Piston.my

Global News

Bentley Motors has officially opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art design studio with the unveiling of a bold new concept vehicle, EXP 15. This luxury grand tourer reimagines Bentley’s early 20th-century design philosophy through a modern lens, capturing the essence of the marque’s heritage while offering a glimpse into its electrified future.

Positioned as a visionary study rather than a production model, EXP 15 is a full-scale physical representation of what Bentley sees as the evolution of grand touring. Drawing design inspiration from the iconic 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman Coupe, commonly referred to as the “Blue Train,” the EXP 15 combines a timeless silhouette with advanced technology, modern aerodynamics, and sustainable materials. The long bonnet, upright grille, and set-back cabin evoke the romanticism of Bentley’s racing past, but with cutting-edge surfacing and high-tech lighting that place the model firmly in the present.

The exterior design adheres to five core principles that Bentley says will shape its next generation of cars. These include the concept of ‘Upright Elegance,’ where the car’s front exhibits a vertical line akin to a poised thoroughbred, the ‘Iconic Grille,’ which retains Bentley’s signature face while adapting to electric vehicle requirements, the ‘Endless Bonnet Line’ that stretches seamlessly toward the rear pillar, the ‘Resting Beast’ stance inspired by the powerful but relaxed posture of a big cat, and the ‘Prestigious Shield,’ which reflects a clean rear profile, echoing the luggage compartments of vintage Bentleys.

(more…)

Land Rover has introduced the Defender OCTA Black, a striking new interpretation of its high-performance off-roader that blends extreme capability with heightened luxury and an unmistakably bold attitude.

This new variant of the Defender OCTA sets itself apart with a dramatic Narvik Black finish, the deepest shade available in the Defender palette. While a glossy finish comes standard, owners can opt for a Matte Protective Film for added personalisation. In total, more than 30 elements on its exterior have been redesigned in black, contributing to a more purposeful and aggressive presence.

Both the front undershield and rear scuff plates are now treated with Satin Black Powder Coat, while recovery eyes at both ends match in the same subdued finish. The tow eye cover at the front and quad exhaust outlets at the rear are rendered in Gloss Black, enhancing the its visual symmetry.

Even the Land Rover grille emblem has been updated, featuring a dark silver script within a black oval. The underbody, including the exhaust silencer cover and the optional deployable towbar, also adopts a gloss or satin black finish.

Buyers can choose between 20-inch forged wheels or 22-inch Gloss Black alloys, both fitted with black centre caps and Shadow Atlas Defender script. Gloss Black brake callipers featuring Sentient Silver script complete the menacing exterior package.

(more…)

Porsche’s upcoming all-electric Cayenne has begun to make headlines even before its official debut, as the German marque puts a near-production prototype through its paces in a series of global tests. The new SUV is currently undergoing fine-tuning and validation, but already it has demonstrated record-setting performance and remarkable day-to-day usability in a string of early public appearances.

One of the most striking showcases took place at the historic Shelsley Walsh hill climb in England. There, as part of a film production, Porsche sent its camouflaged electric SUV up the narrow and demanding course, where it went on to break the previous record for a sport utility vehicle by more than four seconds. Gabriela Jílková, a simulator and development driver with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, piloted the vehicle up the 914-metre course, which features gradients of up to 16.7 per cent and is just 3.5 metres wide at certain points. On her first attempt, she completed the climb in 31.28 seconds, setting a new benchmark for SUVs at the century-old motorsport venue.

Jílková noted that despite the unforgiving nature of the course—with minimal room for error and no run-off zones—the prototype’s advanced chassis and suspension provided outstanding stability and responsiveness. Her confidence in the vehicle’s handling, even under extreme conditions, underscored the dynamic capability Porsche is building into its electric Cayenne.

(more…)

Nissan is preparing to begin exports of electric vehicles (EVs) produced at its Chinese manufacturing facilities starting in 2026, as part of a strategic plan to revitalise its global business. Target markets for these exports include Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions where the company already maintains an established after-sales service network.

The Japanese automaker, which has been grappling with delays in product rollouts and structural inefficiencies, is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its global production framework. Central to its turnaround plan is the export of EVs assembled in China, capitalising on the country’s manufacturing scale and cost advantages.

Leading this export initiative is the Nissan N7, a mid-size sedan developed through the company’s joint venture in China. Introduced to the Chinese market in April, the N7 rapidly achieved 10,000 orders, marking the fastest uptake for a joint-venture brand in the region. The model is manufactured at Nissan’s plant in Guangzhou, located in Guangdong Province.

The N7 features advanced automotive software enhanced by artificial intelligence developed by Chinese technology firms. However, for Nissan to distribute the vehicle internationally, modifications to the software will be necessary due to regulatory limitations on the use of China-origin AI in certain countries. To support this requirement, Nissan has invested in IAT Automobile Technology, a local software developer tasked with tailoring software for export models.

(more…)

The next-generation BMW iX3, the first production model of BMW’s groundbreaking Neue Klasse, is approaching the final stages of development. Currently undergoing intensive testing at BMW’s Miramas facility in southern France, the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle is set for its world debut at the IAA Mobility event in Munich in September 2025. Production will commence later this year at the marque’s cutting-edge facility in Debrecen, Hungary.

Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse at BMW, confirmed that the iX3 will deliver major technological upgrades aimed at redefining driving pleasure. Designed with an entirely new powertrain, advanced operating systems, and intelligent computing architecture, the iX3 is set to raise the bar for electric mobility across the BMW lineup. Innovations introduced in this model will be rolled out to all future BMW vehicles, irrespective of their propulsion systems.

At the core of this transformation lies a suite of technological advancements that include a sixth-generation (Gen6) electric powertrain, a radically new display and interaction concept dubbed BMW Panoramic iDrive, and a cluster of four high-performance computing systems referred to as the “superbrains”.

The Gen6 electric powertrain represents a significant leap in performance and efficiency. Featuring newly developed cylindrical battery cells with 20% higher energy density than the prismatic ones previously used, the high-voltage battery has been structurally integrated into the vehicle chassis. This evolution not only enhances range—up to 800km on the WLTP cycle—but also allows for ultra-fast charging. The iX3 50 xDrive can regain over 350km of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a high-capacity 400 kW charger, courtesy of its new 800V architecture.

(more…)

Porsche has introduced a striking new special edition of its iconic 911, paying tribute to the Porsche Club of America (PCA) as it marks its 70th anniversary. The latest iteration, dubbed the 911 Club Coupe, continues the tradition of exclusive, enthusiast-focused models dedicated to the world’s largest Porsche owners’ club, which was founded in 1955 by Bill Sholar.

Limited to just 70 examples, this celebratory model is based on the 911 Carrera T and will be sold across the United States and Canada. The car retains Porsche’s revered flat-six engine, tuned to deliver 388hp, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. Enhancing its sporting prowess, the 911 Club Coupe benefits from Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport Suspension with a 10 mm lower ride height, along with a mechanical limited-slip differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring.

A significant highlight of the new model is its bespoke paint finish. Presented in Sholarbluemetallic—a refined metallic version of the Clubblau hue first introduced in 2015—the colour was developed through close collaboration between Style Porsche, Exclusive Manufaktur and the PCA over the course of 2023. This unique shade reinforces the model’s exclusivity and heritage.

Visually, the Club Coupe distinguishes itself with a SportDesign front fascia featuring red highlights and 20/21-inch RS Spyder wheels finished in Satin Black with Brilliant Silver accents. Subtle nods to the PCA’s signature palette continue with Brilliant Silver door logos, a matching rear 911 decal, and Guards Red grille slats inlays. Instead of the standard Vanadium Grey mirrors from the Carrera T, the Club Coupe’s are painted in body colour to elevate the design further. A special “70 Year PCA” badge mounted on the grille pays homage to the occasion.

(more…)

The new BMW M2 CS has redefined expectations in the compact sports car segment with a record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On 11 April 2025, BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger piloted the latest generation of the M2 CS around the legendary 20.823km circuit in just 7 minutes and 25.5 seconds. This performance shaved a full eight seconds off the previous record in the compact category and improved upon Weidinger’s own best time in the previous M2 model by 13 seconds.

This achievement not only places the M2 CS at the forefront of its class but also adds another milestone to BMW M’s storied legacy of performance excellence on one of the world’s most demanding circuits. The Nürburgring, often dubbed the ‘Green Hell’, is considered the ultimate proving ground for high-performance vehicles, with over 70 corners testing a car’s dynamics, stability, and engineering prowess. Each record attempt is closely supervised and verified by independent testing authorities, ensuring all vehicles remain in production-spec condition.

Weidinger’s new lap time surpasses the benchmark previously held by the BMW M4 CS, M4 CSL, and M3 CS—three mid-size models that had all previously dipped below the 7:30-minute barrier. Among them, the M4 CSL remains the fastest production car in BMW Group history, with an officially notarised time of 7:18.137 minutes.

(more…)

Hyundai Motor Company is set to make headlines at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed on 10 July 2025, where it will officially unveil the highly anticipated IONIQ 6 N. As excitement builds ahead of the global premiere, the company has offered a first glimpse at the advanced performance technologies embedded in the new model, designed to take electric sports sedans into a new era.

Positioned as the latest flagship of the brand’s N division, the IONIQ 6 N has been engineered with a focus on delivering heightened driver engagement and dynamic capability. The model leverages its streamlined sedan silhouette to achieve a notably low ride height, which forms the basis for a completely reworked suspension system.

Central to this development is a fully redesigned suspension geometry, which includes a lower roll centre and extended caster trail. These refinements are intended to sharpen the car’s steering feedback, improve its on-centre feel, and enhance self-centring behaviour. Complementing the physical setup are newly introduced electronically controlled stroke-sensing dampers (ECS), which aim to strike a delicate balance between comfort and razor-sharp handling. Hyundai believes this combination will inspire confidence across a range of driving scenarios, from everyday use to spirited performance.

(more…)

Porsche has unveiled three new additions to its 911 family, introducing the latest Carrera 4S in both coupé and cabriolet forms, alongside the Targa 4S. Positioned just below the high-performance GTS variants, the new models double the all-wheel-drive options available in the current 911 range, bringing the total to six. These additions not only enhance driving dynamics but also provide expanded standard equipment and greater customisation opportunities for enthusiasts.

The choice of all-wheel-drive models remains popular among Porsche buyers, particularly in the ‘S’ segment, where around half opt for the added traction benefits. Designed to inspire confidence in varying weather conditions and on demanding roads, the new 911 all-wheel-drive models retain a rear-biased layout. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) adjusts torque distribution as needed, sending more power to the front axle to maintain stability. The system continues to use an electromechanically controlled, water-cooled clutch assembly in the front differential, though the gear ratio has been slightly revised. Notably, the Targa body style remains exclusive to the all-wheel-drive configuration.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

Beneath the surface, the new models share a reworked powertrain first seen in the updated Carrera S. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine now produces 480PS, delivering 30PS more than its predecessor. This increase is attributed to an improved intercooler setup, drawing inspiration from the 911 Turbo, which enables enhanced thermal efficiency and throttle response. Power is channelled to all four wheels via Porsche’s eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.

(more…)

Maranello has officially introduced the Ferrari Amalfi, the latest addition to its prestigious line-up and the successor to the Ferrari Roma. This new front-mid-engine V8 2+ coupé reimagines modern sportiness with an emphasis on performance, versatility, and design sophistication, marking a new chapter in Ferrari’s legacy of grand tourers.

The Amalfi is powered by the newest iteration of Ferrari’s acclaimed 3,855 cc twin-turbo V8 from the F154 engine family, a power unit that holds the distinction of being one of the most awarded in recent automotive history. In this latest configuration, the engine produces 631hp at 7,500 rpm, with a redline at 7,600 rpm. This heightened performance is achieved through meticulous tuning, including an advanced turbo management system that independently regulates each turbocharger’s speed, now capable of spinning up to 171,000 rpm.

Precision is further enhanced with dedicated pressure sensors on each cylinder bank and a new engine control unit, shared with other top-tier models such as the 296 GTB, Purosangue, and 12Cilindri.

Power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch oil-bath transmission, originally introduced with the SF90 Stradale. The transmission has been refined for the Amalfi, integrating a more powerful control unit and deeper coordination with the engine, which results in quicker, smoother gear changes.

Performance figures underscore Ferrari’s ambition for the model: 0 to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds, 0 to 200km/h in 9.0 seconds, and a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 2.29kg/hp. To complement the raw power, the driving dynamics have been significantly improved through a recalibrated steering box, a brake-by-wire system, and the ABS Evo controller. Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by an integrated rear active wing, which adjusts to maintain stability and maximise performance across all drive modes.

Engine acoustics were not overlooked. Engineers developed a new silencer layout that complies with stringent global noise regulations while preserving the distinctive Ferrari exhaust note.

Aesthetically, the Ferrari Amalfi takes the design language first introduced with the Roma and evolves it into something more sculptural and assertive. Created under the direction of Flavio Manzoni at the Ferrari Styling Centre, the exterior is built around a sleek, monolithic form with minimal surface interruptions. Angular contours and geometric cuts along the bodywork highlight its dynamic proportions. The front fascia dispenses with a traditional grille, replaced by a floating body-coloured wing that hovers above a dark recess housing sensors and headlamps, while the lower splitter adds to the SUV’s broad and athletic stance.

The rear is equally dramatic, with a pronounced character line that envelops the back of the car, tapering into a clean, compact tail. The tail lights are integrated into sharp graphic cuts, reminiscent of classic Ferraris, and a large functional diffuser underlines the vehicle’s performance credentials. The rear windscreen flows seamlessly into the spoiler, forming a distinct silhouette that reinforces the car’s identity. A debut colour, Verde Costiera—an iridescent teal inspired by the Amalfi coast—emphasises the muscular bodywork and brings a new vibrancy to the line-up.

The Amalfi rides on 20-inch alloy wheels that reflect its assertive stance without compromising comfort. Tyres measure 245/35 R20 at the front and 285/35 R20 at the rear. Both Pirelli P ZERO and Bridgestone Potenza Sport have partnered with Ferrari to develop rubber optimised specifically for the model.

Inside, the dual-cockpit layout offers a driver-focused, yet passenger-conscious experience. The interior is segmented into two distinct zones, visually linked through the dashboard, centre console, and door panels. The design avoids unnecessary ornamentation in favour of a cleaner, contemporary form. Premium materials are used throughout, while technological elements are integrated to preserve a sense of elegance and focus.

A first for Ferrari, the dashboard fuses the instrument panel and air vents into a single block. The floating centre tunnel, machined from a solid aluminium billet, houses the gear selector gate, a wireless charging pad, the ignition key slot, and essential controls. Door grips are concealed within wing-shaped panel sections, and speaker grilles are made from perforated aluminium for a refined touch.

Interior colour options mirror the vehicle’s athletic intent. The show car features a dramatic Verde Bellagio hue, which enhances the dynamic nature of the design. Optional comfort seats are available in three sizes and come equipped with ten inflatable chambers to provide massage functions across five programmes and three intensity levels, along with ventilation for both seat and backrest.

For audiophiles, the optional Burmester® Premium Audio System raises the in-cabin experience. With 14 speakers and 1,200 watts of output, the system delivers pristine sound reproduction. Ring radiator tweeters handle high frequencies, while a choice of three audio presets enables personalisation of the sound environment. The aesthetic integration of the system matches the car’s overall design refinement, combining form and function in equal measure.

The Ferrari Amalfi, through its blend of cutting-edge technology, heritage design language, and versatile performance, represents a contemporary reimagining of the grand tourer. With this launch, Ferrari signals its continued evolution while remaining deeply rooted in the marque’s defining spirit of elegance and performance.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube