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Great Wall Motor’s First Supercar to have a 4.0L V8 Plug-in Hybrid?

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has officially revealed a glimpse of its first-ever supercar, marking a bold entry into the high-performance automotive segment. Unveiled by Chairman Wei Jianjun on the company’s 35th anniversary, the yet-to-be-named model is set to feature a self-developed 4.0-litre V8 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system, positioning it as a formidable contender against BYD’s all-electric Yangwang U9.

The teaser image, shared on Wei Jianjun’s official Weibo account, showcases the prototype cloaked in a black film, with the GWM chairman and company executives gathered around it. Though heavily covered, the car’s long proportions, sloped bonnet, and muscular rear haunches suggest a mid- or rear-mounted engine layout. Prominent air intakes situated in front of the rear fenders reinforce expectations of a performance-focused design. The only difference between the U9 and this is that this does not feature the huge swan neck spoiler.

The supercar has been in development for several years, with reports tracing its origins back to 2021. GWM formally committed to the project in January 2025, during its general meeting, which also marked the initiation of a new luxury division internally codenamed “BG”. That same month, the company filed a new trademark, “自信汽车” (Zixin Qiche or “Confidence Auto”), with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), signalling a new direction under a premium sub-brand.

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Kia Unveils India-Built Carens Clavis EV – 168hp, 490km Driving Range

Kia Corporation has officially introduced the Carens Clavis EV, its first electric vehicle manufactured in India, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s electrification strategy. Designed specifically to address the evolving needs of emerging markets, the new electric recreational vehicle (RV) fuses Kia’s advanced EV technology with practical design and lifestyle-centric features.

The Carens Clavis EV represents Kia’s vision of inclusive and accessible electric mobility. With a focus on versatility, everyday comfort, and adaptability, this SUV-inspired RV is geared towards both urban commuters and families seeking a capable electric vehicle for longer journeys. Offering a refined blend of practicality and innovation, the Clavis EV sets out to make electric driving a seamless part of daily life.

The Carens Clavis EV is offered with two battery configurations: a 42 kWh unit delivering a certified range of 404km (ARAI, full MIDC cycle), and a larger 51.4 kWh pack extending range to 490km. Both versions are capable of charging from 10% to 80% in 39 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger. Customers can choose between two electric motor outputs, delivering either 132hp or 168hp and 255Nm of torque, ensuring ample acceleration even under full load.

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BMW M Commits to Performance Amid Tougher Euro 7 Emissions Standards

BMW M has confirmed its commitment to maintaining high-performance powertrains in the face of the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which will come into effect with significantly more stringent testing conditions. The new rules, although keeping current emissions limits from the Euro 6e standard, introduce a more rigorous set of testing protocols designed to better replicate real-world driving scenarios.

Under these updated requirements, vehicles must now remain emissions-compliant for a full decade or up to 200,000km, doubling the current durability standard. Furthermore, for the first time, emissions from brake dust and tyre particles will also be subject to regulatory scrutiny, expanding the environmental scope of the legislation beyond just tailpipe pollutants.

According to Autocar, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel acknowledged that meeting Euro 7’s technical demands was not the central issue. The primary challenge, he said, lay in preserving the level of performance expected from the marque’s engines.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Continues Reign as Malaysia’s Top-Selling EV

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a subsidiary of Proton, has reaffirmed its dominance in Malaysia’s electric vehicle sector with the continued success of the Proton e.MAS 7. The all-electric SUV maintained its position as the best-selling EV in the country for the sixth month running, having recorded 4,003 cumulative deliveries in the first half of 2025. This performance accounts for a commanding 23.4% share of the national EV market.

The consistent domestic uptake of the e.MAS 7 has been complemented by a growing international footprint. PRO-NET confirmed that 250 units of the model have been exported to emerging markets, including its latest entry into Trinidad and Tobago. These developments point to the e.MAS 7’s broader appeal beyond Malaysia’s borders, reinforcing its role as a viable global contender in the EV space.

The model’s sustained popularity has been attributed to Proton’s steadfast pricing strategy across both e.MAS 7 variants, underlining its long-term value for consumers. Instead of engaging in aggressive discounting tactics, the company has prioritised customer trust and satisfaction.

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Mitsubishi Triton Takes Centre Stage at ‘Live the Drive’ Event in Kota Bharu

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, is bringing its adrenaline-charged “Live the Drive” event to the outdoor car park of AEON Kota Bharu from 25 to 26 July 2025. Running from 10.00am to 10.00pm daily, the event invites the public to experience first-hand what sets the Mitsubishi Triton apart in the competitive pick-up segment.

Central to the event is a purpose-built off-road course designed to highlight the Mitsubishi Triton’s advanced features, including the Super Select 4WD-II system, intelligent seven-drive modes, and an upgraded rigid frame chassis. The demonstration aims to give participants a closer look at how the Triton delivers uncompromised performance, comfort, and control—even in extreme conditions.

A series of off-road challenges will be available to showcase the Triton’s engineering capabilities. Among them is the Uneven Rocky Terrain course, simulating plantation and construction site conditions, where the Triton’s combination of grip control and seat comfort stands out. In the Elephant Steps challenge, the vehicle’s 4LLC low-range gearing is pushed to its limits as it maintains traction even with a lifted wheel.

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Rise in Electric Vehicle Motion Sickness Tied to Sensory Mismatch and Vehicle Design, Say Researchers

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction globally, a growing number of passengers are reporting unexpected discomfort in the form of motion sickness. In 2024, EVs accounted for 22 per cent of all new car sales worldwide, a notable increase from 18 per cent in 2023, yet despite their rapid rise, many users are struggling with the physiological side effects of the EV driving experience.

Across social media platforms and online forums, reports of nausea while riding in electric cars, particularly from passengers in the rear seats, have become increasingly common, according to a report by The Guardian. Researchers are now working to uncover the reasons behind this discomfort, and recent findings suggest there is a scientific basis for the phenomenon.

According to William Emond, a doctoral researcher at the Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbéliard in France who specialises in vehicle-induced motion sickness, the issue stems from a lack of prior experience with the unique motion characteristics of electric cars. The human brain, he explained, relies heavily on learned signals, such as engine revs or vibration patterns, to anticipate acceleration and deceleration. Since EVs operate far more quietly and smoothly than their combustion-engine counterparts, these familiar cues are missing, leaving the brain struggling to interpret motion accurately.