Global News Archives

BMW Unveils Updated 2026 iX with New Styling and Performance Upgrades

BMW has announced a refreshed version of its all-electric iX SUV for the 2026 model year, featuring updated styling, improved performance, and the introduction of a new entry-level variant.

The latest iX lineup now consists of three models: the newly introduced iX xDrive45, the iX xDrive60, and the high-performance iX M70 xDrive, which replaces the previous M60 variant.

The iX xDrive45 serves as the new base model, delivering 402hp and offering an estimated 502km range on a full charge. Meanwhile, the iX xDrive60 now produces 536hp with an extended range of 547km.

At the top of the range, the high-performance iX M70 xDrive boasts 650hp, achieving 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and providing a range of 486km.

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Audi Unveils MHEV Plus: A Leap in Hybrid Technology

Audi has introduced its groundbreaking Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) Plus technology, blending efficiency and performance in its combustion-engine vehicles. The system features a powertrain generator (PTG), belt alternator starter (BAS), and a lithium iron phosphate battery, offering reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced agility.

The MHEV Plus system enables partially electric driving, electric boosting, and advanced energy recovery. The PTG, integrated with power electronics and an electric motor, allows emission-free coasting and smoother acceleration. This compact module delivers up to 24hp of electric power and 230Nm of torque, enhancing responsiveness and reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.74 litres per 100km.

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Hot Wheels and Ferrari Reunite After a Decade

After a ten-year hiatus, Hot Wheels is set to bring Ferrari die-cast models back to its lineup, reigniting a partnership that fans have long awaited. Revealed at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, Mattel announced a diverse range of Ferrari toys, including basic 1/64-scale models priced at just $1 (RM4.60), exclusive Mattel Creations editions, and remote-controlled cars. The collection will highlight Ferrari’s iconic road cars and racing machines, featuring both classic and modern designs. The first wave of models is expected to launch this March, with more to follow.

A Look Back: From Allies to Rivals

Throughout the 2000s, Hot Wheels and Ferrari collaborated on a series of premium models, including Michael Schumacher’s championship-winning F1 cars and timeless classics like the 365 GTS/4 Daytona. However, the partnership ended in 2014 when Ferrari signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Maisto and Bburago. This shift limited Ferrari die-casts to these brands, which were less accessible in North American markets.

The last Hot Wheels Ferrari was the LaFerrari, released in 2014. Since then, collectors have been eagerly awaiting the return of officially licensed Ferrari models to the Hot Wheels lineup—and that moment has finally arrived.

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Honda Hints at Ultra-High-Performance Models with HRC Racing Technologies

While SUVs dominate global sales, Honda continues to uphold its legacy as a builder of accessible, enthusiast-driven cars. Models like the Honda Civic Si, Civic Type R, and their Acura counterparts, the Integra and Integra Type S, exemplify this commitment with their perfect blend of street prowess and track-ready performance. But Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe has suggested the possibility of taking things even further—a tier above the already impressive Type R and Type S trims.

Higher-Performance Models in the Works?

In an interview, Watanabe hinted that Honda is considering the development of ultra-high-performance models using genuine HRC racing technologies. “Today I cannot tell the exact plan yet, but yes, we should create such kind of performance model together with HRC racing technologies,” said Watanabe. He also confirmed that Honda’s American division (HRC US) has already begun work on developing performance parts.

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Alfa Romeo Rethinks EV-Only Strategy, Adopts Multi-Energy Plan

The automotive industry has been grappling with ambitious EV goals, and Alfa Romeo is the latest brand to revise its plans. Originally set to transition to an all-electric lineup in North America by 2027, the Italian marque, part of the Stellantis group, has now opted for a “multi-energy” strategy, which includes petrol, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

A Pragmatic Shift for Dealers

According to reports, Chris Feuell, head of Alfa Romeo North America, acknowledged that requiring dealers to sell only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) within a few years would be overly restrictive. “We’ve got 110 dealers in our US network, and it would be very challenging for them to survive with a BEV-only portfolio,” Feuell explained.

The decision comes amidst challenging circumstances for the brand in the US, with sales declining 19% last year to just 8,865 units. This shift reflects a more flexible approach to ensure the sustainability of its dealer network and cater to a broader range of consumer preferences.

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Nissan Faces Tough Decisions: U.S. Factory Job Cuts Loom Amid Global Restructuring

Nissan is reportedly preparing to significantly reduce its U.S. workforce as part of a global cost-cutting initiative, signalling a shift toward leaner operations. According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun Online, nearly 2,000 factory jobs at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi, plants may be eliminated by the end of the year. These adjustments align with Nissan’s November 2024 announcement to cut 9,000 jobs worldwide and reduce global production capacity by 20%.

Factory Production Cuts in the U.S.

The U.S. factories in question currently have a combined production capacity of approximately one million units annually. The planned reductions could decrease capacity by 25%, potentially reducing the number of active production lines from four to two.

Smyrna, Tennessee: Produces models like the Murano, Pathfinder, Rogue, and Infiniti QX60. Changes could begin after April.
Canton, Mississippi: Produces the Altima and Frontier, with adjustments expected after the fall.

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Audi Unveils Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept: A Revolutionary Electric Off-Roader

Audi has introduced the Q6 e-tron offroad concept, a groundbreaking prototype designed to push the boundaries of electric off-road vehicles. Featuring twin electric motors delivering a combined output of 509hp, the concept boasts remarkable capabilities, including the ability to conquer gradients of up to 100% thanks to newly developed portal axles.

The Q6 e-tron offroad concept stands out with its bold design. An increased ride height of 160 mm and a wider track of 250 mm give it a striking and commanding presence.

Advanced Portal Axle Design

Traditional portal axles typically boost torque at the wheels by 20–30%, but Audi’s innovative design achieves a 50% increase, resulting in combined torque at all wheels peaking at 13,400Nm for short bursts. This innovation enhances climbing power while maintaining a top speed of 175km/h, ideal for off-road performance.

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Honda Has Not Given Up On Developing An Electric Type R

Honda has been exploring the concept of an electric Type R since 2020, but the wait for a high-performance EV bearing the iconic red badge is far from over. Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda’s Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Development Center, recently revealed the significant challenges in creating an electric car that matches the visceral thrill of the brand’s petrol-powered Type R models.

Speaking on the complexities, Akiwa explained, “A battery and motor have different characteristics, so we can’t come up with something exactly the same as before. As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? We haven’t given up, of course, but it’s not just about power. It’s about the sound, vibration, acceleration, and the human experience. These are the joys of driving.”

This admission highlights the difficulty of replicating the unique sensory experiences that define Honda’s Type R legacy in an electric vehicle. Despite these hurdles, Honda remains committed to launching an electric sports car by the end of the decade.

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Mitsubishi Motors Weighing Decision to Opt Out of Nissan-Honda Merger Talks

Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan Motor, is reportedly considering staying out of the planned merger between Nissan and Honda Motor, according to sources cited by Reuters.

While Mitsubishi Motors plans to maintain its cooperative relationship with both automakers, the company aims to remain listed as an independent entity, three insiders revealed under the condition of anonymity.

The potential decision has impacted Mitsubishi Motors’ shares, which fell 3.9% by midday after an initial slump of over 6% during early trading on Friday. Shares of Nissan dropped by 0.7%, while Honda’s shares slipped 0.1%.

The merger between Nissan and Honda, announced last year, is projected to create the world’s third-largest auto group, boasting an annual output of 7.4 million vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan holds a 24% stake, anticipated deciding by this month whether to join the tie-up.

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Smart Confirms Plug-in Hybrid Version of #5 SUV Amid Market Changes

The new Smart #5 SUV is set to be sold with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain alongside previously revealed pure-electric variants in response to growing concerns around sales in some global markets.

The move, confirmed by Chinese-based Smart officials after photos of test mules were posted on social media, represents a major step-change for the Geely- and Mercedes-Benz-owned company, which previously committed to exclusively selling new-generation Smart models with electric power.

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Global News

BMW Unveils Updated 2026 iX with New Styling and Performance Upgrades

Audi Unveils MHEV Plus: A Leap in Hybrid Technology

Hot Wheels and Ferrari Reunite After a Decade

Honda Hints at Ultra-High-Performance Models with HRC Racing Technologies

Alfa Romeo Rethinks EV-Only Strategy, Adopts Multi-Energy Plan

Nissan Faces Tough Decisions: U.S. Factory Job Cuts Loom Amid Global Restructuring

Audi Unveils Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept: A Revolutionary Electric Off-Roader

Honda Has Not Given Up On Developing An Electric Type R

Mitsubishi Motors Weighing Decision to Opt Out of Nissan-Honda Merger Talks

Smart Confirms Plug-in Hybrid Version of #5 SUV Amid Market Changes

Denza Unveils N8L Flagship SUV, Combining Hybrid Power with Drone Integration

Aston Martin Valhalla Makes Thrilling Dynamic Debut on Monaco Circuit

Geely Unveils Extended-Range Galaxy E5 with 610km All-Electric Capability

BMW Unveils Concept Speedtop, Announces Limited Production Run

Proton’s R&D Centre in Hangzhou Bay Accelerates Technological Growth and EV Innovation

Xiaomi Unveils YU7 Electric SUV – 681hp, 866Nm of Torque, Top Speed of 253km/h

Lotus Emira to Ditch the V6 for a V8 Engine?

Nissan Reimagines the MICRA as Fully Electric Hatchback for 2025

Elon Musk Affirms Commitment to Tesla Leadership Amid Political Backlash and Market Challenges

FIAT Unveils Grande Panda 4×4 Concept: A Classic Reimagined for the Modern Age

Archive

PRO-NET Branding Chief Honoured at Malaysian CMO Awards 2024 Amid Rising EV Leadership

Subaru Prepares to Unveil New Performance Model at Japan Mobility Show

Auto Shanghai 2025: BMW Group Showcased Future Innovations, On the Road to Neue Klasse

Proton Gains Momentum with Rising Sales and EV Success in April 2025

Aston Martin Valhalla Nears Final Validation Ahead of Q2 2025 Production – 1,079PS, 1,100Nm of Tourque

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