Wheeling

Nissan has detailed the third generation of its e-POWER powertrain, the series-hybrid system in which a gasoline engine generates electricity to drive the wheels via an electric motor. The company's technology page describes improvements aimed at greater efficiency and quieter operation. The announcement has drawn attention among technology enthusiasts debating the merits of series-hybrid drivetrains versus full battery-electric vehicles as Nissan pushes its electrification strategy forward.

The French government has announced it will extend across the whole country the automatic suspension of a driving licence for using a phone behind the wheel. Officials say the measure targets ordinary drivers, not just repeat offenders, and is part of a wider road-safety push. Comment is focused on how the rule will apply to 'monsieur et madame Tout-le-Monde' — everyday motorists caught once — and on its deterrent effect.

Oregon is pressing businesses to replace their heavy-duty truck fleets with electric vehicles, a policy described as turning fleets into 'batteries on wheels'. The effort reflects the state's broader push to cut transport emissions and could require companies to invest in electric trucks and charging infrastructure, sparking debate among fleet operators over costs and feasibility.

Photos from the season 7 premiere of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune have been released, showing contestants Gillian Jacobs, Omarion and Matt Iseman at the puzzle board. The images give fans a first look at the celebrity line-up opening the new season of the long-running game show. Viewers are discussing the fresh cast and what the new episodes will bring.

Home cooks are searching out instructions for making puff pastry wrapped brie, the classic appetizer in which a wheel of brie is enclosed in pastry and baked until melted. Recipes describe scoring and decorating the pastry, baking until golden, and serving warm with crackers or fruit. Interest appears seasonal, tied to holiday gatherings and party planning.

The jury has begun deliberating in the murder trial of Nicole Linton, a former nurse charged in the August 2022 Windsor Hills crash in Los Angeles that killed several people, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Prosecutors argue she acted with gross negligence, while the defense has pointed to a possible medical emergency behind the wheel. A verdict is expected in the coming days.

Auto Mania examines the Audi A6 allroad and its quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system, which uses intelligent technology to engage drive only when needed, improving efficiency. The review questions whether this smarter, lighter approach delivers the capability buyers of an all-road estate expect, weighing fuel savings against traditional permanent all-wheel-drive reassurance.

Donald Trump was seen driving the Beast, the US president's heavily armoured limousine, during a visit to Oklahoma. The unusual sight of the president behind the wheel of the presidential state car drew wide attention and comment, with reactions ranging from amusement to concern about security protocols surrounding the vehicle.