Toyota is ambitiously developing a new family of four-cylinder engines aimed at surpassing the legendary 2JZ-GTE, which powered iconic models like the Toyota Supra. This new engine family ranges from 1.5-litre naturally aspirated versions to 2.0-litre turbocharged models and is being designed with electrification in mind to ensure higher efficiency, power, and compactness.
The new Mini Cooper C offers a modern twist on the brand’s iconic go-kart driving experience, powered by an efficient three-cylinder petrol engine. Featuring a sleek design, compact proportions, and a striking front grille, the car effortlessly blends tradition with innovation. Inside, the Minimalist interior design focuses on clean lines, enhanced space, and a state-of-the-art OLED central instrument.
A standout feature of the Mini Cooper C is its in-car gaming capability, thanks to a partnership with Mattel, Inc. and AirConsole. Passengers can enjoy games like UNO Car Party!, connecting their personal devices to the car’s infotainment system, creating an exciting entertainment option while the car is stationary.
Car manufacturers benefiting from the Thai government’s electric vehicle (EV) promotion measures will be required to invest in the domestic production of key EV components by 2026, according to the Bangkok Post. The three essential components—electric motors, reducers, and inverters—must be assembled locally. These parts are critical to an EV’s function, with electric motors converting electrical energy into kinetic energy, reducers acting like gearboxes, and inverters converting battery DC power into AC for the motor.
Mr. Ekniti highlighted that since the introduction of the government’s EV promotion initiatives—Phase 3.0 and 3.5—auto manufacturers have begun establishing production bases in Thailand, leading to a total investment of over 80 billion baht. The measures stipulate that participating companies must manufacture EVs domestically to match 100% of their first-year sales. If the local manufacturing requirement is not met in the second year, companies must produce 1.5 times the sales volume.
Geely Auto is making significant moves to expand its presence in Southeast Asia by establishing a vehicle assembly plant in Vietnam. This new plant will have the capacity to produce 75,000 cars annually and is part of a joint venture with Vietnam’s Tasco Joint Stock Company.
The total investment for this project is projected to be around US$168 million, with Geely contributing 36% of the funding, while Tasco will cover the remainder.
Volkswagen has been manufacturing Polo models in Pamplona, Spain, since 1984, producing over 8.4 million units. As one of Europe’s best-selling cars, the Polo remains a popular choice, with more than 90,100 units sold through August 2024, making it the 8th top-selling small car in Europe.
However, the Pamplona plant is set to shift gears as Volkswagen prepares to introduce a lineup of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs). Beginning in 2026, the facility will begin producing two small electric SUVs, marking a significant transition towards electrification for Volkswagen’s iconic production site.
These new SUVs will be built on a modified version of Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the same architecture that powers the brand’s current ID series, including the popular ID.4. The upcoming models are expected to sit below the ID.3 in terms of size and affordability, with prices starting at under 25,000 euros (RM116,753).
Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) market is facing significant challenges, despite the environmental and technological benefits of EVs. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), representing 15 major European brands such as BMW, Ferrari, and Volkswagen, has raised concerns over a steep decline in EV sales, with unit sales down 8.4% this year. Hybrid sales have fallen even further, down nearly 14%. This downward trend, exacerbated by several compounding factors, poses a risk to Europe’s automotive future and its climate targets.
Factors Behind the Decline:
Amalgam is back at it again! If you do not remember, Amalgam is renowned for its impeccable scale models and unveiled a meticulously detailed replica of the iconic 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 in 1:8 scale.
For Amalgam’s new creation, they have introduced the stunning Ferrari 12Cilindri in a breathtaking 1:8 scale, a detailed replica that mirrors its life-size counterpart in both aesthetics and craftsmanship. Priced at $18,220 (RM76,735), it’s a fraction of the real car’s price, which hovers around $500,000 (RM2,105,798).
Amalgam has dedicated over 3000 hours to design this remarkable model, working closely with Ferrari to ensure every detail is precise. After creating thousands of individual parts, a team of assemblers spends an additional 300 hours meticulously building each car.
At the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover, Germany, BYD unveiled its latest innovation, the BYD E-Vali, a pure-electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) designed specifically for the European market. This 3.5-ton/4.25-ton electric LCV is aimed at the last-mile and package delivery sector, offering commercial fleets a sustainable and practical solution.
The BYD E-Vali is powered by the renowned Blade Battery, which boasts excellent safety, durability, and energy efficiency. It offers a range of 220-250 km (WTLP) on a single charge, and the battery can be fast-charged from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The vehicle is available in two versions: the 3.5-ton model, and the 4.25-ton model, which is larger. The cargo volume reaches up to 17.9 cubic meters, and the 4.25-ton model can handle a payload of up to 1450kg.
Inside the cabin, the E-Vali integrates advanced features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, and Hill Hold Control through its suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The cabin also includes over-the-air (OTA) support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and voice control functionality, enhancing the driver’s comfort and convenience.
As part of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG has introduced the highly anticipated GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ “Motorsport Collectors Edition.” This limited-edition model, restricted to just 200 units, pays homage to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team with a series of design elements and performance upgrades that appeal to motorsport enthusiasts and car collectors alike.
Sharp has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with its first concept car, the LDK+, revealed at the Sharp technology exhibition in Tokyo from 17-18 September 2024. Known for its expertise in electronics, Sharp aims to redefine electric vehicles by focusing on not just efficiency but also transforming them into entertainment hubs. The LDK+ concept boasts a futuristic design, with a notably wide rear section resembling a living room, complete with a large LCD screen—highlighting the company’s vision of merging home entertainment with mobility.
To expedite its foray into the EV space, Sharp has partnered with Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn), the manufacturing giant behind companies like Apple. This collaboration is expected to accelerate both the development and mass production of Sharp’s electric vehicles in the coming years.
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