The Cross-Section Of $108,000 Cars Is Vast And Strange

According to a new study by Research Co., the vast majority of Albertans oppose separation. 3 in 4 Albertans (74%) say they want their province to remain in Canada, significantly more than those in favour of beginning the legal process for a binding separation referendum (22%).

Deep in the abyss of the Pacific Ocean, the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone is home to the world's largest accumulation of polymetallic nodules. Several countries are exploring it intensively because of the potential of its mineral wealth, but it's also an incredibly unique habitat, with many recent scientific expeditions bringing back reports of never-before-seen lifeforms. A new study adds a huge array of viruses to the biodiversity of this contested region, 99 percent of which have never been documented before. The researchers – Bowen Hou and Lilan Zhang, of Chongqing University, and Dong Sung, of China's Second Institute of Oceanography – investigated the 'virome' of the Clarion-Clipperton to establish what they call a "vital pre-mining baseline of microbial ecosystem for future environmental impact assessments. "They've published their results in Nature Communications. Polymetallic nodules are at the center of a race to mine the deep sea, because they're full of metals that can be used to make electronics. The International Seaboard Authority has granted 31 deep-sea mineral mining exploration contracts.

There are plenty of ways to make an electric motorcycle stand out, but putting a giant hole through the middle of it is certainly one of the more effective options. German electric motorcycle startup NOVUS has announced a new funding round worth “double-digit millions of dollars,” money that will help fund the company’s expansion into the US in 2027 as well as further European growth. The company says its NOVUS One is already in series production, with European deliveries beginning earlier this year.

Volkswagen opened orders for the entry-level ID. Cross with the 37 kWh battery, starting at about $31,000 (€27,995). Volkswagen ID. Cross with 37 kWh battery goes on sale

The 2027 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid now starts at $55,385—$5600 more than last year. The big price hike comes after Kia discontinued the PHEV’s entry-level EX trim, which started at $49,785 for the 2026 model year. For 2027, the Sorento PHEV is only available as the X-Line SX Prestige, and it now comes standard with a head-up display. The Kia Sorento is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offers three distinct powertrain options. Along with gas-only and hybrid variants, with prices that start between $34,085 and $49,485, there’s a plug-in hybrid model that sits atop the pricing pyramid. And for the 2027 model year, the Kia Sorento PHEV’s cost of admission just went up by a significant amount, as it now starts at $55,385. Of course, there’s a reason the plug-in hybrid Sorento’s starting price just jumped by $5600. It’s because Kia has discontinued the entry-level EX trim, which last year started at $49,785. Now, every version of the two-row family SUV is the top-of-the-line X-Line SX-Prestige trim (quite a mouthful, eh?). For only $400 more than its 2026 counterpart, this top-spec Sorento comes standard with a host of desirable features.