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ALPINA B8 GT: The Final Curtain for BMW’s 8 Series

As the BMW 8 Series approaches its swan song, ALPINA is sending it off in style with the ultimate iteration of the Gran Coupe: the ALPINA B8 GT Hommage. This exclusive model showcases the pinnacle of ALPINA engineering, blending luxury and performance into a truly limited offering of only 99 units. Among these, 20 will feature a rare two-tone Black Sapphire paint combined with Blue or Green II accents, making them even more coveted.

Under the hood, the B8 GT borrows the formidable 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the B5 GT, delivering an identical 625hp and 850Nm of torque. Enhanced by ALPINA’s meticulous tuning, the car rockets from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and reaches 200km/h in 10.5 seconds. For those lucky enough to test its limits, the B8 GT achieves a blistering top speed of 330km/h on the Autobahn.

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Lexus Announces the Farewell of RC and RC F Models with the 2025 Final Editions

After a decade on the market, Lexus has officially announced that the RC and RC F models will be discontinued at the end of the 2025 model year. Having sold over 90,000 units across 62 countries and regions, these iconic luxury coupes will bow out in style, offering enthusiasts one final chance to experience their exhilarating performance and unparalleled elegance.

The 2025 Lexus RC lineup, featuring minor updates, and the RC F, offered exclusively as a mono-spec Final Edition, are expected to arrive in dealerships early this year. These models reflect Lexus’s commitment to crafting precision-engineered luxury with performance and sophistication.

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Subaru Unveils 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid: Enhanced Efficiency Meets Legendary Capability

Subaru of America has announced the arrival of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, the third-generation model of the compact SUV. Set to debut in fall 2025, the new Crosstrek Hybrid boasts a next-generation series-parallel hybrid system seamlessly integrated with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Combining efficiency with the brand’s renowned capability, the hybrid model is a significant evolution in the Crosstrek lineup.

At the heart of the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle SUBARU BOXER engine paired with electric motors and a high-capacity, sealed lithium-ion battery rated at 1.1 kWh. The hybrid powertrain generates a total system output of 194 horsepower, delivering enhanced fuel efficiency without sacrificing the SUV’s off-road prowess. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek Hybrid maintains its rugged versatility, outperforming many full-size SUVs in terms of terrain adaptability.

Safety remains a cornerstone of Subaru’s design philosophy, and the Crosstrek Hybrid comes equipped with the latest iteration of the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The updated system features a wider field of view, improved control software, and an electric brake booster, enabling more accurate detection of cyclists and pedestrians. Additional safety measures include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Emergency Stop Assist. The latter is a groundbreaking feature that brings the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive, activating hazard lights, unlocking the doors, and contacting emergency services via SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services.

Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offers a tech-forward cabin designed for modern drivers. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is complemented by an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus touchscreen system. The multimedia interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. Additional entertainment and convenience features include Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM All-Access Radio with a complimentary trial, HD Radio, and over-the-air software updates.

The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid debuts two exclusive exterior colours, Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl, paired with 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels that emphasise the hybrid model’s unique character. Designed to harmonise Subaru’s advanced hybrid powertrain with its all-wheel-drive architecture, the Crosstrek Hybrid ensures that no capability is lost in the transition to greater efficiency.

As Subaru continues to innovate with environmentally conscious designs, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid reflects the brand’s commitment to blending sustainability with performance. The model’s nationwide release in September 2025 is set to reaffirm its status as a versatile and reliable choice for adventurers and eco-conscious drivers alike.

TCS Study Reveals Growing Consumer Interest in Electric Vehicles and Key Industry Challenges

A recent study conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services and business solutions, reveals that 64% of consumers are likely or very likely to consider an electric vehicle (EV) for their next purchase. The TCS Future-Ready eMobility Study 2025 offers an in-depth analysis of how EVs are influencing the future of sustainable mobility, shedding light on both opportunities and challenges within the EV industry.

Consumer Sentiment and Spending

Despite the growing interest in EVs, challenges surrounding infrastructure and costs remain significant barriers:

Charging Infrastructure: 60% of respondents identified inadequate charging networks as a major hurdle.
Affordability: 56% of consumers expressed a willingness to pay up to approximately RM186,400 for an EV.
Range Expectations: Preferences for EV range varied, with 41% favouring a range of 322–483km per charge and 31% preferring 483–644 km.

The survey encompassed over 1,300 participants from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, including transport manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, fleet adopters, consumers, and EV adoption influencers.

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Goodyear Sells Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries After Nearly 40 Years of Legal and Corporate Maneuvering

In a historic move, Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company has agreed to sell the iconic Dunlop brand to Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), marking the end of nearly four decades of complex agreements, legal disputes, and corporate negotiations. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by the end of the year and grants Sumitomo full ownership of the Dunlop brand, including its manufacturing rights.

This acquisition further strengthens SRI’s portfolio, which includes notable brands such as Falken and Ohtsu Tires. With Dunlop’s storied legacy and global recognition, the brand is set to become a centrepiece of SRI’s tyre empire.

The Deal Details
According to Powersports Business, Goodyear will receive approximately $701 million in cash from SRI for the transaction, which includes:

The transfer of the Dunlop brand across relevant geographies.
A “Transition Fee” for supporting the handover process.
The purchase of Dunlop tire inventory.
The deal also establishes ongoing arrangements for licensing, offtake agreements, and other specialized provisions to ensure a seamless transition.

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Mini Malaysia Introduces Locally-Assembled All-New Countryman S ALL4

Mini Malaysia has unveiled the All-New Mini Countryman S ALL4, a locally-assembled petrol-powered addition to the New Mini Family, offering enhanced versatility for diverse lifestyles.

The All-New Mini Countryman S ALL4, sharing its Favoured Trim with the 2024 electrified Countryman SE ALL4, features larger dimensions for improved spaciousness, comfort, and safety. Its bold exterior includes an upright profile, octagonal grille, LED lighting with customizable signatures, and striking 20-inch Windmill Spoke wheels.

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