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Will Honda Build A Prelude Type R?

The Honda Prelude is a car of many childhood dreams. It captured our imaginations, adorned our walls in the form of posters and then it disappeared into the history books.

So, when Honda announced it was reviving the icon back in 2023, there was a collective cheer all over.

But the original Prelude was a proper sports car, the new Prelude, well, was something entirely different.

It shared its underpinnings with the 11th generation Honda Civic, and though it has the chassis, suspension components and some oily bits from the Type R, it is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine as the Honda Civic e:HEV (hybrid).

And I am sure that we can all agree that 200hp and 315Nm of torque hardly qualified as a sports car.

So, the big question behind every Honda fan has undeniably been – is there going to be a Honda Prelude Type R?

I was recently at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show as a guest of Honda Malaysia. The company graciously organized a short interview with the Large Project Leader of the Honda Prelude, Tomoyuki Yamagami.

He was the perfect answer to answer that question since he is basically one of the few people who worked on the new sixth-generation Prelude from the ground up.

So, I couldn’t resist to ask – “will there ever be a Honda Prelude Type R” ?

His answer? No comment.

Not a yes, not a no, not even a maybe. A straight out no comment. And now, I can’t help but speculate because car makers will usually give you a straight out no we can’t do that if a model is not in their plans.

There have been some reports about the next generation Civic Type R being powered by a hybrid powertrain and with an automatic transmission rather than a manual. Both of which the Prelude already has. In fact, the Yamagami-san explicitly mentioned that a manual transmission is impossible to plonk into the Prelude. The car is just not designed for it, he said.

In fact, and again, according to Yamagami-san himself, the Prelude already shares suspension components with the Type R and has a quicker steering rack.

So, it may not be as fast as the Type R in its current guise, but the underpinnings are already there.

Which begs the question, will we see a Honda Prelude Type R?

Speculative at the moment, but there is a decent chance that we just might.

The Honda Prelude is confirmed for key markets around the world and judging from the fact that Honda Malaysia has offered every high-performance model since its inception (talking about you Civic Type R FD2R), I will bet that the Honda Prelude to be offered in Malaysia as well.

Just don’t expect it to be cheap.

Toyota Shares Its Future Plans for Asia

Toyota recently held an event in Japan called the Toyota Motor Asia Media Day, where it talked about its future plans for Asia. The company wants to focus on mobility for everyone and carbon neutrality, meaning it aims to make travel easier while reducing pollution.

Toyota said it wants to be the “Best in Town”, by building safe and reliable cars that help local communities. Its plan has three parts — improving cars (Mobility 1.0), giving more people access to transport (Mobility 2.0), and linking mobility with energy and city systems (Mobility 3.0).

Chairman Akio Toyoda said the company’s goal is not just to sell cars, but to create solutions that fit each community’s needs. A big part of this is the IMV project, which started in 2002 and made strong, affordable vehicles like the Hilux for developing countries. A new IMV series, including an electric version (IMV BEV), is now being developed.

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Singapore Warns Foreign Drivers with Unpaid Fines Could Be Denied Entry

Singapore police have issued a strong reminder to foreign motorists — including many Malaysians — that those who repeatedly ignore traffic summonses risk being turned away at the border.

According to NST, the warning follows an enforcement operation earlier this month, during which authorities recovered more than S$619,000 (around RM2.2 million) in unpaid fines from 241 foreign drivers over a three-day period. The crackdown was carried out at both the Woodlands Causeway and the Tuas Second Link, the main entry points for vehicles from Malaysia.

During the operation, officers stopped Malaysian-registered vehicles and other foreign cars found to have outstanding fines for offences such as speeding, illegal parking, or vehicle-related violations. Motorists were required to settle their fines on the spot before being allowed to continue their journey into Singapore.

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Toyota Confirms End of Supra Production in March 2026

After five years back on the market, Toyota has confirmed that the current-generation Supra will bow out in March 2026, marking the end of production for one of the brand’s most iconic sports cars. The announcement follows the introduction of the Final Edition earlier this year, signalling that the end was near for the much-loved GR Supra.

In a short but heartfelt statement, Toyota expressed gratitude to fans and customers who have supported the model over the years, acknowledging the disappointment among those still hoping to buy one before it’s gone. The company also advised interested buyers to contact local dealerships for alternative sports models once production ceases.

The reborn Supra made its global debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, arriving more than two decades after its predecessor left the market. Its return ended a 21-year hiatus, during which time Toyota gradually teased the car’s revival — first through concepts like the FT-1 in 2014 and later through prototypes co-developed with BMW.

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GWM Haval Unveils Larger, More Refined H6L SUV Ahead of November Launch

GWM’s Haval brand has officially revealed the new H6L, a larger and more premium take on its popular H6 SUV. Designed to sit above the standard H6, the petrol-powered H6L blends familiar styling with fresh design elements, updated technology, and expanded dimensions that push it closer to the midsize SUV segment.

Sharing its platform with the Xiaolong Max, the H6L retains the model’s sleek, modern proportions but introduces a number of subtle styling changes. The front now sports a reworked grille with a new mesh pattern and enlarged side air vents, giving the SUV a more confident and upright look.

Both the front and rear are defined by full-width light bars, with the illuminated “HAVAL” logo taking centre stage. Completing the design are black window trims, petal-style alloy wheels, and a cleaner rear bumper with hidden exhaust outlets.

The H6L stretches 4,800 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,730 mm in height, riding on a 2,810 mm wheelbase — dimensions that make it notably longer than the current H6 offered in Malaysia. This increase translates into more interior space and improved ride comfort, positioning the H6L as a more versatile option for families or long-distance travellers.

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Porsche Unveils the All-Electric Macan GTS – Performance, Precision, and Distinctive Design

Porsche has expanded its all-electric Macan line-up with the introduction of the Macan GTS, a model that redefines agility and driving precision in the electric SUV segment. With up to 571PS of overboost power, an electronically controlled rear differential lock, and sports air suspension with a lowered ride height, the GTS stands as the most dynamic version of the Macan Electric to date.

The GTS badge has carried weight among Porsche enthusiasts since the debut of the 904 Carrera GTS in 1963, symbolising performance with everyday usability. Now, for the first time, it adorns a fully electric Macan. The new GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in 13.3 seconds, and tops out at 250 km/h.

At the heart of the Macan GTS is the same high-output rear-axle electric motor found in the Macan Turbo, measuring 230 mm in diameter with a 900-amp silicon carbide inverter for maximum efficiency. Together with the front motor, it produces 516PS and peaks at 571PS with Launch Control, generating a formidable 955Nm of torque. The 100 kWh battery enables a WLTP range of up to 586 km, while 270 kW DC fast charging allows a 10–80% recharge in just 21 minutes.

The Sport Chrono Package comes as standard, now featuring a Track mode derived from the Taycan. This setting improves battery cooling to maintain consistent power output during demanding driving sessions, minimising performance drop-off under heat stress.

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BYD Introduces 2026 Qin L DM-i with 2,148km of Driving Range!

BYD has unveiled the 2026 Qin L DM-i, its latest plug-in hybrid sedan that brings a series of updates to interior controls, digital connectivity, and fuel efficiency. The new model delivers a pure-electric range of 128 km and achieves a remarkable NEDC-rated fuel consumption of 2.79 L/100 km, with a total driving range of 2,148 km. Two variants are available, priced between 92,800 yuan (around RM60,700) and 102,800 yuan (around RM67,200) during the launch period.

The 2026 Qin L DM-i continues to express BYD’s “New National Trend Dragon Face” design philosophy. The front fascia has been refined with a wide lower grille and sleek headlights connected by upward “dragon whisker” LED elements, adding visual width and a distinct character. The overall design maintains the sedan’s aerodynamic balance while giving it a more polished, modern appearance.

Inside, the cabin adopts a cleaner and more practical layout. The traditional gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted selector, freeing up space on the centre console. The new DiLink100 infotainment system introduces an enhanced interface with features such as a pet-themed display mode and an integrated karaoke system that functions without a microphone. Navigation is now more intuitive—drivers can sync destinations from their smartphones using a long-press drag or even a shake gesture. Music subscriptions can also be shared seamlessly between the car’s system and the user’s mobile device, creating a connected digital environment.’

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Xpeng Unveils Extended-Range X9 MPV with 1,602km Driving Range

Xpeng has introduced the extended-range version of its X9, a seven-seater mid-to-large MPV that combines long-distance capability with modern electric performance. While maintaining the familiar form of the fully electric X9, the new version features minor design updates and adds a range-extending powertrain that significantly boosts total driving distance. The new model will officially launch in the fourth quarter of 2025.

At the core of the new X9 is Xpeng’s Kunpeng super-extended-range system, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender (DAM15NTE) producing 148hp with a high-capacity 63.3kWh battery pack. The vehicle operates on an 800V high-voltage platform and supports 5C ultra-fast charging.

Under CLTC testing, it offers 452km of pure electric range and an impressive combined range of 1,602km. Official figures list combined fuel consumption at 0.15L/100km, or 6.4L/100km under certain conditions, highlighting its efficiency.

The exterior design largely mirrors the electric X9, with a few refinements. It adopts a split headlight layout complemented by three-stage LED daytime running lights and a closed front grille flanked by vertical air intakes. A new Aurora Blue exterior colour joins the range, while the front bumper incorporates an active dual-stage cooling system for improved aerodynamics.

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Porsche Working on New W18 Engine Design

Porsche has filed a new patent for a W18 engine — an engine with 18 cylinders, which is more than any engine currently in production. The patent, discovered by CarBuzz, was filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization and shows Porsche’s latest effort to make engines that are powerful but still efficient.

This new W18 engine is different from older “W” engines used by brands like Bentley and Bugatti under the Volkswagen Group. Those older designs were basically two V-shaped engines combined. Porsche’s new idea uses three separate cylinder banks, each with six cylinders, forming a real W shape.

The design could be changed easily. Porsche says it could also be built as a W12 (12 cylinders), W9 (9 cylinders), or even a W15 (15 cylinders) depending on what’s needed for different cars — from luxury SUVs to supercars.

Each cylinder bank has its own air intake system on top, which helps the engine breathe better and stay cooler. The air flows straight down into the engine, reducing resistance and improving performance. The exhaust system is designed to keep the intake air cool, which also increases power and efficiency.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Launched in Mauritius – Priced From RM157,153!

Big news from Proton International Corporation (PICSB)! They’ve officially rolled out the Proton e.MAS 7 in Mauritius.

This is kind of a big deal, as it makes Mauritius the fourth international spot to get Proton’s very first electric vehicle (EV). It’s only been about ten months since the car first launched in Malaysia, and it just recently helped Proton get back into the Singapore market, too. Clearly, the e.MAS 7 is already a hit—it’s now Proton’s third best-selling export model, right behind the classic Saga and the popular X50.

A Big Step for Proton’s EV Plan:
Launching the e.MAS 7 in new countries is a huge move for Proton. It really shows they’re serious about growing internationally and leading the charge in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). PROTON is quickly becoming a major EV player in the region, and the demand proves it! They’ve delivered over 6,500 units both at home and abroad since the car debuted.

This whole expansion plan is powered by Proton’s smart investments in electrification. They built a brand-new EV plant in Malaysia that can pump out up to 45,000 EVs a year. That facility is key to Proton’s goal of hitting 250,000 export units over the next few years and helping the world move toward sustainable driving.

Partnership and Power
PROTON’s been working with their trusted partner, Autonexx, for over 35 years in Mauritius, and this EV launch is just the latest success story. They both share the same goal: making electric mobility the future in Mauritius.

So, what about the car itself? The e.MAS 7 is offered in two variants in Mauritius—Prime and Premium. It’s offered with the same 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and shares the same specifications too.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. The electric drive unit packs a punch with 214hp of power and 320 Nm of torque.

It runs on advanced AEGIS Short Blade battery cells, and its 60.22 kWh battery gives you a WLTP-rated range of 410 km.

To make going electric worry-free, PROTON is offering a comprehensive warranty of 6 years or 150,000 km for the car, and an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery and components.

To celebrate the arrival, Proton Mauritius is offering an awesome early-bird promotion for the first 30 customers!

• The e.MAS 7 Prime is priced at Rs 1,690,000 (on the road, excluding insurance) (RM157,153) and comes with a free wallbox charger and a free e.motion card.
• The Premium version is Rs 1,850,000 (on the road, excluding insurance) (RM172,031) and includes the free wallbox charger and e.motion card, plus five years of free servicing (or up to 150,000 km).

If you are wondering why the Proton e.MAS 7 is much more expensive in Mauritius than in Malaysia, well that is because of the heavy taxation and excise duties that the government imposes on imported cars, something like what they Malaysian government does. Up to 100% in certain cases. On top of that, there is also a further 15% value added tax imposed.