner and more efficient operation.

Enhanced Features for a Cleaner Oil Change

The FloTool Extended Oil Drain Pan distinguishes itself from conventional models through several key design innovations. It incorporates adjustable extender poles, capable of reaching heights between 6 and 17 inches, allowing the pan to be positioned directly beneath your vehicle's oil tank. This direct alignment significantly reduces the likelihood of spills and drips during the draining process. Additionally, the pan features a funnel that can rotate a full 360 degrees, providing optimal flexibility to catch oil from any angle, further ensuring a clean and contained operation. This thoughtful design caters specifically to the challenges faced by individuals performing oil changes at home, turning a potentially cumbersome task into a more manageable one.

Beyond its primary function, this drain pan offers additional benefits that enhance its practicality and user experience. It is constructed from a robust, high-quality plastic, ensuring durability and preventing leaks even with repeated use. For added convenience, the pan is equipped with a comfortable carrying handle, making it easy to transport the collected oil, even when full, without fear of spillage. A built-in drain mechanism simplifies the disposal process, allowing for efficient and clean transfer of used oil into a suitable container. These integrated features combine to provide a comprehensive solution for tidier and more efficient DIY car maintenance, making the FloTool Extended Oil Drain Pan a valuable asset for any home mechanic.

Customer Testimonials and Market Availability

Feedback from users highlights the effectiveness and convenience of the FloTool Extended Oil Drain Pan. Many DIY mechanics have expressed satisfaction with its ability to significantly reduce the mess typically associated with oil changes. One reviewer noted its essential nature for those who work on their vehicles in their driveway, praising its straightforward assembly and height adjustment capabilities. Another user specifically appreciated how the rotating funnel helped minimize spills, indicating a noticeable improvement over standard oil pans. These testimonials underscore the product's practical benefits and its success in addressing a common pain point for car owners.

Currently, the FloTool Extended Oil Drain Pan is available at Walmart with a substantial 63% discount, bringing its price down to an attractive $29. This limited-time offer presents an opportune moment for individuals to invest in a tool that promises to make routine car maintenance cleaner and more efficient. For anyone looking to avoid the traditional mess of oil changes while also saving money, purchasing this drain pan is a highly recommended solution. Its innovative design, coupled with positive user feedback and a compelling price point, positions it as an excellent addition to any home garage or workshop.

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Mercedes-AMG's Electric Future: Emotional Sports Cars with Simulated Sounds and Gearshifts

Mercedes-AMG is embarking on a bold new chapter, confident in its ability to craft electric sports cars that evoke the same passion and excitement as their gasoline-powered predecessors. This shift involves innovative approaches to replicate the visceral experience of traditional performance vehicles, alongside continued development of advanced internal combustion engines for specific markets.

Unleashing Emotion: Mercedes-AMG's Vision for Electric Performance

Bridging the Gap: The Emotional Challenge of Electric Sports Cars

Many automotive enthusiasts voice skepticism regarding the emotional appeal of electric sports cars, often preferring the raw experience of conventional powertrains. Despite the superior technical capabilities of electric vehicles, a strong attachment to the classic performance formula persists. Mercedes-AMG, through its high-performance division, is committed to translating its rich legacy in gasoline-powered cars into a compelling electric future, aiming to reconcile this divide.

Crafting the Electric Driving Experience: Sound and Feel

According to former AMG CEO Michael Schiebe, the brand is actively working to make electric performance vehicles captivating. Engineers from AMG's traditional engine development teams are now focused on creating high-performance electric platforms. To address the absence of a conventional V-8 roar, sound experts, including those from the music industry, have been enlisted to engineer authentic V-8 soundtracks. Schiebe also expressed confidence that simulated gearshifts will enhance driver engagement, tasking his team to develop "the best electric V-8 on the market" to recreate the deep connection drivers feel with gasoline cars.

Navigating the Transition: Balancing Electric Innovation and Combustion Heritage

AMG acknowledges that not all enthusiasts will readily accept the shift to electrification, especially after the C63 model transitioned from a V-8 to a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. To cater to loyalists, a new, more powerful, and fuel-efficient eight-cylinder engine is under development, designed to meet future Euro 7 emissions standards. While this new V-8 won't be in the C63, a six-cylinder option is being considered. This strategy allows Mercedes to embrace both electric advancements and the enduring appeal of internal combustion, ensuring a diverse and strong future for the brand's performance offerings.

The Future of Power: Adapting to Evolving Regulations

The automotive industry faces increasing pressure from regulators, particularly in Europe, where stringent emissions rules are gradually phasing out large-displacement engines, leading to a projected ban on new combustion vehicle sales by 2035. This regulatory landscape has prompted brands like AMG, BMW M, and Audi Sport to invest heavily in plug-in hybrids. For example, tax incentives can make a BMW M5 significantly more affordable than an M3 in some European markets due to its electrified powertrain. This trend suggests that while purely electric vehicles like the AMG GT XX concept will attract new customers, traditional engine development will continue in regions with less restrictive regulations, ensuring the V-8's presence well into the next decade.

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