Global News Archives

Volvo EX90 Named 2024 World Luxury Car of the Year Following Malaysian Debut

The newly launched all-electric Volvo EX90 has secured one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious accolades — the title of World Luxury Car of the Year 2024. The award, announced ahead of the New York International Auto Show, underscores Volvo’s leadership in combining premium design, sustainable innovation, and safety-focused technology in a singular package.

Chosen by a panel of 96 respected motoring journalists from 30 countries, the EX90 was praised for its refined Scandinavian aesthetics, cutting-edge electric performance, and groundbreaking safety systems. The recognition affirms the EX90’s status as the most advanced and safest vehicle Volvo has ever produced.

At the heart of this innovation lies Volvo Cars’ proprietary Superset technology stack, developed entirely in-house. The vehicle functions as a “computer on wheels,” utilising NVIDIA DRIVE AI platforms to power every aspect of its performance — from infotainment and safety functions to advanced driver assistance systems. This architecture allows for continuous improvement through over-the-air updates, making the EX90 more capable over time.

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Hyundai Unveils Next-Generation Hybrid Powertrain with Blend of Performance and Efficiency

In a move poised to redefine the hybrid segment, Hyundai Motor Group has introduced a ground-breaking hybrid powertrain that merges high-performance capability with everyday usability. The Korean automotive giant’s latest development marks a pivotal step in the evolution of electrified vehicles, aiming to deliver the benefits of full electric motoring without the limitations of charging infrastructure.

The newly engineered system centres on a dual-motor setup paired with optimised internal combustion engines. This advanced configuration ensures seamless transitions between petrol and electric power, offering spirited performance alongside notable improvements in fuel economy. Hyundai’s engineers have reduced mechanical complexity in the design, prioritising long-term reliability and ease of maintenance—two areas where conventional hybrids often draw scrutiny.

At the heart of the new system is a 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine, producing an impressive 334 PS and 460 Nm of torque—figures typically associated with performance SUVs. Yet, despite its muscular output, the unit boasts a remarkable 45 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard turbocharged engines. This leap in efficiency is attributed to a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including an advanced over-expansion cycle and a high-precision fuel injection system designed to extract maximum energy from every drop of fuel.

However, Hyundai’s vision extends beyond performance statistics. The hybrid powertrain incorporates a suite of intelligent features designed for real-world convenience. Predictive energy management evaluates upcoming driving routes to optimise power distribution between electric and petrol modes. Meanwhile, a newly developed ‘stay mode’ enables drivers to keep the climate control and infotainment systems running while the engine remains off—ideal for school runs, rest stops, or waiting in traffic.

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Kia Reveals 2026 K4 Hatchback with Sleek Design and Urban Agility at New York Show

Kia has officially introduced the 2026 K4 Hatchback at the New York International Auto Show, marking its return to the global stage one year after the successful unveiling of the all-new K4 sedan and the teaser of a vibrant Sparkling Yellow hatchback. Positioned as a dynamic, city-savvy alternative to its saloon counterpart, the new hatchback blends enhanced versatility with the same elevated technology and design language that defined the original K4.

The K4 Hatchback has been developed with urban lifestyles in mind, combining a shorter overall length with expanded cargo space and class-leading passenger comfort. It promises a more agile driving experience while maintaining generous interior dimensions, making it particularly suitable for urban environments and active users.

According to Kia America, the hatchback is not merely an extension of the K4 line, but a purposeful evolution designed to appeal to those who value both functionality and bold styling. The model is set to go on sale in the United States by late 2025 and will be offered in standard and GT-Line variants.

The new hatchback retains the assertive stance and contemporary silhouette of the K4 saloon while introducing distinctive styling elements. It features a floating roofline that integrates seamlessly with the rear hatch, along with a more athletic profile emphasised by hidden rear door handles embedded within the C-pillar. The vehicle also adopts Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy and includes design cues from the EV9, such as vertically stacked LED headlamps and tail-lamps.

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Porsche 911 GT3 Secures Nürburgring Record for Fastest Manual Production Car

Porsche has set a new benchmark at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with its latest 911 GT3 becoming the fastest production car fitted with a manual transmission to lap the legendary circuit. Behind the wheel of the record-setting vehicle was Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who completed the 20.832km course in a remarkable 6 minutes and 56.294 seconds, eclipsing the previous best by more than nine and a half seconds.

The achievement underscores Porsche’s commitment to driver-focused engineering, particularly at a time when fully automated systems and dual-clutch gearboxes dominate the performance car landscape. This record is especially significant considering the vehicle was equipped with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox rather than the brand’s quicker, seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission.

The 911 GT3, fitted with the Weissach package, delivered a performance that exceeded its predecessor’s PDK-assisted lap by 3.633 seconds, illustrating the substantial improvements made across key performance areas. Among the developments contributing to the enhanced pace were revisions to the suspension setup and chassis, largely influenced by insights gained from the more extreme 911 GT3 RS. The new model also features a revised gear ratio, shortened by eight per cent, which provides improved acceleration characteristics despite maintaining the same power output of 510PS.

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Volvo Unveils Electrified New S90 Sedan with Enhanced Comfort, Safety and Technology

Volvo Cars has officially unveiled the updated Volvo S90, a sleek and sophisticated evolution of its flagship sedan, now featuring a comprehensive suite of premium design elements, cutting-edge technology, and electrified powertrains aimed at enhancing comfort, safety and driving experience.

The new S90 embodies the Swedish automaker’s shift towards full electrification, offering both plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid variants. It blends modern Scandinavian aesthetics with advanced functionality, reaffirming Volvo’s commitment to innovation and sustainable luxury.

From the outside, the refreshed S90 presents a more contemporary and refined appearance. The redesigned front and rear fascias give the sedan a more assertive and polished silhouette, complemented by clean lines and an updated front grille with bold graphic detailing. A sculpted bonnet, reworked front wings, and a sharper front bumper contribute to the S90’s poised stance.

Signature design elements such as the Thor’s Hammer LED headlights have been reimagined with slimmer proportions and stretch all the way to the grille, now incorporating Volvo’s latest Matrix LED technology to enhance visibility in all conditions. At the rear, newly styled taillights integrate seamlessly with the overall design for a cohesive finish.

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Get Lost Transforms Iconic Lotus Elise S1 into Rally-Ready Project Safari

Surrey-based automotive start-up Get Lost has unveiled an audacious reinterpretation of the classic Lotus Elise S1, turning the revered lightweight sports car into a rugged off-road rally-raid machine. Known as Project Safari, the vehicle defies the Elise’s traditional road-hugging persona by embracing a radically altered design aimed at conquering rough terrain.

The Project Safari is intended as a provocative departure from the Elise’s original ethos. The team at Get Lost conceived the concept with the express purpose of challenging expectations. The Elise, first launched in the 1990s as a featherweight, track-focused sports car, has been extensively overhauled both aesthetically and mechanically to meet the demands of serious off-road driving.

Among the most significant engineering changes is the complete redesign of the car’s suspension system. The bespoke setup raises the ride height by 100mm, dramatically increasing ground clearance and enabling the vehicle to tackle uneven surfaces with greater assurance. The undertray has also been reinforced to withstand impacts from debris and rocks that might be encountered off-road.

To accommodate the vehicle’s new all-terrain Nankang tyres, the bodywork has been revised with flared wheel arches. A distinctive roof-mounted air intake, styled in homage to the Elise’s original front grille, now sits above the cabin, giving the vehicle a more aggressive silhouette. In contrast to the Elise’s famously smooth curves, Get Lost has equipped the Project Safari with rectangular LED headlights and a prominent front-end rally lamp pod, heightening the car’s off-road visual language.

While the original Rover-sourced 1.8-litre engine has been retired, Get Lost has not yet disclosed the powertrain chosen for the Project Safari. However, the company has confirmed that the new engine offers both enhanced performance and improved reliability—qualities essential for off-road capability. It is widely speculated that either Honda’s robust K-Series engine or Ford’s dependable Duratec unit has been installed, both of which are known for delivering significantly greater power than the Elise’s original 118bhp output.

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Hennessey Unveils Venom F5 Evolution: 2,031bhp, 0-322km/h in 10.3 Seconds!

Hennessey Special Vehicles has officially introduced the Venom F5 Evolution, a significantly upgraded iteration of its celebrated hypercar, now recognised as the most powerful road-legal car powered solely by an internal combustion engine. Developed in partnership with Ilmor Engineering, the new model generates power, accompanied by substantial improvements in aerodynamics, suspension, handling, and comfort.

The launch of the Venom F5 Evolution marks a pivotal moment in Hennessey’s ongoing mission to redefine the limits of performance and engineering. The Texan manufacturer, known for pushing the boundaries of speed and design, embarked on an intensive development programme following customer demand for enhanced capability. As a result, the F5 Evolution incorporates a comprehensive suite of upgrades designed to refine both on-track performance and grand touring comfort.

At the heart of this next-generation hypercar lies the newly optimised ‘Fury’ engine, a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 created through a collaboration with high-performance specialists Ilmor Engineering. Building upon the original powerplant, the revised engine benefits from advanced componentry including the world’s largest mirror-image turbochargers (Precision 76/80 Next Gen), Ilmor-designed billet aluminium pistons, extreme-duty aluminium connecting rods, lightweight titanium exhaust valves, high-capacity fuel injectors, and refined billet valve covers. These enhancements collectively contribute to an increase of 214 brake horsepower (bhp) over the original output.

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GAC Honda Launches P7 All-Electric SUV in China — First Model on Dedicated “Architecture W” Platform

GAC Honda has officially introduced the P7 in China, an all-electric SUV that represents the brand’s first venture under the newly developed “Architecture W”, a platform purpose-built for battery electric vehicles. With prices ranging from 199,900 to 249,900 yuan (around RM131,000 to RM164,000), the P7 arrives in three distinct variants, each aimed at redefining Honda’s presence in the EV segment.

The P7 makes a bold visual statement with its futuristic design language inspired by mechanical aesthetics. Its broad, low-slung profile is crafted for aerodynamic efficiency, enhanced by a seamless body construction that reduces drag. At the front, a closed-off grille is complemented by a full-width LED light bar, while the lower section features a blacked-out multi-slat bumper that adds visual depth and aggression to the SUV’s appearance. Notably, the P7 is also the first model to carry Honda’s latest brand emblem, signifying a new design direction for the marque.

Dimensionally, the P7 positions itself as a spacious option in its class. It stretches 4,750 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and stands at 1,625 mm tall, supported by an extended wheelbase of 2,930 mm. For comparison, this places it larger than the sixth-generation Honda CR-V currently sold in Malaysia, particularly in terms of wheelbase and overall width, which contributes to a notably high space utilisation rate of 85.8%.

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Kia and Innocean Berlin Launch ‘Soundscapes’ to Redefine the Road Trip Experience

Kia, in partnership with creative agency Innocean Berlin, has unveiled Soundscapes, an ambitious new project that reimagines how passengers experience movement. More than just a technological showcase, the initiative is a sensory-driven exploration of connection and inclusivity, offering a new way to interpret the world through sound.

The heart of the Soundscapes project lies in its innovative use of the Kia EV9’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). By capturing the surrounding topography in real-time, the vehicle’s AI system translates the natural landscape into music, transforming a standard road trip into an immersive, auditory journey. Passengers are invited to engage with their environment not through sight, but through a sonic interpretation of their surroundings.

This concept holds particular significance for visually impaired passengers. David Hilbert, Marketing Director at Kia Europe, stated that the project aims to demonstrate how technology can overcome barriers and enrich lives. Kia’s belief that “movement inspires ideas” serves as the foundation of this initiative, with Soundscapes acting as a tangible expression of that ethos.

The technical and creative execution was led by Innocean Berlin in collaboration with Harald Schaack of grotesk.group, who developed the system to map landscape features and feed them into a real-time music generator. Schaack’s algorithm interprets visual data from the ADAS system and translates it into audio signals.

To ensure these soundscapes were both expressive and grounded in emotional resonance, music producer Wonder Bettin of DaHouse GmbH was brought on board. Each natural object encountered by the vehicle was given a unique musical quality, chosen to reflect its perceived size, texture, and movement. Bettin explained that music has the power to awaken the imagination in profound ways, offering new perspectives and making the unseen deeply felt.

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Mazda’s Next-Generation MX-5 to Remain Light, Manual, and Naturally Aspirated

Despite the automotive industry’s ongoing shift towards electrification, digitalisation, and downsizing, Mazda has no intention of abandoning the core characteristics that have made the MX-5 a beloved icon for over three decades. Even after ten years on the market, the current ND-generation Miata remains a favourite among enthusiasts, and the Japanese marque appears committed to preserving its spirit in the forthcoming successor.

Masashi Nakayama, General Manager of Mazda’s Design Division, has confirmed that the next MX-5 will continue the brand’s pursuit of lightweight engineering, as reported by Road & Track. Mazda’s internal goal is to keep the future model’s kerb weight below 1,000kg. This weight target echoes the philosophy of the Japan-only ND 990S, which currently stands as the lightest version of the Miata at just 990kg.

While car buyers often anticipate more interior space with each new model generation, those hoping for a roomier MX-5 cabin may be left disappointed. Mazda’s engineers are determined to keep the vehicle compact, and the new model is expected to retain a length of under four metres. This would align closely with the current ND’s measurement of 154.1 inches, reaffirming the brand’s stance on maintaining the Miata’s signature footprint.

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Global News

Volvo EX90 Named 2024 World Luxury Car of the Year Following Malaysian Debut

Hyundai Unveils Next-Generation Hybrid Powertrain with Blend of Performance and Efficiency

Kia Reveals 2026 K4 Hatchback with Sleek Design and Urban Agility at New York Show

Porsche 911 GT3 Secures Nürburgring Record for Fastest Manual Production Car

Volvo Unveils Electrified New S90 Sedan with Enhanced Comfort, Safety and Technology

Get Lost Transforms Iconic Lotus Elise S1 into Rally-Ready Project Safari

Hennessey Unveils Venom F5 Evolution: 2,031bhp, 0-322km/h in 10.3 Seconds!

GAC Honda Launches P7 All-Electric SUV in China — First Model on Dedicated “Architecture W” Platform

Kia and Innocean Berlin Launch ‘Soundscapes’ to Redefine the Road Trip Experience

Mazda’s Next-Generation MX-5 to Remain Light, Manual, and Naturally Aspirated

Volvo EX90 Named 2024 World Luxury Car of the Year Following Malaysian Debut

Hyundai Unveils Next-Generation Hybrid Powertrain with Blend of Performance and Efficiency

Kia Reveals 2026 K4 Hatchback with Sleek Design and Urban Agility at New York Show

Porsche 911 GT3 Secures Nürburgring Record for Fastest Manual Production Car

Volvo Unveils Electrified New S90 Sedan with Enhanced Comfort, Safety and Technology

Get Lost Transforms Iconic Lotus Elise S1 into Rally-Ready Project Safari

Hennessey Unveils Venom F5 Evolution: 2,031bhp, 0-322km/h in 10.3 Seconds!

GAC Honda Launches P7 All-Electric SUV in China — First Model on Dedicated “Architecture W” Platform

Kia and Innocean Berlin Launch ‘Soundscapes’ to Redefine the Road Trip Experience

Mazda’s Next-Generation MX-5 to Remain Light, Manual, and Naturally Aspirated

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