Tesla's Microfactory Plan: Retrofitting Millions of HW3 Cars for FSD

Wenjie Fu - April 22, 2026

Tesla to Build Urban "Microfactories" for Millions of HW3 FSD Retrofits

Elon Musk acknowledges Hardware 3 limitations, proposing dedicated urban production lines to fulfill autonomy promises.

There are millions of Tesla vehicles on the road today sold on the promise of full autonomy, but without hardware capable of doing so. In a significant strategic shift, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has proposed building "microfactories" in major metropolitan areas to facilitate massive hardware upgrades.

The Technical Bottleneck: Why HW3 Isn't Enough

For years, Tesla claimed HW3 was sufficient for unsupervised FSD. However, Musk recently admitted that HW3 has only 1/8th of the memory bandwidth of the newer Hardware 4 (AI4). This bandwidth is the critical chokepoint for the auto-regressive transformers that power Tesla's latest AI models.

The significant performance gap between Hardware 3 and Hardware 4 necessitates a physical computer and camera swap.

Microfactories: A Necessary Logistic Solution

Upgrading

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV: 800V Tech and 39-Inch Hyperscreen Redefine Luxury

Wenjie Fu - April 19, 2026

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV: The Futuristic Electric Sedan That Makes You Go 'Woah'

With an 800-volt architecture, a unique two-speed gearbox, and a dash-spanning display, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV is set to redefine luxury electric mobility.

The upcoming 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV is not just another electric car; it is a distinct departure from its internal-combustion counterpart. Launching in the first half of 2027 with the C400 4Matic, this electric sedan blends heritage-inspired styling with cutting-edge tech that rivals even the flagship EQS.

The new C-Class EV features a prominent nose inspired by the classic 1959 W111.

Powerful Performance and 800V Rapid Charging

The C400 4Matic is powered by dual electric motors delivering a combined 482 horsepower, capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

Innovative Two-Speed Gearbox

Setting it apart from many competitors is the two-speed rear transmission. It utilizes an 11:1 first gear for explosive acceleration

Ford Reshuffles EV Unit: Doug Field Departs as Farley Chases 8% Margin

Wenjie Fu - April 18, 2026

Ford Reshuffles EV Unit: Doug Field Departs as Farley Chases 8% Margin

Ford is fundamentally reorganizing its standalone electric vehicle division, marking the end of an era for its "startup within a company" experiment.

The automaker announced today that Doug Field, Chief EV, Digital, and Design Officer, will depart next month after nearly five years at the helm of Ford’s software-defined vehicle push.

In a strategic pivot, Ford is folding its EV, digital, and design groups into global manufacturing operations. This new unit, Product Creation and Industrialization, will report directly to COO Kumar Galhotra.

The End of the "Model e" Era

Doug Field joined Ford in 2021 with a formidable pedigree, having led Apple’s secretive car program and served as Tesla’s Senior VP of Engineering during the Model 3 launch. His hiring was the cornerstone of CEO Jim Farley’s bet that "Silicon Valley DNA" was essential to competing with Tesla and Chinese rivals.

During his tenure, Field spearheaded the

Nissan Is Going All In on Off-Road SUVs, Teasing Burly Concepts for Beijing Auto Show

Wenjie Fu - April 18, 2026

Nissan Is Going All In on Off-Road SUVs, Teasing Burly Concepts for Beijing Auto Show

Following the much-anticipated first glimpse of the Xterra revival, Nissan is doubling down on its rugged future with a pair of electrified SUV concepts set to debut in Beijing.

Just days after confirming the return of the legendary Xterra, Nissan is keeping the momentum high. The automaker has teased two new concept cars for the upcoming Beijing Auto Show (opening April 24), showcasing its latest breakthroughs in electrification and intelligent driving technology.

The Next Generation of Rugged Design

The highlight of the teaser is a tough-looking, boxy off-road SUV concept. Designed to command attention, it features:

Beefy All-Terrain Stance: High ground clearance paired with massive AT tires for serious trail capability.
Futuristic Lighting: A distinctive signature with rectangular LEDs, an illuminated "Nissan" badge, and roof-mounted auxiliary light bars.
Integrated Tech: Fender-mounted auxiliary lights

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey vs Ford Mustang GTD: Nürburgring Lap Record Battle

Wenjie Fu - April 18, 2026

Porsche Sets Incredible 'Ring Time but Then Gets Outdone by Ford

Porsche returned to the "Green Hell" with a mission to push the 911 GT3 RS to its absolute limit—only to find Ford waiting to steal the spotlight.

The battle for Nürburgring supremacy has reached a fever pitch. Porsche recently returned to the Nordschleife with the 992.1-generation 911 GT3 RS, now equipped with the highly anticipated Manthey Kit. The results were staggering: nearly four seconds shaved off its previous best outing.

A clash of engineering philosophies: Porsche's precision meets Ford's brute force.

Porsche & Manthey: Shaving Seconds from Perfection

Driven by Porsche’s legendary development driver, Jörg Bergmeister, the Manthey-equipped GT3 RS conquered the 12.9-mile circuit in an official time of 6:45.389. This marks a 3.939-second improvement over the standard production model.

The gains are attributed to Manthey's specialized suspension tuning and aerodynamic upgrades. Porsche noted that the kit enables

Tesla FSD Hardware Gap: Why HW3 Owners Face Broken Promises and Growing EU Legal Action

Wenjie Fu - April 18, 2026

The "Be Patient" Problem: Tesla's Struggle to Deliver Full Self-Driving to HW3 Owners

The saga of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature has reached a critical inflection point, particularly for owners of older hardware. A recent incident involving a Dutch Model 3 owner, Mischa Sigtermans, who paid €6,400 for FSD in 2019, perfectly encapsulates the frustration and the core problem: after years of waiting, Tesla's response to the hardware limitation (HW3) was simply to "be patient."

This seemingly dismissive answer is not just an anecdote; it is a symptom of a deeper, growing legal and consumer rights crisis across Europe. As FSD launches in Europe, the hardware disparity between newer AI4 models and older HW3 units is becoming a quantifiable, actionable harm, fueling collective claims against the automaker.

The Confrontation: What Tesla Told the HW3 Owner

Mischa Sigtermans, a Dutch Model 3 owner, initiated a collective claim site for HW3 owners across the EU. When he called Tesla to inquire

Tesla ‘Full Self-Driving’ crashed through railroad gate seconds before train

Wenjie Fu - April 18, 2026

The Critical Safety Question: Can Self-Driving Cars Navigate Lowered Railroad Barriers? A recent and alarming incident involving a Tesla owner highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the reliability and safety boundaries of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Joshua Brown, a Texas-based Tesla owner, recently recounted a harrowing experience where his vehicle, operating on Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, allegedly accelerated through a lowered railroad crossing arm just as a train approached. This incident adds to a growing pattern of reports suggesting that current autonomous driving features may struggle with predictable, real-world obstacles—particularly those critical for human safety, like railway barriers. The Incident: FSD’s Alleged Failure at a Level Crossing According to Brown’s account, he was stopped at an active level crossing with lights flashing and the barrier lowered. Unexpectedly, the Tesla began accelerating on its own without any warning. "Without any warning…

Tesla Implements Strict No-Resale Agreement for Limited Signature Edition Models

Wenjie Fu - April 17, 2026

Tesla is reportedly requiring buyers of its highly exclusive Signature Edition Model S and Model X to sign a stringent "No Resale Agreement." This contract carries significant financial penalties—threatening liquidated damages of $50,000 or the full resale value, whichever is greater—if the vehicle is sold within the first year of ownership.

This move signals Tesla's renewed effort to control the secondary market, reviving an anti-flipping strategy similar to one attempted with the Cybertruck a couple of years ago.

Understanding the "Signature Edition No Resale Agreement"

The document, titled "Signature Edition No Resale Agreement," explicitly acknowledges that the Model S and Model X are "limited release" vehicles. It establishes rigorous conditions that owners must adhere to during the initial year of ownership.

Key Restrictions for Owners

The agreement dictates that buyers must not sell, or attempt to sell, the vehicle within the first 12 months following delivery. Should unforeseen

The Evolution of Automatic vs Manual Transmissions: Which is Better?

Wenjie Fu - April 11, 2026

The debate between automatic and manual transmissions is as old as the automotive industry itself. For decades, the choice was simple: if you wanted performance, engagement, and control, you chose a manual. If you wanted convenience for the daily commute, you opted for an automatic. But in 2026, the landscape has dramatically shifted.

The Golden Era of the Manual Transmission

For purists, the manual gearbox is the soul of driving. The mechanical connection between the driver, the clutch, and the engine provides an analog feedback loop that modern computers struggle to replicate. Mastering the heel-and-toe downshift isn't just about going fast; it's an art form.

However, as traffic congestion increases and automotive technology evolves, the manual transmission has increasingly become a niche option, reserved primarily for weekend track cars and nostalgic enthusiasts.

The Rise of the Lightning-Fast Automatic

Modern automatics, specifically Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT) and advanced torque-converter