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Malacca EV Battery Collection Plant Destroyed in Massive Fire

A fire broke out at an electronic waste and electric vehicle (EV) battery collection facility in the Bukit Rambai Industrial Area, Malacca, yesterday, reducing the plant to ruins. The incident occurred around 12:50 pm.

The Malacca Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received an emergency call at 12:51 pm and immediately deployed a fire rescue tender (FRT) vehicle, a water tanker, and seven personnel from the Tangga Batu fire station. Upon their arrival at 12:56 pm, approximately 90% of the facility—responsible for collecting and dismantling mobile and EV batteries for recycling—had already been consumed by flames.

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Stellantis Makes Breakthrough in Lithium-Sulphur Battery Technology

The automotive industry frequently sees claims of revolutionary advancements in EV battery technology, but Stellantis appears to have made a significant breakthrough. The company is developing lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries that promise to cut costs by half, improve rapid-charging speeds by 50%, and significantly reduce weight. Stellantis aims to integrate this technology into its vehicles by 2030.

The Li-S batteries are being developed in partnership with Texas-based Zeta Energy, a company that has been working on this technology since its founding in 2014. The key advantage of lithium sulphur lies in its gravimetric energy density—the amount of energy stored per unit of weight—which is crucial for improving EV efficiency.

A Game-Changer for EV Batteries

Currently, most EVs use lithium-ion batteries, with two dominant chemistries: nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP).

NMC batteries offer higher energy density but rely on expensive and environmentally sensitive materials.
LFP batteries are safer, longer-lasting, and more affordable but have lower energy density.

Lithium-sulphur technology has the potential to deliver the best of both worlds—high energy density and cost-effectiveness—while eliminating the need for nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite, making it a more sustainable solution.

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Aston Martin CEO Outlines Future Strategy, Wants More Manual Transmission Variants

After five months as CEO of Aston Martin, Adrian Hallmark is unveiling his vision for the brand’s future, drawing inspiration from Porsche’s model strategy and reaffirming his commitment to purist sports cars. Among his key priorities is the return of manual transmissions, an element he believes is crucial for delivering an engaging driving experience.

Hallmark highlighted the importance of developing multiple variants for each model, ensuring differentiation beyond simple colour and trim updates. “For a true, purist sports car experience, we need a manual,” he stated, hinting at potential future offerings. Aston Martin’s last manual transmission was featured in the limited-edition Valour and Valiant models, while the 2019 Vantage AMR was the most recent standard production manual model. Hallmark sees strong demand for manual sports cars, as demonstrated by the success of the Porsche 911 GT3 and S/T.

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Ford Set to Make a Triumphant Return to Le Mans 24 Hours in 2027

Ford has officially announced its return to the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race in 2027, aiming for overall victory with a new LMDh prototype as part of a World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign. The move marks the American automaker’s first full-factory assault on Le Mans since the Group C Ford C100 program in 1982.

The decision was revealed by Ford Motor Company’s Executive Chair, Bill Ford, during a motorsport launch event in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reflecting on the brand’s storied history at Le Mans, he highlighted the company’s iconic victories between 1966 and 1969 with the Ford MkII, MkIV, and GT40, as well as its triumph in the GTE Pro class in 2016, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first outright win.

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Renault Unveils the Filante Record 2025: A Tribute to Speed and Innovation

Renault has officially introduced the Filante Record 2025, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Renault Étoile Filante, celebrating its 70th anniversary. Inspired by the groundbreaking 1956 model, which set a world speed record of 308.9km/h on the Bonneville Salt Flats, this new concept embodies cutting-edge technology and aerodynamic excellence.

A Homage to Historic Innovation

The original Étoile Filante was a revolutionary vehicle powered by a gas turbine engine, a rare feat in automotive history. Seventy years later, Renault pays tribute to this engineering marvel by unveiling the Filante Record 2025, a concept designed for extreme speed and performance. While the Étoile Filante demonstrated Renault’s pioneering spirit in the mid-20th century, the new model integrates modern materials, aerodynamics, and sustainable engineering.

Advanced Aerodynamics and Lightweight Construction

The Filante Record 2025 is built with ultra-lightweight materials, ensuring optimal performance at high speeds. Its sleek, streamlined body is crafted for minimal air resistance, enhancing stability and efficiency. The design is a fusion of classic and futuristic elements, preserving the silhouette of the original model while incorporating state-of-the-art aerodynamic principles.

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Ford Performance Unveils Two New Supercharged Crate Engines for 2025

Ford Performance has announced the introduction of two new high-performance crate engines, the 7.3-litre Megazilla 2.0 V8 and the 5.0-litre Supercharged Coyote V8, designed to provide significant power upgrades for both competition and street applications.

Megazilla 2.0: A 1,000+ Horsepower Powerhouse

The Megazilla 2.0 is an evolution of Ford’s original Megazilla V8, now enhanced with a Gen 6 3.0-litre Whipple Supercharger. This combination results in an estimated 1,000+hp, making it one of the most powerful crate engines Ford has ever produced.

Built for competition use only, the engine is intended for applications such as drag racing and desert off-road racing. Key features include:

Forged pistons, connecting rods, and a steel crankshaft for enhanced durability.
Ported and polished cylinder heads with upgraded valve springs for improved airflow and efficiency.
A high-performance supercharger to maximise power output.

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