Global News Archives

Toyota Announces Return to Formula 1, Technical Partner for Haas F1 Team

Toyota has announced its return to Formula 1 as the official technical partner of the Haas F1 Team. Through its Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) division, the Japanese manufacturer will provide “design, technical, and manufacturing” services under a multi-year agreement that begins immediately. The TGR branding will be displayed on the cars of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg during the upcoming United States Grand Prix.

This partnership comes as Toyota seeks to re-engage with grand prix racing, enticed by the upcoming 2026 chassis regulations, although there are no plans to become a power unit manufacturer for the new engine framework. Toyota previously competed in F1 from 2002 to 2009 but withdrew after failing to secure a race win amid the global financial crisis.

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Brembo Strengthens Market Position with USD 405 Million Öhlins Racing Acquisition

Brembo has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Öhlins Racing, a premium manufacturer of high-performance suspension systems for motorcycles and cars. Öhlins, known for its advanced suspension technology in Original Equipment, Motorsport, and Aftermarket segments, will now be part of Brembo’s portfolio, strengthening Brembo’s market position in vehicle dynamics and intelligent solutions.

The acquisition was valued at USD 405 million and is expected to close in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Öhlins, founded in 1976 and headquartered in Sweden, operates two production facilities and R&D centres in Sweden and Thailand.

The company’s suspension technology is widely respected for its precision and innovation, especially in MotoGP, Formula 1, and World Superbike. Öhlins is projected to reach a USD 144 million turnover in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21%-22%.

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The BMW Skytop: A Collector’s Dream with Legendary Roadster Inspiration

BMW is once again captivating car enthusiasts and collectors with the announcement of the BMW Skytop, a limited-edition masterpiece set to follow the success of the 3.0 CSL from 2022. This roadster, blending dynamic driving performance with timeless elegance, will be produced in a small run of just 50 units, each already claimed by collectors.

Unveiled initially as the BMW Concept Skytop at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024, the design captivated the automotive world with its blend of precision craftsmanship and sporty sophistication. Inspired by legendary BMW roadsters such as the BMW 507 and BMW Z8, the Skytop features striking design elements, including a prominent shark-nose front end, a dynamic silhouette, and a retractable leather-trimmed soft-top roof.

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Honda’s Future Electric Vehicles to Mimic Sounds from Iconic Petrol-Powered Cars

Honda may be trailing some of its rivals in the electric vehicle (EV) space, but it is catching up quickly with the development of its all-new 0 Series range of battery-electric vehicles. This upcoming lineup will be heavily influenced by the Honda Saloon concept, which debuted earlier this year and will include innovative features designed to mimic the driving experience of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. One of the standout characteristics of these EVs will be artificial sounds and vibrations that replicate the sensation of driving a petrol-powered car.

In the evolving EV market, where differentiation is becoming more challenging due to the nature of electric powertrains, software is playing a critical role. Unlike the clear distinctions that once existed between a four-cylinder engine and a V10, electric motors are far more uniform in their characteristics. To address this, Honda is developing software solutions that will give their EVs unique personalities, helping them stand out in a crowded market.

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New Generation Mini Cooper Convertible: Stylish, Fun, and Ready for Open-Air Adventures

The latest generation of the Mini Cooper Convertible is set to impress driving enthusiasts with its blend of style, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Known for its dynamic driving experience and iconic design, the new model brings even more excitement to the lineup, particularly for those who relish the thrill of open-air motoring.

Designed with the “Always Open” concept, the Mini Cooper Convertible features a fully automatic soft top that can be opened or closed in just 18 seconds. This allows drivers to seamlessly switch between open-air freedom and a covered drive, whether they’re navigating city streets, cruising through the countryside, or hitting the highway. The compact four-seater embodies everything Mini stands for—agility, freedom, and individuality.

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Leapmotor International Marks Milestone with First Shipment of C10 SUVs to Asia Pacific Region

Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, has successfully shipped its first batch of electric vehicles—Leapmotor C10 SUVs—from Shanghai, China, to various ports across the Asia Pacific region this month. This shipment signifies a significant achievement in the collaboration between the two companies, reflecting their commitment to rapidly advancing sustainable mobility and innovation in the region’s electric vehicle (EV) market.

Leapmotor’s C10 SUV is equipped with advanced EV technology, offering outstanding performance, efficiency, and range, placing the brand at the forefront of the industry. As the third-largest Chinese EV start-up, Leapmotor has already achieved cumulative deliveries of 460,000 units as of September 2024, underscoring its strong presence in the growing EV market.

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2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Unveils Subtle Yet Elegant Updates

The 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II has arrived with a refreshed design, though casual observers may not immediately notice the changes. Maintaining the sleek, luxurious silhouette first introduced in 2020, the new Ghost features modest yet meaningful updates to its exterior and interior, elevating the driving experience without departing from its iconic charm.

At first glance, the Ghost’s distinctive shape remains intact, but Rolls-Royce designers have made careful adjustments. The front fascia now sports cleaner lines, creating space for a slightly larger grille, while the new headlights—slimmer and more refined—are enhanced by updated LED elements. At the rear, the taillights now feature vertical bars, inspired by the brand’s electric Spectre model, lending a modern touch to the classic sedan. The 22-inch wheels now come in fresh nine-spoke designs, offering even more options for personalisation.

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Honda Explores Manual Gearbox Feel for Its Future Electric Vehicles

Honda is exploring innovative ways to retain its celebrated manual transmission experience even as it transitions to electric vehicles (EVs). At a recent tech event showcasing its future “0 Series” of EVs, a Honda engineer confirmed that the company has developed a synthetic manual transmission for EVs, complete with a clutch pedal, according to The Drive. This represents an intriguing approach to preserving the driving dynamics that have made Honda a favourite among enthusiasts, particularly for its manual transmissions.

The development of this synthetic manual system marks a shift from previous scepticism expressed by Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, who in 2022 doubted whether a simulated manual could replace traditional ones. However, Honda’s electrification lead, Shinji Aoyama, suggested that while mechanically challenging, creating an artificial manual transmission is possible, potentially through a system resembling active sound control.

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EV Market Faces First Decline as Hybrids Gain Ground in 2024

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are facing new challenges as the market share for fully electric vehicles has retracted in 2024 for the first time since the data collection began, according to a report from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. While the decline is minimal—just 0.1%—it signals a shift in consumer preferences. Despite this setback, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have experienced the largest drop in market share, losing 2.3% in 2024. Consumers are instead gravitating toward plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and traditional hybrids, with market share increases of 0.3% and 2.2%, respectively.

EV sales have seen substantial growth over the past few years, particularly during the pandemic, rising from less than 1% of total vehicle sales in 2016 to nearly 8% by the end of 2023. However, the cooling of EV demand in 2024 could signal a shift toward hybrid technologies as buyers seek alternatives that balance electric and traditional petrol power.

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McLaren W1: McLaren’s Most Powerful Road Car – 1,258hp, 1,339Nm of Torque

The McLaren W1 marks another monumental achievement in McLaren’s history, combining cutting-edge hybrid technology with staggering performance figures. More than 30 years after the legendary McLaren F1 set the hypercar standard, and a decade after the hybrid P1 revolutionised the segment, McLaren is again pushing the boundaries with its most powerful road car ever.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the McLaren W1 is the all-new MPH-8 twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, which delivers a jaw-dropping 916hp and boasts the highest power density of any McLaren engine ever—an astounding 230 bhp-per-litre. Complementing this powerful V8 is an advanced hybrid system called the E-Module, which adds 342hp through a compact radial flux electric motor and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. The total combined output reaches an impressive 1,258hp and 1339Nm of torque.

This power allows the W1 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 349km/h, matching the McLaren P1. The hybrid system also offers a minimal electric-only range of 2km.

Lightweight Design and Aerodynamics

One of the most remarkable features of the W1 is its lightweight construction. Despite its hybrid components, the car has a dry weight of just 1398kg, only 4kgs heavier than the P1. McLaren’s engineers achieved this by trimming 40kgs from the hybrid system compared to the P1. The chassis, dubbed Aerocell, is a monocoque design that integrates fixed seating, allowing for more compact dimensions, while also offering adjustable steering and pedals.

Aerodynamics are a key focus in the W1’s design. With over 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, McLaren refined the W1 to be its most aerodynamic car yet. The Active Long Tail rear wing, inspired by the F1 GTR, dynamically adjusts to improve drag and downforce. The W1 generates a total downforce of 2,205 pounds—with 772 pounds at the front and 1,433 pounds at the rear in Race mode. An innovative airflow diverter on the roof channels fresh air to the engine, further enhancing cooling and performance.

Handling and Braking

The W1 is equipped with McLaren’s Race Active Chassis Control III, offering configurable suspension settings: Comfort, Sport, and Race. In Race mode, the car’s ride height drops by 1.5 inches at the front and 0.7 inches at the rear, and the long tail spoiler extends up to 11.8 inches, also acting as an air brake.

To match its immense power, the W1 uses carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear. From 100km/h, the W1 can come to a complete stop in 95 feet, and from 200km/h, it requires just 328 feet.

The W1 rides on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires as standard, with options for P Zero R tyres for daily driving or P Zero Winter tires for colder conditions.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the W1 offers a minimalist but high-tech cockpit, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It includes USB-A and USB-C connections, along with a small storage shelf that offers 116L of space behind the seats.

Exclusivity and Pricing

As expected from such an extreme hypercar, the McLaren W1 is priced at a hefty $2.1 million. McLaren plans to build only 399 units, all of which are already sold out.

The McLaren W1 continues the brand’s legacy of redefining what is possible in automotive engineering, delivering a driving experience that blends extraordinary power, lightweight construction, and advanced hybrid technology.