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Audi has unveiled its latest plug-in hybrid variants of the A6 Sedan and Avant, boasting significant improvements in battery capacity, electric driving range, and overall refinement. Both body styles now integrate a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, with total system outputs offered in two variants—295hp and 362hp. These upgrades position the A6 e-hybrid models as more efficient alternatives to diesel-powered counterparts, while still delivering strong performance.

A key highlight of the revamped plug-in hybrids is the newly upgraded battery. With a net capacity of 20.7 kWh—around 45 percent more than its predecessor—the battery enables the vehicles to travel over 100km purely on electric power under the WLTP combined cycle. Specifically, the A6 Sedan is capable of reaching up to 111km of electric range in urban conditions, while the Avant achieves up to 106km. Even at higher speeds, the A6 can maintain fully electric propulsion up to an electronically limited 140km/h.

The two powertrain options deliver impressive torque and acceleration. The base version generates 450Nm and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in six seconds, while the higher-powered model outputs 500Nm and completes the sprint in just 5.3 seconds. For those seeking greater performance, Audi still offers more powerful V6 mild-hybrid and high-performance S and RS variants.

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Stellantis-backed Leapmotor has commenced presales of the updated 2026 model year C10 crossover in China, introducing a more powerful electric powertrain and improved equipment while maintaining its familiar design. The model, which debuted in March 2024, has already achieved significant success, with total deliveries reaching 97,103 units, according to data from China EV DataTracker.

This latest iteration of the Leapmotor C10, set to enter the Chinese domestic market soon, continues the brand’s push into global markets, with the C10 positioned as one of its key international offerings.

While the exterior and interior design of the 2026 C10 remains unchanged, measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,825 mm, the SUV now benefits from major technological enhancements. Customers will still be able to choose between 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

A major highlight of the new model is its adoption of an 800V high-voltage architecture for the all-electric variant. This advanced system enables faster and more efficient battery charging and discharging. The new battery pack uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and boasts a 74.9 kWh capacity, delivering an extended driving range of up to 605km on the CLTC cycle.

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In a gesture that blends heritage with high-performance innovation, Lotus has unveiled the limited-run Emira Clark Edition, a tribute to the legendary Jim Clark. Developed in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust, this special model is restricted to just 60 units and will make its global premiere as the lead car at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

The Emira Clark Edition commemorates one of motorsport’s most revered figures, whose extraordinary achievements in 1965 continue to resonate across generations. That historic year saw Clark claim the Formula 1 World Championship title with Team Lotus, while also capturing victory at the Indianapolis 500 — a feat that remains unequalled. Beyond that, Clark also dominated in Formula 2, the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, and achieved success in touring car races with the Lotus Cortina.

This historic campaign forms the foundation for the Emira Clark Edition’s design and ethos, celebrating Clark’s unmatched versatility and dominance across various racing formats. It stands as a modern homage to a driver whose legacy continues to influence the sport and the marque.

The car’s distinctive appearance draws direct inspiration from Clark’s 1965 Indianapolis-winning Lotus Type 38. It is painted in a bespoke Clark Racing Green finish, accented by a contrasting black roof, silver mirrors, and a striking yellow racing stripe across the nose. A machined aluminium fuel cap with a blue anodised centre, vivid yellow exhaust tips, and a hand-painted yellow pinstripe along the swage line reinforce its racing credentials. The doors are adorned with a Clark Edition emblem derived from insignia used on Clark’s original racing cars.

Inside, the Emira Clark Edition evokes an atmosphere steeped in motorsport nostalgia. The seats are asymmetrically upholstered — the driver’s seat wrapped in red leather and Alcantara to mirror Clark’s 1965 racing cockpit, while the passenger seat features black leather and Alcantara. A retro-style wooden gear knob enhances the period aesthetic, accompanied by commemorative Jim Clark badges which incorporate his unique family tartan from Lochcarron, Scotland. Additional design flourishes include Clark’s signature on the dashboard and Team Lotus motifs stitched into the seatbacks.

Each car will be individually numbered with carbon fibre treadplates indicating its limited production run. Buyers will also receive an exclusive hand-crafted leather holdall tailored with Clark Edition detailing, underscoring the bespoke nature of the vehicle.

Underneath its historically inspired design lies the power of the Lotus Emira V6. The special edition retains the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, delivering 400hp through a six-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential. Performance enhancements include unfiltered hydraulic steering, a revised exhaust note, Track Mode, and a sports suspension package courtesy of the Lotus Driver’s Pack.

The Emira Clark Edition not only celebrates a motorsport titan but also offers a pure driving experience in keeping with Lotus’s engineering philosophy. This model stands as both a collector’s gem and a testament to Clark’s enduring influence on the world of racing.

In the United Kingdom, the Emira Clark Edition is priced at £115,000 (RM646,274), while the German market will see it listed at €140,000 (RM666,176).

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company to comply with China’s newly updated national battery safety standard, well ahead of its implementation in 2026.

The new regulation, officially titled GB 38031-2025 Safety Requirements for Power Batteries for Electric Vehicles, was announced on 28 March 2025 and will come into effect on 1 July 2026. This updated standard introduces more rigorous safety protocols, particularly addressing thermal runaway incidents, a major safety concern in electric vehicles (EVs).

Unlike the earlier version, which primarily mandated the issuance of warning signals prior to battery failure, the revised regulation stipulates that batteries must not catch fire or explode even if a thermal runaway occurs. Additionally, any smoke released during such incidents must not cause harm to vehicle occupants.

CATL confirmed that its latest generation Qilin battery, built on the third iteration of its CTP (cell-to-pack) platform, has successfully passed all the necessary certification tests outlined under GB 38031-2025. The tests, conducted by the China Automotive Technology & Research Centre (CATARC), evaluated both battery cells and packs. These trials included bottom impact tests and the ability to endure 300 rapid charging cycles without combustion or explosion in subsequent short-circuit scenarios.

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Great Wall Motor began pre-sales for the second-generation Haval H9 in August of last year, a rugged, off-road-focused SUV that enters the Chinese market with three distinct trim levels. Prices range from ¥205,900 to ¥235,900, which roughly converts to RM132,600 to RM151,900.

Recently showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, the all-new Haval H9 is aimed at off-road enthusiasts seeking a robust, medium-to-large SUV. Notably, two exterior variants are offered – one with an external spare tyre and another with an external storage box in place of the spare wheel.

The dimensions of the external spare tyre version are 5070mm (length) x 1976mm (width) x 1930mm (height) with a 2850mm wheelbase, while the external storage box version measures slightly shorter at 4950–5000 mm in length, with similar width and height. Despite the slight differences in length, both variants share the same wheelbase, ensuring similar cabin space.

Engineered for rugged terrain, the second-generation H9 boasts a maximum ground clearance of 224 mm, wading depth of 800 mm, and approach and departure angles of 31° and 25° respectively. This off-road capability is supported by a new exterior design that adopts a boxy silhouette, paying homage to retro SUV styling. Distinctive elements include a square front grille with circular headlamps, side-opening tailgate, vertically-stacked rear lights, roof racks, a panoramic sunroof, and classic door handles.

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Brabus, the German brand globally renowned for its high-performance automotive creations, has officially unveiled its most ambitious project yet — Brabus Island. The unveiling, held during a private, invitation-only event in Abu Dhabi, marks a significant milestone as the company steps into the realm of luxury real estate for the first time in its nearly 50-year history.

Situated in the exclusive Al Seef District of Al Raha Beach, Brabus Island occupies approximately 100,000 square metres of prime waterfront property. Just minutes from Zayed International Airport and the city centre of Abu Dhabi, and an hour’s drive from Dubai, the Island is poised to become a prestigious landmark in the Emirate.

Described as a bold new expression of the brand’s identity, Brabus Island embodies the essence of its design language through architecture, offering a living experience that mirrors the distinctiveness of its vehicles. This transition from automotive design to residential living is viewed as a natural evolution of the Brabus ethos.

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Geely has given us a close-up of the 2025 Monjaro L, known in its home market as the Xingyue L, during a special preview at its test drive facility in China. The updated SUV could signal the arrival of the next-generation Proton X70 in Malaysia, given the close alignment of Geely and Proton’s product strategies.

Physically, the Monjaro L has grown slightly in size compared to its predecessor. The new model measures 4,770mm in length, 1,895mm in width, and stands 1,689mm tall, with a wheelbase stretching 2,845mm. These dimensions place it marginally above the current Proton X70, suggesting more interior space and a bolder road presence.

The exterior design receives a modest refresh. The most prominent change comes in the form of a vertical bar front grille that now protrudes outward slightly, flanked by Geely’s revised silver emblem. The signature LED headlamps and the shape of the front bumper’s air intake remain largely unchanged, but a new set of 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels adds a more premium stance. Geely has yet to confirm whether the 2025 Monjaro will be sold as a new variant or completely replace the existing version, although indications point toward the latter.

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Ferrari has officially revealed its latest high-performance berlinetta, the 296 Speciale, a focused evolution of its mid-rear-engined plug-in hybrid line-up. Designed to elevate the driving experience to new heights, the 296 Speciale is the spiritual successor to a storied lineage of hardcore V8 special series cars, including the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista.

At the heart of this latest creation lies a significantly enhanced version of Ferrari’s hybrid powertrain. The familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine now produces 690hp, identical to the output found in the track-only 296 Challenge. This is no coincidence—Ferrari has confirmed that the 296 Speciale inherits its engine mapping and boost calibration from the race car, along with several internal upgrades including titanium connecting rods, new pistons, and a lighter crankshaft. Borrowing from Formula 1 technology, the engine also employs a sophisticated knock control system, enhancing performance and reliability under high-stress conditions.

Augmenting the internal combustion engine is an upgraded electric motor contributing an additional 177hp, bringing total system output to 867hp—up from 818hp in the standard 296 GTB. Power is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels through Ferrari’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which retains its original hardware but features recalibrated shift strategies to better exploit the added performance. Despite its race-ready credentials, the 296 Speciale remains a plug-in hybrid, capable of covering up to 24km on electric power alone.

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Isuzu Motors Limited has officially begun production of its first fully electric 1-tonne pickup truck, the D-MAX EV, at its manufacturing facility in Thailand. This marks a significant milestone for the Japanese automaker as it expands its portfolio of carbon-neutral vehicles.

The electric D-MAX, first revealed as a prototype at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2023, has now entered mass production. Initial manufacturing focuses on the left-hand drive version destined for European markets, with shipments scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025. Production of the right-hand drive variant is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with sales in the United Kingdom planned for 2026. Further market expansion will follow, based on regional demand.

Designed to match the capabilities of its diesel-powered counterpart, the D-MAX EV features a full-time four-wheel drive system equipped with newly developed electric axles at the front and rear. This setup delivers the smooth and immediate acceleration characteristic of electric vehicles, while also maintaining low levels of noise and vibration. With its robust frame and body structure, the electric pickup offers a high towing capacity and payload performance, ensuring suitability for both commercial and private use.

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Toyota Motor Corporation has entered into a preliminary agreement with Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company originally founded as part of Google’s self-driving car initiative in 2009, to explore a far-reaching collaboration aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous driving technologies. The initiative signals a major step forward in the integration of advanced mobility systems, as both companies seek to combine their technological strengths.

Joining the partnership is Woven by Toyota, the mobility and software innovation arm of Toyota. Woven will act as a strategic enabler, contributing its expertise in advanced software architecture and digital mobility solutions. Together, the three entities are aligning behind a shared vision of increasing road safety and expanding access to mobility through the advancement of autonomous technologies.

Central to the potential collaboration is the creation of a new autonomous vehicle platform. The companies will also evaluate how Waymo’s state-of-the-art self-driving technology can be integrated with Toyota’s manufacturing and vehicle design expertise to support the next generation of personally owned vehicles (POVs). This would mark a significant evolution for autonomous driving beyond fleet-based ride-hailing services, broadening its reach into the consumer market. While the exact parameters of the partnership are still under discussion, both parties have expressed a strong commitment to furthering the development of safe and scalable driver-assistance technologies.

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