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Aston Martin has unveiled the Valkyrie LM, an ultra-exclusive hypercar that pays a bold tribute to the brand’s storied history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new model, limited to just 10 units, captures the essence of Aston Martin’s competitive spirit as it returns to the top tier of endurance racing for the first time in over six decades.

The Valkyrie LM is derived from the Valkyrie Hypercar race car currently contesting both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It is powered by a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, tuned to the same regulation-limited output of 697bhp as its racing counterpart.

This launch coincides with Aston Martin’s renewed campaign to achieve overall victory at Le Mans—a feat last accomplished in 1959 by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby in the DBR1. The new Valkyrie LM reflects the culmination of decades of motorsport heritage, first established in 1928 when Aston Martin made its Le Mans debut.

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As Porsche gears up for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, it has unveiled an extraordinary new creation: the Porsche 963 RSP. A road-capable sibling to the 963 Hypercar, this one-off masterpiece pays tribute to one of the most iconic endurance racers in Porsche’s history—the 917—and celebrates the 50th anniversary of a bold, unforgettable journey from Zuffenhausen to Paris.

The Porsche 963 RSP is the brainchild of a collaboration between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, Porsche Cars North America, and motorsport icon Roger Penske, whose initials give the car its name. This bespoke model draws deep inspiration from the legendary Count Gregorio Rossi di Montelera’s 917, which famously travelled public roads from Stuttgart to Paris in 1975 with minimal road-legal modifications.

“Inspired by the Count Rossi 917, this project started as a passion-fueled ‘what if’ scenario among a small team of Porsche and Penske enthusiasts,” said Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “We aimed to build a 963 that captured the same uncompromising racing soul while celebrating an era-defining moment in Porsche history.”

Unlike its racing counterparts wrapped in sponsor liveries, the 963 RSP is the first 963 to receive a full paint finish—an intricate process due to its ultra-light Kevlar and carbon fibre bodywork. It wears Martini Silver, matched from Porsche Museum archives and applied in a triple-layer lacquer. Other unique touches include satin-black minor components, a 3D-printed “963 RSP” rear badge, and period-correct Michelin logos on the 18-inch rain-spec Michelin tires mounted on forged OZ Racing wheels.

The revised bodywork includes enclosed fender vents, removable carbon fibre wing plates, and an enamel Porsche crest on the nose, replacing the usual racing graphic. These changes mirror the design language of the 917 while staying faithful to the form of the 963.

Though derived from a purpose-built endurance car, the 963 RSP is road-ready. Adjustments include raised ride height, softened suspension dampers, and reprogrammed electronics for street lighting compliance. Covered wheel arches, a functional horn, and approval from French authorities—supported by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest—allowed the car to be legally driven on public roads.

Timo Bernhard, Porsche works driver and Le Mans winner, piloted the 963 RSP during its public road debut near the Circuit de la Sarthe. “Driving a 963 alongside a 917 on the open road was surreal. This version felt more forgiving and incredibly special—surprisingly comfortable, too,” he said.

Roger Penske, Chairman of Penske Corporation, expressed pride in the RSP project:
“We’ve shared an incredible journey with Porsche since 1972. The 917/30 marked a golden era for us, and the 963 RSP honours that legacy. We wanted authenticity and purity—and this car captures the spirit of both the past and the present.”

The car will be on display during the 24 Hours of Le Mans before heading to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. It will also appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, accompanied by the original 917 that inspired it.

The 963 RSP concept emerged during a conversation at Road Atlanta between Resch, Thomas Laudenbach (VP, Porsche Motorsport), and Urs Kuratle (Director, Factory Racing LMDh). Inspired by Count Rossi’s 917, they envisioned repeating history with the 963 and brought the idea to Roger Penske and Jonathan Diuguid of Porsche Penske Motorsport.

The project was executed by Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team in Zuffenhausen and Porsche Classic in Atlanta. Under the direction of Grant Larson, Director of Special Projects at Style Porsche, the team developed a road-focused vision with hand-crafted design touches—inside and out.

At the heart of the 963 RSP lies a formidable 4.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering approximately 680hp. This powerplant, designated internally as the 9RD, traces its lineage to the RS Spyder and shares around 80% of its components with the 918 Spyder’s engine. Complementing the combustion engine is a hybrid system featuring a Bosch-supplied motor generator unit (MGU) and an 800-volt lithium-ion battery developed by Williams Advanced Engineering. The integration of these systems facilitates electric-only operation and has been meticulously recalibrated to ensure smooth power delivery suitable for road use.

Transitioning the 963 RSP from track to tarmac necessitated several modifications. The ride height was elevated to its maximum setting, and the Multimatic DSSV dampers were adjusted to their softest configuration, enhancing ride comfort. The control unit underwent reprogramming to activate road-legal lighting systems, including headlights and turn signals. Additionally, the engine management system was adapted to operate efficiently on standard pump petrol, a significant undertaking given the vehicle’s racing origins.

Inside, the RSP takes an unprecedented departure from its track-only sibling. The race seat is retained but upholstered in tan leather and Alcantara with added padding for comfort. The roof lining, pillars, and footwells are trimmed in Alcantara. The multifunctional racing steering wheel is now leather-wrapped, and a custom side console holds the vehicle’s Peltor headset and a laptop for system operation. The final touch, a 3D-printed detachable cup holder that fits a Porsche travel mug.

The Porsche 963 RSP is more than a car—it’s a celebration of heritage, engineering, and passion. By uniting the past and present, it becomes a symbol of what Porsche and Penske have always done best: push the limits of what’s possible, whether on the track or the road.

Honda is marking the end of an era in Europe with the launch of the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition, a highly exclusive version of its celebrated hot hatch. Limited to just 40 units across the continent, this edition serves as a tribute to the model’s 28-year legacy, ahead of the Civic Type R’s planned discontinuation in European markets by 2026.

This final send-off comes adorned in the model’s signature Championship White paintwork, complemented by distinctive red decals tracing the bonnet and flanks—an homage to its renowned Type R badge. The car is further distinguished by a contrasting black roof and several carbon fibre enhancements, including a prominent rear wing spoiler and door sill garnishes.

Inside the cabin, the carbon fibre aesthetic continues on the centre console, while ambient lighting highlights key areas such as the cup holder, door trims, footwell, and beneath the front seats. A Type R logo projection on the ground upon door opening adds a final bespoke flourish to the interior design.

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Volvo Cars has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in occupant protection technology with the debut of its multi-adaptive safety belt, set to launch in the fully electric Volvo EX60 in 2026. This new safety system is designed to provide tailored protection for vehicle occupants by using real-time data from the car’s sophisticated sensor array, marking a major evolution of the original three-point safety belt first introduced by Volvo in 1959.

Developed to address the diversity of human body types and the unpredictability of real-world collisions, the multi-adaptive safety belt responds dynamically to both individual occupant characteristics and the specifics of each crash scenario. Drawing input from both internal and external sensors, the system calibrates belt tension to suit variables such as a person’s height, weight, body shape, and seating posture, as well as the angle and severity of a collision.

The innovation lies in the belt’s expanded use of load-limiting profiles, increasing the options from three to eleven. This significant leap enables the restraint system to apply a more precise level of force during an accident, balancing the need for secure restraint against the risk of injury from the belt itself. For example, in a serious collision involving a larger occupant, the system may apply a higher load threshold to reduce the chance of head trauma. Conversely, a smaller individual in a lower-impact crash would benefit from a lower load setting to reduce the likelihood of rib fractures.

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FAW-Volkswagen, the long-standing joint venture between China’s FAW Group and Germany’s Volkswagen, has announced plans to introduce two new energy vehicles (NEVs) by 2027, both of which will be based on the China-developed CMP platform. These models will be manufactured exclusively for the domestic Chinese market and will not be exported abroad.

The new vehicles will offer customers the choice between fully electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations. The announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 4 June between FAW-Volkswagen and the Tianjin Economic Development Zone Government, aimed at accelerating the growth of the NEV sector within the region.

As part of this collaboration, FAW-Volkswagen confirmed that its assembly plant in Tianjin, which currently has a production capacity of 300,000 vehicles annually, will serve as the manufacturing hub for the two upcoming models. The move marks a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to localise innovation and expand its NEV lineup in China.

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Kia Corporation has unveiled its latest innovation in accessible transport with the debut of its PV5 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) at the Financial Times’ Future of the Car Summit, held in collaboration with the UK’s Motability Operations Ltd. The showcase marks a significant advancement in Kia’s global commitment to inclusive and sustainable mobility.

The PV5 WAV, part of Kia’s expanding Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) portfolio, represents a fusion of advanced electric vehicle technology and inclusive design. Developed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges, the model exemplifies the automaker’s vision of a future where transport is equitable, sustainable, and accessible to all.

Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia, emphasised that the PV5 WAV is not merely a mode of transport, but a symbol of autonomy and empowerment. He noted that by combining innovative PBV architecture with human-centric design, Kia aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in the transition to electric mobility.

The need for accessible transport is growing globally due to rising life expectancy and an ageing population, which is creating increasing demand for WAVs. Simultaneously, the decline in availability of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which were often adapted into WAVs, has created an urgent need for purpose-built electric alternatives. Kia’s PV5 WAV is a direct response to this shift, offering a ready-made electric solution for the next era of mobility.

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McLaren Automotive has unveiled a special edition of its 750S supercar to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. This exclusive model, dubbed the 750S Le Mans, marks both a tribute to the brand’s motorsport legacy and its forthcoming return to the event’s top-tier category in 2027. Only 50 units of this special edition will be produced, making it one of the rarest and most desirable McLaren series production cars to date.

On 18 June 1995, the McLaren F1 GTR bearing the number 59 secured an overall win at the world’s most prestigious endurance race. Piloted by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Masanori Sekiya, the car led a fleet of McLarens that finished with three additional entries in the top five—an extraordinary debut for the marque at Le Mans. In a fitting tribute, two McLaren GT3 EVO race cars based on the 750S are set to contest the LMGT3 class at the 2025 edition of the race, just days before the anniversary.

The design of the 750S Le Mans draws direct inspiration from the victorious F1 GTR. The car is available in Le Mans Grey—mirroring the original race car’s livery—or McLaren Orange. A gloss black carbon fibre roof scoop and a set of 5-spoke LM wheels complete the exterior homage. Each car also comes equipped with the newly developed MSO High Downforce Kit (HDK), which includes a raised carbon fibre active rear spoiler with integrated endplates, a pronounced front bumper with an enlarged carbon splitter, and a rear wing, all of which collectively boost aerodynamic downforce by 10% over the standard 750S. Additional features such as gloss black louvres and a new under-wing panel enhance both form and function.

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Toyota Motor Thailand is preparing to introduce a significant update to its popular compact sedan lineup with the launch of the Toyota Yaris ATIV Hybrid, expected to debut in August 2025. Known in Malaysia as the Toyota Vios, this new hybrid variant will bring electrified performance to the model for the first time, marking a notable evolution for the nameplate.

According to AutolifeThailand, the hybrid Yaris ATIV will feature Toyota’s 1.5-litre full hybrid powertrain, likely inherited from the Yaris Cross. Although the core mechanicals are expected to remain similar, there could be minor technical adjustments specific to the sedan platform. This system is comprised of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine, coded 2NR-VEX, which displaces 1,496 cc. It produces 91hp at 5,500 rpm and 121Nm of torque between 4,000 and 4,800 rpm.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Mated to this internal combustion unit is an electric motor generating 80hp and 141Nm of torque, culminating in a combined output of 111hp. The hybrid system is paired with an e-CVT automatic transmission and draws energy from a 0.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. The drivetrain powers the front wheels and is compatible with E20 ethanol fuel. Factory data suggests the vehicle will reach a top speed of 160km/h and deliver an impressive fuel economy of 26.3 km/litre.

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Geely has officially introduced the Galaxy A7 EM-i, a new plug-in hybrid sedan under its Galaxy sub-brand, aiming to combine high efficiency with extended range in a sleek, modern package. The car, which sits below the Galaxy Star 8 EM-i in the model hierarchy, enters the competitive mid-size sedan segment with a focus on affordability, practicality, and cutting-edge hybrid technology.

The Galaxy A7 EM-i promises exceptional fuel economy, consuming just over 2 litres per 100km when running on petrol alone. With its hybrid powertrain, the car is capable of achieving a total driving range of more than 2,100km under certain configurations, according to Geely’s internal testing.

Designed to appeal to budget-conscious consumers, the model is expected to be priced around 100,000 yuan (RM58,937), positioning it as a compelling option in the growing plug-in hybrid market.

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Subaru has announced plans to debut a new vehicle at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show, sparking speculation about the brand’s future direction. The reveal was made during an information session held at Fuji Speedway in conjunction with the Fuji 24 Hours Race, which is part of the third round of the Super Taikyu Series.

According to Car Watch, during the session, Tetsuro Fujinuki, Subaru’s Executive Managing Director and Chief Technical Officer, confirmed the forthcoming unveiling with a cryptic slide image that hinted at a new model. Although the image appeared heavily edited, it marked the first official visual tease of what may be Subaru’s next performance vehicle. While rumours suggest this could be a new WRX, Fujinuki refrained from confirming any details.

Fujinuki, who took on additional responsibilities for product planning in April, indicated his intention to develop a car that embodies what he described as a “more Subaru-like and interesting” identity. He acknowledged the desire to reveal more concrete details but noted internal pressure to remain deliberately vague ahead of the official debut.

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