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Volvo Unveils EX30 Cross Country: A Rugged, Fully Electric SUV for Adventurers

Volvo has officially revealed the EX30 Cross Country, an all-electric SUV designed for adventure seekers looking to explore beyond city limits. The unveiling took place at a secluded winter cabin in northern Sweden, in collaboration with outdoor equipment brand Fjällräven.

Blending Urban Utility with Off-Road Capability

The EX30 Cross Country builds upon the existing EX30 model, incorporating rugged enhancements to navigate challenging terrains. It offers a fully electric powertrain with a range of up to 427 km and a rapid charging capability that allows for a 10-80% charge in just 26 minutes. The vehicle comes equipped with all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, ensuring smooth travel across diverse landscapes.

Additional features include larger wheels with an optional 18-inch all-terrain tyre upgrade, providing greater stability on rough surfaces. Volvo aims to cater to drivers who seek both urban convenience and off-road versatility, making the EX30 Cross Country a compelling choice for modern explorers.

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Alpine A110 R Ultime: A High-Performance Farewell to a Modern Classic

Alpine has introduced the A110 R Ultime, the most extreme and high-performance version of its iconic two-seater sports car. This limited-edition model serves as the grand finale for the A110 lineup, pushing its capabilities to new heights.

The A110 R Ultime has been confirmed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife approximately 20 seconds faster than the standard A110 R, achieving an estimated lap time of 7 minutes and 15 seconds. This places it ahead of high-performance models such as the BMW M4 CSL and Porsche 911 Turbo S (991), and just a few seconds behind the Mercedes-AMG GT R and Porsche Carrera GT.

Alpine has leveraged its GT4 racing experience to refine the Ultime, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS. Extensive weight-saving measures, including carbon-fibre body panels, are expected to keep the car’s kerb weight under 1,100kg.

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Ferrari Tightens Control Over Customisation and Buyer Eligibility

Ferrari has long maintained an exclusive approach to its brand, selectively choosing who can purchase its high-end vehicles. Over the years, several public figures have reportedly been blacklisted from acquiring Ferraris, with the automaker citing concerns over brand image and unauthorised modifications.

The increasing popularity of Ferrari’s in-house customisation program has become a double-edged sword. While offering customers the ability to personalise their vehicles generates significant revenue, certain excessive or outlandish requests have raised concerns about the brand’s image. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna recently acknowledged the issue, stating that the company is now considering pre-defining acceptable colour combinations to ensure brand integrity.

Vigna revealed that while the classic Rosso Corsa remains a staple, only about 40% of buyers still opt for it. Many clients are now selecting unique colours through Ferrari’s customisation program in an effort to stand out. However, requests perceived as excessively “bling,” “strange,” or “garish”—as described in a report—are prompting Ferrari to reconsider its approach.

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Nissan Seeks New Partner as Honda Merger Talks Collapse

Nissan Motor Co. is once again searching for a strategic partner after rejecting Honda’s proposed merger terms. The automaker, grappling with declining profits and workforce reductions, is now reportedly drawing renewed interest from Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn.

Following reports of Foxconn’s potential involvement, Nissan’s stock surged by as much as 6%, while Honda’s shares rose over 8% after Nissan’s withdrawal from the merger. The failed negotiations could reshape the Japanese automotive industry and significantly impact Nissan’s future in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Merger Talks with Honda Break Down

In December, Nissan and Honda had announced plans to merge under a single holding company, a move that would have made them the world’s third-largest automaker alongside Mitsubishi Motors. However, insiders familiar with the discussions revealed that Honda’s revised terms would have placed Nissan in a subsidiary role rather than as an equal partner. This condition was deemed unacceptable by Nissan’s board, leading to the collapse of the negotiations.

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Ferrari to Unveil Its First Electric Car Along Five Other Models

Ferrari is set to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) later this year, marking a historic shift for the legendary Italian automaker. CEO Benedetto Vigna confirmed the news during Ferrari’s latest financial results presentation but remained tight-lipped on specific details. However, he assured that the new model would stand apart from other EVs, promising a “unique” combination of style, performance, and driving excitement.

A Crossover or GT, Not a Traditional Sports Car?

While Ferrari has yet to reveal the vehicle’s design, spy photos circulating online suggest the EV will likely be a crossover or grand tourer (GT) rather than a traditional sports car. Test mules spotted around Maranello feature a four-door hatchback-style body, fake exhaust pipes, and synthesised engine sounds, hinting at Ferrari’s approach to blending electrification with its signature driving experience.

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Toyota to Build Lexus EV Plant in Shanghai, Raises Profit Forecast to Nearly $30 Billion

Toyota has announced plans to establish an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Shanghai dedicated to its luxury Lexus brand, reinforcing its commitment to China’s growing EV market. This move comes as foreign automakers face increasing challenges in the world’s largest auto market.

The Japanese automotive giant, the world’s top-selling carmaker, revealed the decision while also raising its annual net profit forecast to nearly $30 billion and increasing its revenue projection.

Toyota stated that it will set up a wholly owned company in Shanghai for the development and production of Lexus battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and batteries. Production is expected to commence after 2027, with the facility creating 1,000 new jobs and boasting an annual output capacity of approximately 100,000 vehicles.

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Aston Martin Unveils Valkyrie Hypercar for Le Mans and Endurance Racing

Aston Martin is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in its storied motorsport legacy with the debut of the Valkyrie hypercar, marking the brand’s return to the top tier of endurance racing. The Valkyrie, derived from its road-going counterpart, will compete for overall victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and take on both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA).

A Unique Hypercar Entry

Unlike any other competitor, the Valkyrie is the only racing car in the Hypercar category derived from a road-legal hypercar. It will make its global competition debut at the 2025 WEC season opener, the Qatar 1812km, on February 28. Aston Martin’s THOR Team will field two Valkyrie entries in WEC, further cementing its place in endurance racing history.

British Talent Leads Aston Martin’s Le Mans Line-up

Aston Martin has assembled a formidable driver lineup for the Valkyrie program. In WEC, the #007 Valkyrie will feature British endurance racer Harry Tincknell alongside rising star Tom Gamble. The #009 Valkyrie will be piloted by three-time FIA GT World Champion Marco Sørensen (DEN) and accomplished endurance racer Alex Riberas (ESP).

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Toyota Gazoo Racing Opens Orders for Updated GR Corolla in Japan

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has officially begun accepting orders for the newly enhanced GR Corolla, a high-performance model refined with insights from the brand’s motorsport experience. The updated version features a turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 299hp and is available with either an eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT) or a six-speed manual transmission.

The automatic variant is equipped with an Ultrasuede-upholstered shift knob accented by an aluminate red trim ring and a shift lever boot. Meanwhile, the manual version features a similar design but with the addition of the GR logo. Both models include a manual parking brake, a parking brake boot, and three-point ELR seat belts for added safety.

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BYD’s Stella Li Awarded 2025 World Car Person of the Year

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, has been awarded the 2025 World Car Person of the Year, making history as the first woman and the first representative of a Chinese automaker to receive this prestigious accolade.

Li played a pivotal role in BYD’s rapid global expansion over the past year, spearheading the launch of key models, facilitating the company’s entry into new markets, and overseeing the production of BYD’s 10-millionth new energy vehicle.

A panel of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries selected Li from a competitive shortlist, which included Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles and Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer and Design Chief Simon Humphries. Candidates were evaluated based on their contributions to the global automotive industry over the past year.

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Hyundai Ioniq 9 Now Available for Preorder in South Korea

Hyundai has officially opened preorders for the Ioniq 9 in South Korea as of February 3, 2025. The three-row electric SUV is expected to make a significant impact on the global EV market, beginning with its home country.

Combining high performance with advanced electric vehicle technology, the Ioniq 9 boasts an impressive driving range of up to 620km (WLTP). The Long-Range RWD model is powered by a 215hp rear motor, while the Long-Range AWD variant adds a 94 hp front motor alongside the same 215hp rear motor. For those seeking maximum performance, the AWD Performance version features dual 215hp motors, delivering power to both the front and rear wheels.

Designed for efficiency and practicality, the Ioniq 9 achieves its 620km all-electric range in the Ultimate 215hp rear-wheel-drive model equipped with 20-inch wheels. Additionally, the advanced 800V battery system supports ultra-fast DC charging of up to 350 kW, ensuring rapid recharges.

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