The Mercedes-AMG One, a hypercar incorporating Formula 1™ technology, has once again set a new record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On September 23, 2024, DTM driver Maro Engel achieved an officially recorded lap time of 6:29.090 minutes, beating his previous record by over five seconds. This makes the AMG One the first road car to break the 6:30-minute barrier on the demanding 20.832-kilometre track.
The AMG One’s hybrid system, consisting of One combustion engine and four electric motors, produces 1,063 hp and reaches a top speed of 352km/h. The hypercar utilises advanced aerodynamics, a Formula 1™-inspired energy recovery system, and the four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) to optimise performance. During his record lap, Engel relied on techniques such as “lift and coast” to maximise battery energy for crucial moments, simulating Formula 1™ energy management.
Toyota has announced a delay in the start of production for its first US-made electric vehicle (EV), pushing the launch from late 2025 to early 2026. This will affect the manufacturing of a three-row, battery-powered SUV at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. However, the Japanese automaker remains committed to its EV strategy, planning to introduce up to seven fully electric models in the US within the next two years.
Despite the delay, Toyota is on track to begin production of another all-electric SUV at its Princeton, Indiana factory later in 2026. These efforts are part of Toyota’s broader goal to sell 1.5 million EVs worldwide by 2026. To support this, the company is also constructing a lithium-ion battery plant in North Carolina, expected to begin operations in 2025.
Bentley has expanded its portfolio of daily supercars with the introduction of Mulliner versions of the fourth-generation Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur. These models, developed by Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, build upon the performance-focused Speed models, adding enhanced luxury, options, and technology.
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Exterior Highlights:
Signature Mulliner ‘Floating Diamond’ grille with chrome surround, chrome lower grilles, and chromeware.
Satin Silver mirror caps or optional gloss black (via Mulliner Blackline).
Unique 22” wheels in Tungsten Grey or gloss black, with self-levelling Bentley Mulliner wheel badges.
Mulliner-specific features, including ‘cut crystal’ reflector headlamps, red-tinted tail lamps, and welcome lights with Bentley wing animations.
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Interior Features:
A curated cabin with three-colour combinations, bespoke embroidery, and a Mulliner diamond perforation pattern on hand-stitched seats.
Enhanced wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate functions.
Exclusive Mulliner branding on keys, presented in a handcrafted box matching the car’s interior configuration.
Comfort Seat Specification for all Flying Spur seats and front seats in Continental models.
Flying-Spur
Powertrain:
A new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, combining a 4.0L V8 engine and a 190PS electric motor, delivering a total of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque.
The hybrid setup allows up to 80km of electric range (Continental GT) and a fully replenished battery in as little as 2¾ hours.
Performance-focused features, including a dual valve damper system and air springs, offer a refined balance of handling and comfort.
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Customisation and Technology:
Available in a palette of 101 colours, with bespoke paint-matching options.
The most advanced electrical architecture in the luxury segment, offering semi-assisted driving features and an integrated My Bentley App Studio for digital services.
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Bentley Mulliner remains the ultimate symbol of craftsmanship and luxury, offering custom design, enhanced performance, and cutting-edge technology in the automotive world.
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has announced a major shift in the automaker’s strategy, aiming to leave behind the era of dull, mainstream cars like the Mondeo, Focus, and Fiesta. While these models were once popular, they failed to justify continued investment. Instead, Ford is focusing on iconic vehicles that inspire excitement, such as the Mustang GTD and various Raptor off-road models.
Farley envisions a future where Ford’s lineup is dominated by cars that enthusiasts love and mainstream vehicles that offer higher profit margins, like the Ford Puma compact crossover. With its appealing design and versatility, the Puma represents the kind of higher-priced, more profitable mainstream car Ford wants to build. The production of the Fiesta has already ceased, and the Focus will follow by 2025.
Ferrari has taken a significant step in its journey towards carbon neutrality by shutting down the gas-fuelled trigeneration plant at its Maranello factory. This early shutdown, three months ahead of schedule, is part of Ferrari’s decarbonisation plan, which was unveiled during the 2022 Capital Markets Day. The plant, which had been operational since 2009, generated electricity, heat, and cooling energy using methane gas and was known for its high-efficiency technology.
The closure will lead to a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions and a 70% decrease in methane gas consumption, making it a crucial move towards Ferrari’s 2030 carbon neutrality goals. In place of the trigenerator, Ferrari is doubling its photovoltaic systems with the aim of reaching a capacity of 10 megawatts peak (MWp) by 2030, up from the current 5 MWp.
Hyundai has achieved a remarkable milestone, having built 100 million cars globally since its founding in 1967. To mark the occasion, the company handed over its 100 millionth and first vehicle, an all-electric Ioniq 5, to its new owner. The symbolic gesture of not highlighting the exact 100 millionth car, but rather the one after, reflects Hyundai’s philosophy of always striving to go “one step further” in its accomplishments.
Hyundai’s automotive journey began in 1968 with the production of its first car, the Pony, at its Ulsan plant in South Korea, which is still a cornerstone of the company and has the capacity to produce 1.6 million cars annually. Over the past 57 years, Hyundai has expanded its global footprint with factories in countries such as the Czech Republic, India, Turkey, and the United States.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is investing £500 million to transform its historic Halewood plant, originally built in 1963, into a state-of-the-art facility for electric vehicles (EVs). This overhaul is a critical part of JLR’s strategy to transition towards full electrification, aiming to sell only electric cars by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2039.
Key Components of the Investment:
Expanded Production Capabilities: The plant will be equipped to produce electric, combustion, and hybrid vehicles simultaneously.
Platform Integration: The new facilities will produce mid-size electric SUVs based on the Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform.
Solar Power Integration: Installation of 18,000 solar panels, providing 8,600 GWh of energy, which will cover 10% of the plant’s energy consumption.
The MAN hTGX hydrogen combustion truck has won the Truck Innovation Award 2025, a significant recognition for its contribution to zero-emission road freight transport. The award was accepted by Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board member for Research & Development at MAN Truck & Bus, during the press event. MAN Truck & Bus became the first European truck manufacturer to produce a small series of trucks powered by hydrogen combustion.
Dr. Zohm expressed the company’s satisfaction with the recognition, highlighting that the MAN hTGX complements the company’s battery-electric vehicles by offering an alternative zero-emission solution for heavy-duty applications and special markets. The hydrogen truck’s classification as a zero-emission vehicle underscores its contribution to decarbonising road transport.
Highlights of the MAN hTGX:
Hydrogen Combustion Engine: Powered by a 16.8-litre H4576 six-cylinder in-line engine, it delivers diesel-like performance with almost zero emissions.
Range and Efficiency: The truck boasts a range of around 600 kilometres, enabled by a 56-kilo hydrogen tank with 700-bar pressure and a simplified exhaust gas aftertreatment system.
Production Plans: The small series, consisting of around 200 units, will be available for customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, and selected non-European countries starting in 2025.
The MAN hTGX is designed for heavy-duty applications, including construction, tank transport, timber transport, and regions with insufficient charging infrastructure but available hydrogen supply. The truck will come in 6×2 and 6×4 axle configurations, allowing for a high payload and significant range. Its H45 hydrogen engine is based on the proven D38 diesel unit and will be produced at the Nuremberg engine and battery plant.
This award marks MAN Truck & Bus’s third win, with previous honors in 2024 for autonomous driving projects (ANITA and ATLAS-L4) and 2019 for the AFAS automated construction site protection vehicle.
Volkswagen has downgraded its 2024 financial outlook amid significant challenges, marking a difficult period for the automotive giant. Facing high production costs, slow progress in its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and rising competition in key markets like China, VW has warned of potential factory closures in Germany, a move that could lead to major job cuts.
Key Updates:
Revenue Forecasts: VW now expects 2024 revenues to be around €320 billion, down from earlier projections of a 5% increase over 2023’s €322.3 billion.
Vehicle Deliveries: The company anticipates delivering around nine million vehicles, scaling back from a previous goal of up to 3% growth over 2023’s 9.24 million vehicles.
Operating Return on Sales: VW reduced its projected operating return on sales to 5.6%, from a previously forecasted range of 6.5% to 7.0%.
Volkswagen is making a significant shift in its design philosophy, moving away from the use of cheap, scratchy plastics in favour of higher-quality fabrics in its interiors. This decision is part of a broader commitment to enhancing cabin quality while also streamlining production processes, ultimately saving money for the company. This change, as described by Andy Mindt, VW’s head of design, and Christian Schreiber, head of design strategy, is intended to create a more refined and functional experience for Volkswagen drivers.
Schreiber highlighted that the brand’s cabins will focus on simplicity and usability, ensuring that design choices prioritize function over unnecessary decoration. He emphasised that a Volkswagen should feel intuitive and supportive to its user: “When you open the door of a Volkswagen, it needs to be simple and usable, and not overly decorated,” Schreiber explained. Additionally, Volkswagen will incorporate nostalgic design elements, such as specific patterns for GTI models, maintaining a sense of heritage without overextending these unique features across the range.
