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Yangwang U9 Track Edition Revealed – Over 3,000hp and Nurburgring Ambitions

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has quietly dropped a bombshell in its latest product catalogue, details of a new Yangwang U9 Track Edition, a hardcore electric supercar that’s about to make even the most exotic EVs sweat.

According to Car News China, this new variant of BYD’s flagship performance machine sticks with the U9’s signature quad-motor setup, one electric motor per wheel, but cranks the numbers up to a staggering 3,019hp. Top speed is officially listed at 350km/h, and if that sounds like overkill, it’s worth noting the current road-going U9 “only” makes 1,287hp and is priced at 1.68 million yuan (around RM1.09 million).

Visually, the Track Edition isn’t a wild departure from the standard model, but the details hint at its more aggressive nature. The example in MIIT’s filing wears deep red paint with a gloss black styling pack, sitting on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 325/35 R20 rubber. Lightweight carbon-fibre is used extensively, including for the roof and the massive fixed rear wing, while the rear diffuser comes with adjustable blades to fine-tune downforce. Optional aero bits will be offered too, including a more extreme carbon-fibre front splitter or an electrically adjustable rear wing.

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Proton Rides Sales Surge with Strong July Performance

Proton has entered the second half of 2025 on a high note, recording a marked rebound in sales as the Malaysian car market recovered from a sluggish June. The national automaker registered 13,518 units sold in July, a 22.1 per cent increase over the previous month, bringing its year-to-date total to 85,674 units. This performance has secured Proton second place in the national sales rankings.

The company’s market share for July is estimated at 19.2 per cent, with the year-to-date figure standing at 19.3 per cent – an improvement of 0.6 percentage points compared with the full-year share of 18.7 per cent achieved in 2024, a record-breaking year for the Malaysian automotive industry. The Total Industry Volume for July is projected at 70,545 units, representing a 28.7 per cent rise from June and ranking as the second-highest monthly figure for 2025.

The newly launched Proton X50 was a major driver of last month’s growth. Introduced on 24 July, the B-segment SUV saw 999 units delivered in its first week, contributing to a total of 2,068 units for the month – the third time this year the model has surpassed the 2,000-unit mark.

With an updated exterior, enhanced interior, new intelligent features, and a marketing push aimed at younger buyers, the X50 has quickly gained momentum both online and in showrooms. Production is expected to reach 5,000 units by the end of August, with bookings approaching five figures, setting the stage for another strong month ahead.

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Johor Pushes for Tougher Laws on Foreign Vehicles Using Subsidised Fuel

The Johor state government has renewed calls for the federal administration to tighten existing laws to enable direct action against owners of foreign-registered vehicles caught purchasing subsidised RON95 petrol.

According to NST, Johor’s Investment, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources executive committee chairman, Lee Ting Han, stated that the proposal had been put forward to the federal government four months ago. He explained that under current regulations, enforcement measures can only be taken against petrol station operators, leaving foreign motorists who breach the rules largely untouched by legal consequences.

Lee stated that the state government intends to persist in lobbying for an amendment that would grant officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry the authority to penalise offenders directly. He stressed that such changes are necessary to protect national resources and ensure compliance with Malaysian law.

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Honda Marks 60 Years Since Historic F1 Victory with Limited-Edition RA272 Models

Honda has announced a collaboration with renowned scale model maker Amalgam to produce a limited run of meticulously hand-built replicas of the RA272 Formula 1 car, commemorating the 60th anniversary of its first Grand Prix victory.

The collection will feature just 30 models at 1:8 scale, each priced at USD 28,995 (approximately RM135,000), alongside 300 units at 1:18 scale costing USD 1,735 (around RM8,000). Built as collector’s items rather than playthings, these precision-crafted pieces are aimed squarely at enthusiasts and serious collectors.

The Japanese manufacturer is marking the landmark of its 1965 Mexico Grand Prix triumph, a race that saw Richie Ginther steer the RA272 to Honda’s first-ever Formula 1 win, and the first for any Japanese car, engine, or team. Remarkably, this achievement came just two years after the company entered the automotive market.

Each model consists of over 1,600 precision-engineered components and will be supplied with a signed certificate of authenticity and a commemorative booklet from Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe. Amalgam, known for its highly detailed scale replicas of iconic cars, many carrying five-figure price tags, is regarded as a natural partner for the project.

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Over 1,000 High-Risk Road Areas Identified for Urgent Safety Upgrades

The Ministry of Public Works (KKR) has identified more than 1,000 localities across the country as high-risk areas, or “black spots”, requiring immediate infrastructure and road safety improvements.

According to Harian Metro, Minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the majority of these areas are located along federal roads and are characterised by sharp bends, insufficient lighting, and damaged road surfaces. He confirmed that the government is prioritising remedial works to address these hazards.

As part of ongoing measures to improve safety in accident-prone zones, 300 solar-powered street lights have recently been installed along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB).

The minister explained that the installation process is being carried out in phases, beginning with locations that have a high incidence of accidents, particularly at night.

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Porsche Launches Next-Generation 911 Cup for 2026 Racing Season

Porsche has unveiled the new 911 Cup, the latest evolution of its one-make racing car, which will compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the various Carrera Cup championships, and other Porsche-sanctioned series from the start of the 2026 season.

Based on the 992.2 generation of the 911, the model introduces a range of refinements aimed at increasing performance, reducing running costs, and simplifying handling for both drivers and teams. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 520PS, an increase of 10PS over its predecessor, without affecting the 100-hour service interval before an overhaul is required.

The new naming convention sees the car officially designated as the 911 Cup, as Porsche moves to streamline its motorsport nomenclature. Future models will only carry the ‘GT’ suffix when intended for open-brand racing or specific segments, as with the new 911 GT3 R launched alongside it.

As before, production takes place at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant alongside road-going 911 GT models, a strategy that has already seen 1,130 units of the current 911 GT3 Cup produced since 2020, contributing to a total of 5,381 Porsche 911 one-make racing cars built to date.

The car features a more aggressive exterior, with a front end that mirrors the 992.2-generation 911 GT3. The three-piece front spoiler lip allows damaged sections to be replaced individually, reducing spare parts costs, while the removal of daytime running lights helps prevent radiator damage in collisions. Integrated louvre vents in the front wings improve airflow and downforce, complemented by an optimised underbody and turning vanes behind the front arches for better high-speed stability and cornering precision.