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Renault gifts EV fire safety patent to all car makers

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New Renault 5 cars in green and yellow, against a city backdrop

Car manufacturers around the world will be able to make use of Renault’s novel idea to improve electric vehicle fire safety. 

The French company has decided to make the patents for its ‘Fireman Access’ design available to all, via a free licence agreement. 

This means other car makers can copy Renault’s initial concept. However, in return, they must agree to share upgrades and developments for the benefit of all 

It comes as the Renault Group pledges to become a global partner of the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

A simple solution to battery fires

Transparent car illustration showcasing an electric vehicle's internal components, including battery and motor. Highlighted feature labeled "Fireman Access" with vibrant gradient background.

Renault’s Fireman Access system should allow emergency workers to extinguish an electric car fire in the same time usually required for a petrol or diesel vehicle. 

It uses an adhesive disc placed over an opening to where the EV’s main lithium-ion batteries are stored. Should the car catch fire, a jet from a firefighter’s hose can be used to dislodge the disc, flooding the battery compartment with water. 

This prevents the risk of ‘thermal runaway’, and should allow a battery fire to be extinguished in just minutes – as opposed to the several hours often needed for electric vehicle fires

The Fireman Access design is already standard on all electric and plug-in hybrid cars sold by Renault, Dacia and Alpine.

Improving safety for electric cars

Close-up of a metallic car chassis structure, showcasing intricate grooves and design, placed on a granite floor within an industrial setting.

Fireman Access is a recent development by Renault, which has created more than 2,000 safety-related patents since 1970.

Another innovation is the QRescue Renault system on all the company’s new cars. This places a QR code in the front and rear windows, allowing emergency services to instantly see the relevant technical data for that vehicle. 

“Innovating to improve road safety is part of who we are at Renault,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. “We’re particularly proud of the partnership developed with the fire services in recent years. Fireman Access is a practical demonstration of what can be achieved by combining our expertise as a manufacturer with the skills of the men and women who keep us safe every day. 

“Today, I’m delighted to be making this innovation freely available, because when it comes to a subject like safety, we need to break down all the barriers. This move is also in keeping with the commitment made alongside the United Nations, to make mobility safer all over the world.”

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Cold as ICE: Maserati reveals new GranCabrio on a frozen lake

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Two convertible sports cars parked on a snowy field, surrounded by mountains and trees under a clear blue sky.

Driving roof-down on a frozen lake might seem a little masochistic, but that’s exactly how Maserati revealed the latest updates for its GranCabrio range. 

The prestigious International Concours of Elegance (ICE) in St Moritz, Switzerland sees collectable cars displayed against a backdrop of jagged mountains and powdery snow.

Now into its fourth year, it makes for a bracing alternative to traditional summertime concours shows, with attendees politely reminded of the ‘Alpine comfy warm’ dress code.  

For 2025, Maserati chose the event to reveal a unique GranCabrio ICE edition (the blue car pictured above), which was inspired by its frozen surroundings.

As cold as ICE

Aerial view of a sleek blue sports car with luxurious white leather interior, parked on a cracked ice-like surface.

Designed by Maserati’s Fuoriserie customisation programme, the ‘GranCabrio Trofeo One of One – THE ICE’ features an exclusive paint colour mixed especially for the event.

Three layers of paint are used to create the deep and rich blue finish. Called ‘Ice Liquid’, it pays tribute to the lake where the car was revealed. 

More blue paint can be found on the brake calipers, with Gloss White used for the side air intakes, Astreo forged alloy wheels and bespoke model badges. 

On the inside, the leather upholstery is – naturally – ice white, with 3D carbon fibre trim and a Blue Marine fabric soft-top.

A new entry-level GranCabrio

A sleek Maserati convertible is parked on a snowy surface with a forest backdrop, featuring clear skies and bright sunlight.

Maserati also used the International Concours of Elegance to unveil a new entry-level model for the GranCabrio lineup.

Slotting beneath the electric Folgore and 550hp petrol-powered Trofeo is the base GranCabrio. This means the open car now shares the same range hierarchy as the GranTurismo coupe. 

The GranCabrio features the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre ‘Nettuno’ V6 found in the Trofeo version. However, its output is trimmed back to 490hp, with an accompanying 443lb ft of torque.

With all-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the GranCabrio accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 188mph. In truth, it could be all the Maserati drop-top anyone really needs.

New colours and carbon trim

A convertible sports car driving on a snowy road with a forest backdrop and a person inside.

For the new GranCabrio’s St Moritz debut, Maserati opted for Verde Giada green paintwork, black-painted brake calipers and diamond-cut alloy wheels with gloss black detailing. 

The use of Verde Giada reflects the changes Maserati has made to the GranCabrio’s paint palette. This sees extra colours available, although the Fuoriserie department can still cater to bespoke requests. 

More ice white leather was used inside this GranCabrio, with the famous Maserati trident logo embroidered into its headrests. 

A 19-speaker Sonus Faber sound system is also part of the package, along with adaptive LED headlights and 3D carbon fibre trim.

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Polestar 3 can now be started using an iPhone or Apple Watch

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A Polestar 3 car driven by a person on a scenic open road, surrounded by rolling hills and clear skies.

An update for the Polestar 3 electric SUV means owners can now use their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of a car key.

The over-the-air (OTA) software upgrade will allow Polestar 3 drivers to add their digital key to an Apple Wallet.

This means they can then unlock, lock and even start the Polestar 3 while the connected iPhone remains in their pocket. Alternatively, simply wearing an Apple Watch will be sufficient to open and drive the Polestar 3.

A Power Reserve function means the digital key will remain usable even if the iPhone or Apple Watch runs out of battery charge.

Sharing your keys digitally

A white Polestar 3 electric car is charging in a parking lot outside a modern building with glass windows and a dark entrance.

Adding the Polestar 3’s digital key to an Apple Wallet also allows it to be shared with up to five different drivers. 

Owners will be able to send a digital key to an individual’s own Apple Wallet via apps such as Messages, WhatsApp, AirDrop and even email. 

Separate settings can be used for each digital keyholder, to determine whether they can simply open the Polestar 3, or be able to start and drive it. 

Other recent Polestar OTA updates allow digital keys to be shared between Apple smartphones, plus with those using selected Samsung and Google Android devices as well.

Listening to customer demand

Interior of a Polestar 3 electric car showing the dashboard and steering wheel

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said: “At Polestar, we are committed to delivering a premium experience, and that includes our personal relationship with our customers – they asked for car keys in Apple Wallet, and so we delivered. The convenience of using your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock and start your car, and easily share access to the vehicle with others, shouldn’t be underestimated. 

“This update is part of an intensive program of over-the-air software updates for our cars that we embarked on since we delivered our first Polestar 2 to customers in 2020. The outstanding Polestar 3 continues to get even better, and we will continue to add value for our customers like this with future OTA updates.”

The Swedish marque plans to bring the same Apple Wallet functionality to its Polestar 4 electric SUV coupe in due course.

Later this year, existing Polestar 3 owners will also be offered a free hardware upgrade to a more powerful Nvidia infotainment processor, also due for use in the 2026 model-year car.

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Number of supercars in the UK hits a record high

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The number of supercars in the UK has hit a new record high of more than 23,300 vehicles. That’s according to research from accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.

In the year ended June 2024, there were 23,320 supercars registered in the UK, up four percent compared to the previous year.

Ferrari led the way as the most popular brand by a huge margin, with 14,714 supercars on British roads.

However, Lamborghini was the fastest-growing supercar brand, with numbers up eight percent to 5,421 cars.

Could supercar sales suffer?

McLaren Artura Spider

The new supercar record comes amid fears that high-net-worth individuals could be pushed out of the country by a raft of tax rises.

This could ‘depress the number of supercars owned in the UK,’ says UHY Hacker Young. Data from Henley and Partners shows that more than 9,500 millionaires already left the UK last year.

Further forthcoming tax increases include an increase in higher rate capital gains tax, and an increase in stamp duty for additional property purchases.

Given how many supercars are bought using debt finance, there were also fears higher interest rates could impact supercar sales.

However, UHY Hacker Young partner Brian Carey said rich buyers have so far defied the odds: “Supercars are now seen as an alternative asset class amongst the ultra-high-net-worths.

“The expectation is that their rarity value with push their prices up as opposed to suffering rapid depreciation like a normal luxury car.”

The figures show that McLaren numbers in the UK are broadly stable at 3,045, while Bugatti has risen slightly to 136 cars. However, the number of Koenigseggs registered has fallen by 14 percent, to just seven cars.

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McLaren 750S and Artura MCL38 editions celebrate 2024 F1 title

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Three sleek McLaren cars displayed indoors, against an illuminated "CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONS 2024" backdrop. Vibrant orange and black color scheme highlights modern design.

Last year saw McLaren clinch its ninth Formula One Constructors’ World Championship – the team’s first overall victory since 1998.

Much has changed at McLaren in between those two titles, however, with the Woking-based company now a fully fledged supercar manufacturer.

This provides more opportunities to commemorate a Constructors’ World Championship – such as with McLaren’s new MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S and Artura models.

On cloud nine

A sleek McLaren 750S sports car is showcased indoors against a striking, illuminated orange and white backdrop with bold letters.

Only eighteen people around the world will be able to join the MCL38 Celebration Edition club, as McLaren will build nine examples each of the 750S and Artura. 

Nine represents the number of Formula One Constructors’ World Championships the McLaren team has won. The number is displayed prominently behind each car’s front wheelarch. 

McLaren Special Operations has created a bespoke Papaya Orange and Anthracite exterior colour scheme: an obvious nod to the MCL38 Formula One car’s livery. 

The Artura has exposed carbon fibre sills signed by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. On the 750S, this also includes a line drawing of the MCL38 racer.

Genuine F1 carbon included

A sleek orange and black McLaren Artura sports car is displayed indoors against an illuminated background with large text, creating a striking visual impact.

Inside, the level of motorsport commemoration moves up a notch, starting with a champions’ laurel stitched into the headrests. 

A dedication plaque, bespoke to each of the 18 cars, is made with a genuine piece of McLaren MCL38 carbon fibre bodywork

There is also a separate plaque found beneath the bonnet, which details the pole positions, race wins and fastest laps recorded by the MCL38 F1 car during the 2024 season.

The McLaren 750S MCL38 Celebration Edition benefits from a steering wheel with exposed carbon fibre trim, featuring a 12 o’clock centre marker in Papaya orange.

‘The pursuit of excellence’

Formula 1 race car with a trophy in a showroom, featuring bright orange lighting and sponsor logos. Background shows a luxury sports car.

Beneath the celebratory adornments, the limited edition Artura and 750S remain mechanically identical to regular production cars. 

This means a hybrid-enhanced twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 producing a total of 700hp for the Artura. The 750S is endowed with a 750hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8: good for a top speed of 206mph.

Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, said: “The relentless pursuit of excellence is intrinsic to the McLaren mindset and in 2024 we demonstrated this with incredible success on both the track and the road. 

“The achievements of Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and the entire McLaren Racing team in winning the Formula One Constructors’ Championship are beyond inspirational – and what better way to mark this than with an ultra-exclusive Celebration Edition of our award-winning Artura and 750S.”

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EV sales to overtake petrol cars by 2028

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A modern SUV, parked on cobblestone beside a brick wall with graffiti. Urban setting, no people visible, license plate displayed.

Electric vehicle sales will overtake those of petrol cars by 2028 and account for 38 percent of new car registrations. However, this will still leave them shy of ZEV Mandate targets.

That’s according to industry intelligence provider Cox Automotive, which forecasts petrol car sales will be down to 30 percent market share by 2028. The figure equates to 1.4 million fewer petrol cars being sold.

Diesel will fare even worse, predicts Cox Automotive. By 2028, it will have a share of just six percent, a hefty fall of 76 percent since 2020. This equates to two million fewer diesel cars sold.

By contrast, the rise of EVs has been “remarkable,” says Cox, with registrations up by 560 percent since 2020.

In just four years, nearly a million electric vehicles have entered the UK market, taking just shy of a 20 percent market share in 2024.

Two million milestone

Two white SUVs parked on a road with trees in the background, showcasing modern design features and aerodynamic styling. No people or landmarks visible.

The experts are forecasting just over two million new car registrations in 2025. That’s a modest 1.5 percent increase on 2024.

And there will be many more new car brands chasing those two million new car buyers, too. Due to the introduction of new entrant brands from China and beyond, there are now more than 60 cars brands available in the UK.

Notably, new brands are often more affordable than established ones. This can make them tempting in the switch to electric, as nearly seven in 10 car buyers say they’re not willing to pay more for an EV than a petrol or diesel alternative.

On average, EVs currently cost 12 percent more than a petrol or diesel car, according to Cox Automotive. But new entrants are already helping drive down this gap.

Interestingly, Cox also discovered that more than 85 percent of consumers now want stronger government incentives to boost EV sales. Without them, the ZEV Mandate target of 80 percent of new vehicles being EVs by 2030 may be in jeopardy.

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Is my car insurance still valid if I drive during a weather warning?

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Storm conditions

When conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, wind or fog make driving difficult, the Met Office may issue severe weather warnings. These advise drivers to stay at home unless travel is strictly necessary.

Weather warnings are graded yellow, amber and red. A red alert from the Met Office may suggest imminent loss of life is possible.

While going out in these conditions is something to avoid, we’ve spotted posts on social media that suggest ignoring the warnings could invalidate your car insurance.

“Social media claims that motor insurance will be invalid if people drive during a red warning are not true,” said Malcolm Tarling from the Association of British Insurers.

“Motor insurance will cover you in the usual way, provided you are driving within the law.”

He added that drivers should heed warnings, and all drivers should pay close attention to advice from local authorities and the emergency services in areas affected by extreme weather.

‘Don’t take undue risks’

Winter weather

“Your insurance cover should remain valid whatever the weather, but don’t take that as a green flag to drive without giving heed [to a] red alert for snow,” said Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, when speaking to the Scottish Sun.

“Simply knowing you’re going to get a pay-out shouldn’t mean you take undue risks. If your insurance company can prove contributory negligence on your part, your claim might be questioned, and any pay-out reduced,” Pratt continued.

“For example, if you drove into a swollen ford where there was a warning in place and your car stalled and was ruined by water, your claim might not be paid.

“You might not even be entitled to recovery by your roadside rescue policy because you had recklessly got yourself into trouble. The same would apply if you went down a road in contravention of official road closure signs and were subsequently involved in a car accident.”

A spokesperson from AXA insurance agreed. “If you have breakdown cover, bear in mind that this may not cover you if your car is partly or completely buried in snow, so check your cover before heading off.”

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A six-wheeled Suzuki Jimny exists – and you could buy it

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Front view of a Suzuki Jimny Six Wheeler in grey

The fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny achieved icon status from the very start, generating the level of interest and enthusiasm typically reserved for new supercars. 

In fact, not long after being launched, the Jimny boasted residual values comparable with the most desirable sports cars.

Boosting the Jimny’s appeal are a wealth of aftermarket tuning options. These offer the chance to turn your diminutive Suzuki into a replica of a Land Rover Defender, or even a Ford Bronco.

However, the forthcoming Historics Auctioneers Symphony of Spring sale, to be held at Ascot Racecourse, offers the chance to own a truly unique Suzuki Jimny.

Real six appeal

Side view of a Suzuki Jimny Six Wheeler in grey

When the fourth-generation Jimny was first revealed, digital renders of six-wheeled variants appeared online. The owner of this particular Suzuki liked the idea so much, he commissioned his very own triple-axle Jimny.

Imported to the UK from Japan as a regular Jimny with an automatic transmission, the compact off-roader was handed over to Mocho Fabrications in Worcestershire. 

Specialising in bespoke 4×4 conversions, Mocho extended the chassis rails, adapted the Jimny’s bodywork into a pickup truck, then installed a third axle using original Suzuki parts. 

It is worth noting that the third axle is not driven, leaving this as a 6×4 Jimny, instead of a complete 6×6. The 102hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was also untouched, although a turbocharger kit could easily add more performance if desired.

A unique proposition

Rear view of a Suzuki Jimny Six Wheeler in grey

Given the level of work involved, the Jimny was treated to a complete exterior respray in the distinctive shade of Audi Nardo Grey. On the inside, black and grey diamond-stitched leather covers the seats, plus there is a new Kenwood audio system with Apple CarPlay compatibility. 

New tyres have been fitted, and the Jimny has an MOT certificate valid until February 2026, meaning it is ready to hit the road. 

Being a one-off creation, gauging the value of something like the Jimny 6×4 is not an easy task. 

However, Historics Auctioneers has suggested a pre-auction estimate of between £40,000 and £50,000. The Suzuki will cross the block on 1 March 2025.

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New Spectre Black Badge is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever

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Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new, performance-focused Black Badge version of its electric Spectre coupe.

The Black Badge arrives in response to unprecedented customer demand, as the British company prepares to invest £300 million in its Goodwood headquarters.

Chris Brownridge, chief executive at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made. It has been created in the image of our boldest and most audacious clients, with meticulous attention to detail”.

Inspired by club culture

Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

Rolls-Royce’s first electric Black Badge model has been treated to a stealthy, slightly sinister makeover. All the exterior brightwork has a darkened finish, instead of being polished chrome, while the new 23-inch five-spoke alloy wheels can optionally be painted black.

The Spectre’s dramatic illuminated ‘Pantheon’ grille can be backlit in a variety of colours. Your chosen shade can then be matched with the illuminated sill tread plates.

Rolls-Royce has developed a distinctive new paint colour specifically for the Spectre Black Badge. Vapour Violet was inspired by the ‘neon ambience of 1980s and 1990s club culture’ – a favoured reference point for Black Badge customers, apparently. 

For those who prefer something more subtle, there is a virtually unlimited paint palette. Buyers can choose from 44,000 ‘standard’ colours, or they can commission a bespoke, one-off shade.

Inside the Spectre Black Badge

Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

The dark-and-moody theme continues inside the Spectre Black Badge, including on the hand-crafted fascia panel.

This incorporates an infinity symbol (associated with historical water-speed records), along with some 5,500 separate illuminated ‘stars’.

A ‘Technical Fibre’ trim finish also features on the Spectre Black Badge, using carbon and metal thread on a Black Bolivar wood base. Sandwiched between layers of carbon fibre, six layers of lacquer are used to provide a deep, three-dimensional effect.

The Spectre’s digital instrument panel offers a choice of five different colour themes. The infinity symbol is also stitched into the leather-trimmed ‘waterfall’ that separates the rear seats.

Engage Infinity Mode

Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

Look closely, and the sportiest Spectre has an infinity symbol on its steering wheel, too. When this button is pressed, it switches the car into Infinity mode, summoning the full 659 horsepower from two electric motors.

With over 100hp more than a regular Spectre, it makes this Black Badge the most powerful road-going Rolls-Royce ever created. 

Want to make a quick getaway? A Spirited mode, engaged by pressing the brake and throttle pedals when the car is stationary, acts as a form of launch control. It permits the e-motors to deploy a thumping 793lb ft of torque in one hit. 

Launched off the line in a ‘Spirited’ fashion, the Spectre Black Badge can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds.

Speed in near-silence

Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

This ability to provide extreme performance in short bursts was informed by studying data from how existing Black Badge owners drive their cars. 

Rolls-Royce has also made upgrades to the Spectre’s steering and suspension, ensuring the hefty Black Badge has road manners to match its performance.

A select few Rolls-Royce owners were chosen to test a small fleet of secret Spectre Black Badge prototypes, giving them the earliest access to the new car. 

Available to order now, the Black Badge is likely to boost demand for the Spectre, which was the best-selling Rolls-Royce in Europe during 2024. 

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Kia reveals new EV4 saloon and hatch to rival the Tesla Model 3

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Digital render of a Kia EV4 Saloon

For those who cannot wait to celebrate Kia EV Day, the South Korean manufacturer has shared some digital images of its new EV4.

Initially revealed as a concept at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, the EV4 is the latest addition to Kia’s growing range of electric cars. 

Despite more than 18 months passing since the Concept EV4 was first shown, the car’s futuristic styling has remained virtually unchanged.

Just like the related Kia EV3 SUV, there is no doubt the production EV4 will make a visual statement on UK roads.

A fresh take on the saloon

Digital render of a Kia EV4 Saloon side profile

Helping the EV4 stand out is Kia’s decision to offer both hatchback and saloon body styles. Four-door EVs are relatively thin on the ground in the modern car market, so the EV4 will buck the trend. 

Karim Habib, head of Kia design, explains: “The Kia EV4 is a clear reflection of our commitment to rethink mobility, and expand the boundaries of what design can achieve. By offering both saloon and hatchback variants, we are bringing to our customers, the unique experience of modernity and practicality that defines the Kia EV family, in a way that suits their varied lifestyles and needs. 

“Offering a fresh take on the saloon, the EV4 saloon features a sleek, low nose and long-tail silhouette. The EV4 hatchback is a nimble, versatile all-rounder. Distinctive and clean, it is built to excel in any situation.”

The saloon version unashamedly squares up to the big-selling Tesla Model 3. However, the Kia is a more eye-catching car than the anodyne American.

Counting down to Kia EV Day

Digital render of a Kia EV4 Hatchback rear

Sharing a platform with the Kia EV3 SUV means the new EV4 will likely offer a choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery packs. 

With saloon designs typically boasting slipperier aerodynamics, the EV4 could potentially offer a range of up to 400 miles.

Kia has confirmed there will be a sportier GT-Line version of the EV4, too. However, the company is keeping quiet on power and performance figures for now.

Full details of the EV4 will be revealed at the Kia EV Day, to be held in Tarragona, Spain on 27 February 2025. Kia is also expected to use the event to unveil the EV2, its smallest electric car to date.

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