China’s Zeekr wants to know which cars you want it to sell - Related to jesko, zeekr, is, way, isn't

Believe It or Not, This Isn't a Real Koenigsegg Jesko

You probably can't afford a new Koenigsegg Jesko. Few people can afford the $3-million hypercar. That's why the ambitious folks at the NHẾT TV YouTube channel decided to just build one. And you know what? It looks really good. We aren't exactly keen to drive it, though.

The project took a year to complete. The entire process is condensed into an hour-long video, with the build taking place in Vietnam. Considering they're working in a small shop without a plethora of high-tech equipment, the whole thing is actually quite impressive. It starts with a skeleton frame mocked up to create the Jesko's body, which is covered in clay and. Sculpted like you'd see in an automaker's design studio. Individual fiberglass body panels are made from that, then combined to create a single fiberglass body shell.

Meanwhile, the group fabricates a steel chassis, and by that, we mean they fabricated everything—bushings. Suspension arms, mounts, and specialty fasteners needed to bolt parts together. The frame uses a sophisticated inboard suspension setup, which is then tested in a very unsophisticated 10-foot drop from a wrecker. Such is life when you don't have a 4,000-acre testing facility at your disposal.

With the frame sorted. A Toyota Camry donor call enters the scene. The crew buys a largely wrecked (but still operational) 1990s four-cylinder Camry for a whopping $100 and pulls the powertrain. Granted, the engine is a bit down on power compared to the real Jesko's 1,600-horsepower V-8, but this copy at least has a three-pedal manual transmission.

It also gets the Camry's steering and. Brake system, which for reasons we don't understand includes only rear brakes. Technically, it's the front brakes mounted at the rear since the engine and transmission are installed at the back. That explains why we see the car constantly doing handbrake-style slides when it comes to a stop. So yeah, it looks like a Jesko, but it definitely doesn't drive like one.

The project concludes with even more fiberglass, this time for exterior elements like the big spoiler and. Body kit. A Jesko-esque interior is also created in fiberglass, though it doesn't look particularly comfortable. But the cool Koenigsegg doors open as they should, and it does look great from the outside. It even has a center-exit exhaust.

The video makes the build look pretty simple, but. The amount of fabrication work needed to build this car is seriously impressive. Sure, it doesn't have air conditioning, or a stereo, or front brakes. But really, do you need all of that to have a supercar experience?

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BYD's Answer To Tesla Autopilot Is Way, Way Cheaper

Dubbed God's Eye, or DiPilot, this new system will be available on all new BYDs in China, free of charge.

Additionally, the cheapest tier indicates to do Tesla-style navigate-on-autopilot on cars that cost less than $10,000.

The top tier version will use three LiDAR units, and see service on BYD's most expensive vehicles. Like its Yangwang U9 supercar.

It’s self-driving, connected-car week for China. Last week, Geely and Dongfeng presented their intent to integrate DeepSeek AI into their vehicles. This week, BYD presented its new smart, semi-autonomous driving system that the brand intends to integrate into all of its models. Yes, that includes the entry-level BYD Seagull, a car that costs as little as $9,300.

Called “God’s Eye,” this tiered scheme is how BYD plans on giving every car it makes a suite of self-driving functions. The highest level, God’s Eye A (DiPilot 600), uses three LiDAR sensors to power its semi-autonomous driving functions. This is the most expensive system, so it’ll be relegated to use on BYD’s highest-end brand, Yangwang. God’s Eye B (DiPilot 300) only uses one LiDar unit. This system will be used in BYD’s semi-premium brand, Denza, as well as in top-of-the-line BYD flagship vehicles.

The most interesting and game-changing tier will be the lowest-cost version: God’s Eye C. Or DiPilot 100. This variant is a camera and radar system, comprised of 12 cameras (3 front-view cameras, 5 panoramic cameras and. 4 surround-view cameras,) 5 millimeter-wave cameras and 12 ultrasonic radar sensors. Impressive, but at least initially there are some limitations with the lowest tier. Whereas the A and B variants can do NOA (Navigate-on-autopilot) on both freeways and city streets automatically making turns and. Exits, the cheap tier will be freeway only. At least, initially. BYD says it plans to eventually add city navigation to its lowest-cost models. Also, all three variants will be connected to DeepSeek, which will enhance the car’s AI capabilities in some way.

It’s a little hard to understate how big of a deal this is for BYD, and. The whole EV industry as a whole. For a very long time, semi-autonomous driving tech was largely dependent on price. Sensors, cameras and the tech know-how to run a semi-autonomous driving program or other smart driving attributes don't come cheap. So they’d generally be only on premium offerings. BYD aims to make things a little more egalitarian by installing it on all of its new models without any changes in price. In fact, BYD’s CEO Wang Chuanfu showcased that “good technology should be available to everyone.” So yes, this tech will be available on bargain-basement cars like the BYD Seagull and. Dolphin.

This puts the screws on everyone in China that sells cars. BYD has been at the head of what is a price war between EV manufacturers in China. Cuts have been ruthless, with BYD putting pressure on the market to drive down prices, to the chagrin of other EV manufacturers. This addition of sophisticated smart tech isn’t a price cut, per se, but these aspects do set the brand’s models apart from the competition. It’s going to be really, really hard for other models to compete without this kind of tech.

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China’s Zeekr wants to know which cars you want it to sell

Zeekr Australia only sells two models at the moment, with a third on the way, but it’s planning to show off overseas-market models locally to gauge interest.

The Zeekr X small SUV and Zeekr 009 people mover will be joined in October or November by the Zeekr 7X mid-sized SUV. Which will be the “main event” for the Geely-owned Chinese premium auto brand in 2025.

“Every year we are going to bring some new models here. Next year so far we don’t know what is going to be arriving, but I believe something is going to be arriving by the end of next year,” Zeekr International chief marketing officer Frank Li told CarExpert.

Thus far. Zeekr hasn’t confirmed which of its other models will be released here.

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“In the meantime, we are going to bring some more Zeekr products to have some debuts in Australia,” mentioned Mr Li.

“We want to have some teasers for the clients and media in Australia.

“This year, for the Everything Electric [exhibition in Sydney] and Melbourne auto show, and any other technical summit, we will definitely bring some new models like our Zeekr Mix, like 009 Grand maybe.”.

Effectively, the idea is to show off Zeekr products to prospective clients and. Gauge public reaction in order to determine which models to launch here.

While Zeekr says right-hand drive markets are essential, it hasn’t confirmed whether models beyond the X, 7X and 009 will be built in right-hand drive.

Beyond this trio, Zeekr sells the Tesla Model S-rivalling 001 and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz-rivalling Mix people mover.

It also has the mid-sized 007 sedan, of which a station wagon version – the 007 GT – was in the recent past revealed.

All of these models feature electric power, though the brand will launch its first two hybrids – a pair of large SUVs – later this year in China.

Of the two vehicles Mr Li mentioned as possibly making a motor show debut, the Mix is the smallest and. Most affordable.

The five-seat people mover measures 4688mm long on a 3008mm wheelbase, making it just 24mm shorter overall than the regular-length ID. Buzz, but giving it a 19mm longer wheelbase.

It boasts front seats that can swivel to face those in the rear, a moveable centre console, and. Dual sliding doors with a ‘hidden’ B-pillar design.

The rear seats feature integrated leg rests, while there are also foot rests at the base of the front seats. Heating, ventilation and massage are available for both rows.

The 009 Grand is a more sumptuous version of the larger 009 people mover, which ditches the third row of seating for a first-class second.

This includes a pair of individual second-row, aniline leather-upholstered seats with 24-way power adjustment, massage, heating and ventilation.

These flank a centre console with an touchscreen and arm rest plus fold-out tray tables.

Between the first and second rows is a divider with a huge 43-inch 4K screen, while passengers can also enjoy an 18L refrigerator and. A 31-speaker 3000W Yamaha sound system with Dolby Atmos.

Zeekr is aiming to sell around 2500 to 3500 vehicles in Australia this year, before “at least” doubling its sales in 2026.

“I think if everything goes well we have the chance to target 10,000 [annual sales in 2026],” expressed Mr Li.

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