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EV automaker XPeng Motors unveiled its fourth EV today at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China. The new electric SUV dubbed “the G9,” matches previous speculation about the vehicle, and it will arrive with XPeng’s latest technologies. This includes the company’s new EV architecture, ADAS system, and supercharging capabilities.

Xiaopeng, aka XPeng Motors, sits as one of the more prominent EV automakers in China, with three vehicles currently on the market. Its entry into the segment began in 2018 with its G3 SUV.

The G3 was soon joined by the P7 sedan in 2019, and both EVs have remained mainstays in XPeng’s fleet. The automaker since expanded overseas, selling both EVs in Europe, beginning with Norway.

XPeng unveiled its third EV this past August, a second sedan called the P5 – a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 in China, but at a significantly lower cost.

Since then, rumors have continually circulated about what XPeng’s next EV offering will be, specifically alluding to a larger SUV to complement the G3. Last week, we reported on a teaser image of the EV’s silhouette posted by XPeng.

This was joined by a puzzle-like post splitting the image into nine different squares and captioning it with a “G.” We speculated at the time that this seemed like a pretty evident hint that XPeng’s next EV would be called the G9.

Early this (Friday) morning in Beijing, XPeng confirmed many of the rumors surrounding the G9 and shared new details of its next SUV.

The G9 will debut with Xpeng’s most advanced tech yet

According to a press release from Guangzhou, XPeng shared that its fourth production model will be the G9 and will arrive as the first designed from the outset for both domestic Chinese and international markets.

This means the G9 was designed from day one to be compliant with the C-NCAP and E-NCAP five-star safety design standards, as well as the EU WVTA vehicle certification standards.

The G9’s front end fits the recognizable XPeng X Robot Face look, complete with daytime running lights. XPeng has also integrated two LiDAR units directly into the headlights, cleverly combining driver assistance technology with its unique design.

Speaking of driver assistance, the G9 will be the first EV to utilize XPeng’s X-Pilot 4.0 ADAS. This proprietary, full-scenario-assisted driving works from the EV start-up to parking, one step closer to delivering full autonomous driving in the future. 

The G9 will sit upon XPeng’s new X-EEA 3.0 architecture, a proprietary EV platform that integrates hardware, software, and communications together. The automaker said that with this platform, the G9 will be able to receive firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates in as quickly as 30 minutes, utilizing gigabit ethernet communications.

During XPeng’s 1024 Tech Day in October, we reported about 800V fast charging technology that the company was touting. During today’s reveal, the automaker announced the G9 will use the new-generation XPower 3.0 powertrain system with China’s first 800V high-voltage mass-production SiC platform.

As a result, XPeng claims the G9 will be able to charge up to 200 km (124 mi) of range in five minutes, with a maximum energy efficiency of over 95%.

XPeng said it is also rolling out lightweight 480 kW high-voltage supercharging piles, with 670A+ flow rate capacity and IP67 protection, to provide safer and more convenient charging.

While these new technologies are exciting (especially for consumers in China and Europe), XPeng did leave out a lot of the specs we usually love to share. At this time, the automaker has not shared vital G9 specs such as battery size, trim levels, range estimates, or pricing.

More details are sure to come to light as the new G9 moves closer to production. Sources familiar with the company told us that XPeng is planning an SOP for the G9 sometime in Q3 of 2022.

Check out the unveiling video here:


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Michael Madsen, who starred in Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, dies aged 67

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Michael Madsen, who starred in Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, dies aged 67

Actor Michael Madsen, who starred in a number of Quentin Tarantino films, has died at the age of 67, according to Sky’s US partner NBC News.

Chicago-born Madsen died on Thursday morning from cardiac arrest, his manager, Ron Smith said.

He appeared in dozens of films during a career that spanned more than 40 years, with screen credits including Thelma and Louise, Free Willy, Donnie Brasco and Sin City.

But he was well known for his collaborations with Tarantino, who cast him in Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Tributes poured in for Madsen, whose career started in the 80s.

Captain America co-director Joe Russo posted a picture of Madsen in Reservoir Dogs and said on X: “Michael Madsen ALWAYS had bite. RIP.”

“In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life,” managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a statement.

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“Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, currently being edited. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”

Michael Madsen played Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs. Pic: THA/Shutterstock
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Michael Madsen played Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs. Pic: THA/Shutterstock

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BBC to stop broadcasting ‘high risk’ performances live after Bob Vylan Glastonbury row

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Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022

The BBC has said it will no longer show a live broadcast of “high risk” performances after the controversy over Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury gig.

It comes after it showed the punk-rap duo leading the crowd in chants of “death to the IDF”.

In a statement, BBC director general Tim Davie said he “deeply regrets that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to say sorry – to our audience and to all of you, but in particular to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community.

“We are unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at the BBC. I and everyone need to ensure that the BBC is a role model for inclusivity and tolerance and we all have a part to play.”

In a statement, the BBC said it was “clear that errors were made both in the lead-up to and during Bob Vylan’s appearance.”

The broadcaster said the duo were deemed “high risk” following an assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury, but deemed suitable for live streaming with “appropriate mitigations”.

“Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the live stream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case,” the BBC said.

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“During the performance, the livestream was monitored in line with the agreed compliance protocols and a number of issues were escalated.

“Warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions and the editorial team took the decision not to cut the feed. This was an error.”

The corporation added that it would make “immediate changes to livestreaming music events”, including no longer broadcasting performances deemed high risk live.

In a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, the band said they were “not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people,’ rather, they were for the “dismantling of a violent military machine”.

In their statement, the group said they were a “distraction from the story” in Gaza and that whatever “sanctions” they received would also be a distraction.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs guilty of prostitution offences – but cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering

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Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail after being convicted over prostitution-related offences

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transportation for prostitution following a landmark trial in New York – but cleared of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul was accused by prosecutors of abusing and coercing three alleged victims, including his former long-term partner, singer and model Cassie Ventura, and other crimes including kidnapping, arson and blackmail.

Jurors decided not all the allegations were proven – but Combs still faces up to 20 years in prison after being convicted of transporting people across the US, including Cassie and another former girlfriend, Jane*, and paying male escorts to engage in sexual encounters.

However, with the not guilty verdict on three other more serious charges – racketeering conspiracy and two of sex-trafficking – he has avoided a maximum possible sentence of life behind bars.

Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after verdicts are read of the five counts against him, during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New
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Combs appeared upbeat in court as the verdict was announced. Pic: Jane Rosenberg/ Reuters

The mixed result from the jury came not long into their third day of deliberations. In the courtroom in Manhattan, New York, there were cheers from Combs’s family, and the rapper himself held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at the jury, and hugged his defence lawyer Teny Geragos.

His mood seemed very different to just a day earlier – when he learned the jury had reached a verdict on four of the five charges, but were split on the racketeering charge. After deliberating for longer on Wednesday, they came to a unanimous decision.

Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after verdicts are read of the five counts against him, during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New
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Combs later seemed to become overwhelmed with relief. Pic: Jane Rosenberg/ Reuters

Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the court while he considered whether to grant Combs bail before sentencing. The rapper has been in prison since his arrest in September 2024 – but his lawyers argue his acquittal on the most serious counts has changed the legal landscape enough that he should now be released.

As the verdict sunk in, Combs appeared overwhelmed, kneeling at his chair and bowing his head in prayer once again.

“I’ll be home soon,” he said as he faced his family members. “I love you, Mum.”

Sean "Diddy" Combs watches as his former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura is sworn in as a prosecution witness before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian at Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane
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Casandra ‘Cassie’ was heavily pregnant when she gave evidence at the start of the trial. Pic: Jane Rosenberg/ Reuters

Cassie ‘paved the way’

Reacting to the verdict, Cassie’s lawyer Douglas H Wigdor said that although jurors did not find Combs guilty of sex-trafficking Cassie, she had “paved the way” for the other guilty verdicts.

“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,” he said.

“We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client, who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.”

Cassie, who testified heavily pregnant just three weeks before giving birth, displayed “unquestionable strength”, he added, and “brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit”.

Videos of “freak off” sex sessions with male escorts were shown to jurors only during the seven-week trial, with the footage kept private from members of the public and media in court.

Sean "Diddy" Combs listens as Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Foster questions Ananya Sankar during his sex trafficking trial
Image:
Pic: Reuters/ Jane Rosenberg

Former employees, along with escorts, hotel staff and police officers were among those to give evidence.

Cassie and Jane, who used a pseudonym, also testified. They told the court they were coerced into drug-fuelled freak offs – which were also referred to as “hotel nights” or “wild king nights” – with male escorts, and abused throughout their relationships.

Combs’s defence team presented a very different picture to show that sexual acts, including freak offs, were consensual.

They conceded the music star could be violent, had a bad temper, and used drugs. He also had multiple relationships at the same time. But crucially, they said, while he was “not proud” of some of his behaviour, none of it made him guilty of the charges against him.

After hearing evidence of flights and travel for escorts and Cassie and Jane, paid for by Combs, as well as hotel bookings across the US and the Caribbean, jurors found him guilty of the transportation to engage in prostitution charges. However, they did not find that the allegations against the rapper amounted to sex-trafficking or racketeering.

The Cassie hotel tape

Combs, known variously as Puff Daddy, P Diddy, and Diddy over the years, was once one of the most influential figures in hip-hop – famous as a producer, founder of Bad Boy Records and manager of the late Notorious BIG in the 1990s, as well as a rapper in his own right.

As an artist, he won three Grammys during his career, and had hits including I’ll Be Missing You, Come With Me, and Bad Boy For Life.

In September 2023, he received the “global icon” award from MTV and was given the key to New York City at a ceremony in Times Square, just a few miles away from the streets in Harlem where he spent his first years.

Allegations first came to prominence in November 2023, when Cassie filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing him of coercing her into unwanted sex sessions, as well as blackmail and several incidences of violence.

The suit was settled in 24 hours – for $20m, it emerged during the trial – but months later CNN aired hotel security footage showing Combs punching and kicking Cassie and throwing her to the floor in 2016.

He apologised after the video aired, saying: “I was disgusted when I did it.”

Footage from the hotel incident was shown during the trial.

Following the verdict, the rapper now awaits sentencing. He also still faces several civil lawsuits, most of which were filed in the wake of his arrest in September 2024.

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