Global News Archives

The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed has a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo – 0-100km/h in 3.6 Seconds!

The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, the inaugural model of the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Mythos Series, made a global debut at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Designed as an open-top, two-seater performance car without a roof or windscreen, the PureSpeed offers an unmatched connection to the elements and pays homage to motorsport heritage. Limited to just 250 units, this vehicle combines bold design, state-of-the-art engineering, and extraordinary driving dynamics.

Drawing inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar, the PureSpeed’s design is a celebration of motorsport aesthetics. It boasts a low profile, a long bonnet, and an aggressive shark-nose grille. Carbon fibre is extensively utilized in the lower body, boot lid, and rear diffuser, ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and a lightweight build. The 21-inch forged aluminium wheels with aerodynamic carbon fibre cover further enhance airflow while reducing drag. One of its standout features is the Formula 1-inspired tubular steel HALO system, replacing the traditional A-pillar for advanced safety and a futuristic appearance.

Under the hood lies a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine that generates an impressive 585PS and 800Nm of torque. This allows the PureSpeed to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. Paired with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, it ensures lightning-fast gear shifts thanks to its wet starting clutch. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system provides all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, ensuring optimal traction and stability across all driving conditions.

The PureSpeed’s dynamic performance is further bolstered by active aerodynamic components, including an extendable rear spoiler and underbody Venturi-effect elements that improve handling at high speeds. The AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension minimizes roll, balancing comfort and performance, while ceramic composite brakes deliver precise stopping power. Rear-axle steering enhances agility and stability, adjusting its function according to speed for superior handling.

Inside, the PureSpeed combines motorsport-inspired luxury with cutting-edge technology. The two-tone interior, available in crystal white and black, features AMG Performance seats and carbon fibre accents. A bespoke IWC Schaffhausen clock adds an air of exclusivity. Advanced connectivity options include custom helmets with intercom systems for driver-passenger communication and smartphone pairing. For audio enthusiasts, a Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with 15 speakers provides a premium listening experience.

Paying tribute to its rich racing history, Mercedes-AMG offers an optional Motorsport Styling Package with colours like Le Mans red and graphite grey, as well as an exclusive mystic silver magno finish inspired by the legendary Silver Arrow 300 SLR. Each PureSpeed bears a unique badge reading “1 of 250”, emphasizing its exclusivity. Owners also receive a custom indoor car cover to protect their collector’s item.

The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed encapsulates the essence of motorsport while delivering an unfiltered, exhilarating driving experience. With its cutting-edge technology, iconic design, and dedication to performance, this masterpiece represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG’s innovation and craftsmanship.

BMW’s Automated Driving In-Plant System Moves Closer to Full Implementation

BMW is taking autonomous technology beyond the highway and into its factories. The company has been refining its Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) system since 2022, starting with a pilot project in its Dingolfing, Germany plant—the automaker’s largest production facility. This groundbreaking system has now received CE certification, paving the way for wider adoption across the European Union.

Revolutionising In-Plant Logistics

At the Dingolfing plant, which employs over 17,000 people and produces a range of BMW models (including the 5 Series, 7 Series, and Rolls-Royce bodies), AFW enables newly assembled vehicles to drive autonomously for nearly a mile. The vehicles navigate from the assembly line through a test course and onto the finishing area, all without a driver.

The system relies on a sophisticated LIDAR infrastructure, Europe’s largest, which tracks vehicles along their route. Unlike traditional semi-autonomous systems, the AFW process does not depend on the vehicle’s built-in autonomy features. Instead, the cars are guided by external LIDAR sensors and a cutting-edge cloud-based architecture, ensuring precision and safety throughout the plant.

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Mercedes Envisions Revolutionary Mid-Mounted Brakes for Electric Vehicles

Since the advent of wheeled vehicles, braking systems have traditionally been installed at each wheel to provide individual stopping power. Now, Mercedes-Benz aims to disrupt that age-old design with an innovative approach tailored to the electric vehicle (EV) era.

At its R&D centre in Sindelfingen, Mercedes engineers propose relocating traditional brake components to the centre of the car, housed within the electric drive unit alongside the motor, transmission, and differential. This radical idea could reduce environmental impact, improve ride quality, and redefine aerodynamics.

The Case for Centralised Braking

Modern EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking, minimising the use of traditional brakes except during emergencies. By placing the brake discs centrally within the drive unit, Mercedes seeks to achieve several advantages:

Environmental Benefits: The aluminium housings would trap brake dust, a significant pollutant, preventing it from dispersing into the environment.
Improved Ride Dynamics: Centralising the braking system reduces unsprung mass at the wheels, potentially enhancing ride comfort and handling.
Aerodynamic Gains: Removing traditional wheel-mounted brakes allows for fully enclosed, streamlined wheels similar to those on Salt Flats racers, reducing drag and improving efficiency.

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Volkswagen Faces Challenges Amid Revamp of EV Lineup and Strategy Shift

It’s a turbulent period for German automaker Volkswagen as it contends with major economic pressures. In North America, management reshuffles have dominated headlines, while globally, the company is implementing plant closures, wage reductions, and layoffs to save billions of dollars. Despite these hurdles, Volkswagen is charting a path forward, starting with significant updates to its electric vehicle (EV) lineup and platforms.

Revamping the Electric Future

At the LA Auto Show, Volkswagen’s Head of Research & Development, Kai Grünitz, outlined the company’s roadmap for a revamped all-electric lineup. Central to this effort is the Modular Electric (MEB) platform, which underpins models such as the ID.4 and the recently launched ID. Buzz van. Grünitz promised “huge improvements” to the platform, including a fresh design language that aims to bring the brand closer to its roots and revive its appeal.

The first step in this journey is the production-ready ID.2all, a compact EV concept unveiled in 2023. Initially slated for a 2025 release, economic challenges and a slowdown in EV demand have cast uncertainty over its launch schedule. Nonetheless, Volkswagen remains committed to the ID.2all as part of the updated MEB platform, with an accompanying SUV model expected to debut at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025.

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Stellantis Unveils STLA Frame Platform for Future SUVs and Trucks

Stellantis has unveiled the specifications for its STLA Frame platform, a modular chassis designed to support a new generation of full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and light commercial vehicles, many of which will be electric. This platform will also accommodate plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hydrogen-powered vehicles, further reinforcing Stellantis’ commitment to versatile and sustainable mobility. It is one of four modular platforms in Stellantis’ lineup, alongside STLA Small, STLA Medium, and STLA Large, each designed for flexibility and upgradability in components such as battery chemistry, electric motors, and software.

The STLA Frame platform features a ladder-type frame chassis, with a widened central section to house the battery pack for electric models. A full-length belly pan reduces aerodynamic drag, maximising efficiency. Battery sizes will range from 159 kWh to over 200 kWh, supporting 800-volt architecture for high-speed charging up to 350 kW, adding 160km of range in just 10 minutes under optimal conditions. Series PHEVs will use a 400-volt system, capable of charging at up to 175 kW.

Performance-wise, the platform supports up to 804km of range in EV mode and 1,110km in series PHEV mode. It offers impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,350kg and a payload capacity of 1,224kg, surpassing the performance of some current Ram light-duty models. The platform is designed for off-road enthusiasts, able to ford up to 24 inches of water and accommodate tyres up to 33 inches in diameter, with ground clearance ranging from 6.6 to 10.3 inches. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations are supported, with the most powerful electric motors delivering 335hp, enabling some models to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

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Mazda Prepares to Revive EV Ambitions with New SUV in 2027

Mazda is gearing up for a renewed push into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Despite a rocky start with the MX-30, which was recently discontinued in the U.S. due to poor sales performance, Mazda has outlined its vision for an electrified future. Central to this strategy is a fully in-house-developed electric SUV set to launch in 2027.

The announcement was part of Mazda’s detailed roadmap, extending through 2030. This upcoming SUV is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) derivative, most likely employing a range extender technology. The automaker has hinted at utilising its iconic rotary engine, which serves as a generator for recharging batteries rather than directly powering the wheels.

Mazda currently markets the MX-30 R-EV, an EV equipped with a single-rotor Wankel engine that acts solely as a generator. Industry analysts believe this setup could be carried over to the 2027 SUV, albeit with improvements.

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Jaguar’s Bold New Era: Introducing the Type 00

Jaguar is embarking on a transformational journey to recapture its founder Sir William Lyons’ original ethos: “Copy Nothing.” At the forefront of this reimagining is the unveiling of the Jaguar Type 00, a design vision concept that boldly represents the brand’s new creative philosophy, “Exuberant Modernism.” Premiered at Miami Art Week 2024, this distinctive concept previews the future of Jaguar—a fearless statement of design, innovation, and electrification.

The Type 00, pronounced “Type Zero Zero,” is a physical manifestation of Jaguar’s vibrant new identity. It combines a rich heritage with cutting-edge technology and visionary design. Its striking silhouette features a long bonnet, a sweeping roofline, a fastback profile, and dramatic 23-inch alloy wheels. This revolutionary form is made possible by Jaguar’s dedicated Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), ensuring not only bold aesthetics but also state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) performance.

Jaguar’s decision to unveil Type 00 at Miami Art Week underscores its alignment with the art world, showcasing a celebration of British creativity. Two interpretations of the concept were presented: a Satin Rhodon Rose model, dubbed “Miami Pink,” inspired by the Art Deco charm of the city, and an Inception Silver Blue variant, nicknamed “London Blue,” paying homage to Jaguar’s British roots. Both iterations highlight the artistry that has been integral to Jaguar’s identity for decades.

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Nissan Debuts the New Serena MPV at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024

Nissan made an impression at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024 with the unveiling of its latest model, the New Nissan Serena. This premium seven-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) promises to redefine family travel, offering a blend of space, versatility, and technology. Priced from 1,469,000 baht (RM189,578), the Serena has been designed to enrich every journey with its spacious cabin and innovative features, making it a compelling choice for Thai families.

The New Nissan Serena is a testament to the brand’s “Big. Easy. Fun.” philosophy, ensuring both functionality and enjoyment for all passengers. Since its inception in Japan in 1991, the Serena has been celebrated for its spaciousness, and the latest iteration builds on this legacy. It boasts the most generous cabin space in its segment, ensuring ample room for passengers across all three rows. Cleverly designed seating arrangements provide up to thirteen configurations, allowing users to adapt the interior for activities ranging from long road trips to beach outings. Additionally, passengers can enjoy features such as adjustable second- and third-row seats, 14 cup holders, six USB ports, and personal tables, all designed to enhance convenience and comfort.

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Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Resigns Amid Mounting Challenges

Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis, abruptly resigned on Sunday following mounting tensions among the company’s shareholders and leadership. His departure comes just two months after a profit warning that marked a difficult year for the automaker, which oversees brands like Jeep, Fiat, and Peugeot. Stellantis’ shares have plummeted 40% in 2024, reflecting a challenging environment for the world’s fourth-largest automaker by sales.

Leadership Transition and Interim Measures

According to Reuters, the Stellantis board, chaired by John Elkann, has accepted Tavares’ resignation “with immediate effect.” Elkann will lead an interim executive committee while the company seeks a new CEO, a process expected to conclude in the first half of 2025. Senior Independent Director Henri de Castries noted that differing strategic views between Tavares, major shareholders, and the board led to the resignation.

Profit Warning and Operational Struggles

In September, Stellantis issued a profit warning, citing a projected cash burn of up to €10 billion ($10.6 billion) due to sluggish North American sales and high inventory levels. Sales in the U.S. dropped 17% year-over-year in the third quarter, with brands like Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Chrysler underperforming. Inventory issues were pronounced, with some models, such as the Ram 1500 pickup and Jeep Wagoneer, significantly exceeding average supply levels compared to competitors.

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Volkswagen and Rivian Partner to Bring an Electric Golf Back to Life

The Volkswagen Golf, a name synonymous with compact car excellence, is preparing for an all-electric rebirth as part of Volkswagen’s transition into a more sustainable future. The ninth-generation Golf, slated for a 2029 debut, will be an exclusively electric model, developed in collaboration with Rivian through a joint venture worth $5.8 billion.

Electric Golf 2.0: A Fresh Start on the SSP Platform

The forthcoming electric Golf will ride on Volkswagen’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a next-generation EV architecture developed with Rivian’s expertise in electric vehicle (EV) engineering and software. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasised the strategic importance of starting the SSP journey with the Golf:
“We want to begin this journey with a more iconic product. So, we’ll start with the Golf,” Schäfer said.

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Global News

The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed has a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo – 0-100km/h in 3.6 Seconds!

BMW’s Automated Driving In-Plant System Moves Closer to Full Implementation

Mercedes Envisions Revolutionary Mid-Mounted Brakes for Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen Faces Challenges Amid Revamp of EV Lineup and Strategy Shift

Stellantis Unveils STLA Frame Platform for Future SUVs and Trucks

Mazda Prepares to Revive EV Ambitions with New SUV in 2027

Jaguar’s Bold New Era: Introducing the Type 00

Nissan Debuts the New Serena MPV at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Resigns Amid Mounting Challenges

Volkswagen and Rivian Partner to Bring an Electric Golf Back to Life

Electric Golf 2.0: A Fresh Start on the SSP Platform

The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed has a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo – 0-100km/h in 3.6 Seconds!

BMW’s Automated Driving In-Plant System Moves Closer to Full Implementation

Mercedes Envisions Revolutionary Mid-Mounted Brakes for Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen Faces Challenges Amid Revamp of EV Lineup and Strategy Shift

Stellantis Unveils STLA Frame Platform for Future SUVs and Trucks

Mazda Prepares to Revive EV Ambitions with New SUV in 2027

Jaguar’s Bold New Era: Introducing the Type 00

Nissan Debuts the New Serena MPV at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Resigns Amid Mounting Challenges

Volkswagen and Rivian Partner to Bring an Electric Golf Back to Life

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