Author

Alex Ryder

Automotive Journalist & Test Driver

Alex spends his life behind the wheel, testing everything from electric vehicles to rugged off-roaders. He delivers honest, in-depth reviews, reports on the latest industry news, and offers practical maintenance tips for car owners.

17 articles

Publications

Articles

Posts by Alex Ryder on brawdesigns.com.

Aluminum sports car chassis with exposed battery pack in a modern, brightly lit automotive engineering lab.

CARS

21/10/2026Alex Ryder

Porsche Electric 718 Keeps Mid-Engine Balance with Behind-the-Seat Batteries

Porsche is ditching the conventional skateboard battery layout to preserve the legendary handling of the upcoming electric 718 Boxster and Cayman. By stacking the battery cells vertically behind the cockpit, the new architecture replicates the low-slung seating and central balance of a traditional mid-engine sports car. Discover how this bespoke engineering choice protects agile dynamics and authentic road feel in an era of heavy electric vehicles.

Modern electric retro beach buggy on a sunny coastal road with palm trees and ocean views.

CARS

21/10/2026Alex Ryder

Electric Moke Mk2 Gains Double the Range and Faster Speeds for Real-World Roads

The iconic open-air beach buggy gets a serious mechanical overhaul with the arrival of the Electric Moke Mk2. Thanks to a larger battery that pushes range beyond the 100-mile mark and a higher top speed, the retro runabout graduates from a golf-cart-adjacent novelty into a truly usable coastal cruiser. Explore how the latest engineering upgrades blend 1960s resort style with the modern performance needed for everyday suburban roads.

Vintage Maserati 5000 GT Frua parked in a sunlit Italian restoration garage with tools in the background.

CARS

20/10/2026Alex Ryder

The First Maserati 5000 GT Frua Returns After Decades in Hiding

After disappearing into the Middle East for nearly three decades, the very first Maserati 5000 GT bodied by Pietro Frua has resurfaced to reclaim its place in vintage motoring lore. Commissioned for the world's elite and powered by a ferocious race-bred V8 engine, this rare Italian grand tourer survived long periods of obscurity before undergoing a monumental international rescue.

White Volkswagen ID.4 parked in an empty lot under dramatic overcast skies, focus on the open charging port.

CARS

17/10/2026Alex Ryder

Volkswagen Recalls Thousands of ID.4 Electric SUVs Over Unresolved Battery Fire Risk

Volkswagen has issued a safety recall for over 22,000 ID.4 electric SUVs following federal warnings of a severe high-voltage battery fire risk. With engineers still working on a permanent fix, drivers are being urged to immediately modify their charging habits and parking routines to avoid dangerous battery overheating. Learn which model years are impacted and what essential precautions you need to take right now to protect your vehicle and home.

Modern electric car interior with a digital dashboard map, empty steering wheel, and a quiet highway ahead.

CARS

17/10/2026Alex Ryder

Tesla Rebrands Full Self-Driving in Europe Following Pressure from Regulators

Under intense pressure from European transport authorities and consumer watchdogs, Tesla is dropping its ambitious Full Self-Driving moniker across the continent. Regulators argued the original branding misled buyers about vehicle autonomy and created dangerous driver complacency on public roads.

Military heavy-duty pickup truck in desert camouflage parked on a dusty trail with roof-mounted sensors and lidar.

CARS

14/10/2026Alex Ryder

GM Defense Transforms the Chevrolet Silverado into an Autonomous Military Supply Truck

GM Defense is turning the commercial Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD into a fully autonomous tactical supply vehicle designed to navigate hostile territory without a human driver. By integrating drive-by-wire systems, lidar, and optical cameras into a familiar civilian platform, the project aims to keep soldiers out of vulnerable resupply convoys while cutting logistics costs.

Close-up of a modern rally car with carbon fiber panels, mud-splattered tires, and a rear spoiler in a workshop.

CARS

04/10/2026Alex Ryder

Ford Returns to WRC as a Full Factory Team for 2028

Ford is officially returning to the World Rally Championship as a full-fledged factory team for the 2028 season, ending years of competing as a semi-privateer outfit. By elevating its long-running partnership with M-Sport through full corporate funding and technical support from Ford Performance, the American automaker aims to challenge heavyweights Toyota and Hyundai head-on.

Empty car interior at dusk with a glowing map touchscreen and a smartphone on the console in cinematic lighting.

CARS

02/10/2026Alex Ryder

Connected car privacy and how modern vehicles track your personal data

Modern vehicles have evolved into sophisticated data collection hubs that track far more than just basic driving habits. From paired smartphone records and precise location histories to cabin camera feeds, connected cars quietly build detailed profiles of their drivers' daily routines. Learn how automakers harvest your personal telemetry through infotainment systems and mobile apps, and discover what you can do to reclaim your digital privacy on the road.

CLOTHING

22/11/2025Alex Ryder

How to choose clothing fabrics that suit your lifestyle and climate?

Choosing the right clothing fabric can enhance your comfort and style based on your daily activities and climate. Natural fibers offer breathability, while synthetics provide durability.

Why electric combination boilers are the ideal heating solution for flats in London?

HOME

07/11/2025Alex Ryder

Why electric combination boilers are the ideal heating solution for flats in London?

Finding the perfect heating for your London flat is tough. Electric combination boilers (combis) are a game-changer for urban dwellers, offering efficiency, space-saving design, and eco-friendliness. Discover why these innovative systems are the smart, sustainable solution for modern London homes.

GARDEN

28/09/2025Alex Ryder

How to attract birds to your garden in the winter?

Create a winter bird haven by providing nutritious food, clean feeders, fresh water, and shelter. Attract diverse species and support local wildlife through the cold months with expert tips.

Simple ways to lower your energy bills this winter

HOME

01/09/2025Alex Ryder

Simple ways to lower your energy bills this winter

Cut your winter energy bills with proven tips: seal drafts, optimize your thermostat, maintain heating, use appliances wisely, and tap government incentives for a cozy, cost-efficient home.