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Volkswagen Bids Farewell to Manual Golf GTI and Golf R

Volkswagen’s refreshed 2025 Golf lineup, known as the Mk8.5, introduced updated styling and enhanced interiors but marked a bittersweet moment for U.S. enthusiasts as the iconic manual transmission was retired for the Golf GTI and Golf R. This decision closes a significant chapter in the history of these beloved hot hatches, despite a surge in popularity for manual-equipped models in their final year.

In 2024, enthusiasts rallied to support the manual variants, with Volkswagen reporting substantial year-over-year sales increases of 48.6% for the GTI and 29.6% for the Golf R. Of these, 41% of GTIs and an impressive 52% of Golf Rs sold were equipped with the six-speed manual, reflecting a meaningful rise from 2023 figures of 38% and 45%, respectively. This resurgence in manual transmission sales highlights the passionate dedication of U.S. drivers who favour a more engaged driving experience.

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Subaru Revives the WRX STI with the S210 at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025

Nearly three years after Subaru announced that a true STI version of the WRX would never happen, the automaker has surprised fans with a change of heart. At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, Subaru revealed the WRX STI S210, a full-fledged Subaru Tecnica International creation that embodies the pinnacle of the STI philosophy. This highly anticipated model builds on the JDM-spec WRX S4 STI Sport R EX and reaffirms Subaru’s commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles that excite enthusiasts.

The S210 is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that has been re-engineered to produce 296hp and 375Nm of torque. These figures represent a notable improvement over the standard WRX available in Japan, although the S210 falls short of the 341hp and 450Nm torque offered by the S209, which was the last STI model available in the U.S. Subaru’s engineers have incorporated an upgraded exhaust system, revised intake ducts, and a recalibrated ECU to achieve these performance gains.

The engine delivers full power at 5,700 rpm and peak torque at just 2,000 rpm, ensuring a thrilling driving experience. Unlike its predecessor, the S210 features Subaru’s Performance Transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been refined to handle the increased output.

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Hyundai Unveils Ioniq 5 N DK Edition: A Drifting Icon in the Making

Hyundai has once again captured the automotive world’s imagination with its latest creation, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N DK Edition. Building on the success of the Ioniq 5 N, this special edition is tailored specifically for drifting enthusiasts and pays homage to one of the most legendary figures in motorsport, Keiichi Tsuchiya, the “Drift King.”

A Tribute to the Drift King

The DK Edition is named in honour of Keiichi Tsuchiya, a pioneer in drifting and a revered figure in the Japanese racing scene. Tsuchiya’s influence extends beyond the car’s name; he was deeply involved in the development and tuning of the DK Edition, ensuring it meets the high standards of professional drift performance.

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Mazda Unveils Mazda6e BEV for Europe at the Brussels Motor Show 2025

Mazda Motor Europe has officially introduced the Mazda6e, a revolutionary Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), at the Brussels Motor Show 2025. Scheduled for release in June 2025, the Mazda6e represents the brand’s entry into the midsize BEV segment, specifically tailored for European consumers.

The Mazda6e serves as the European iteration of the Mazda EZ-6, which was first showcased at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024. This innovative BEV is a product of Mazda’s long-standing partnership with Changan Automobile Co., Ltd, a collaboration spanning over two decades. Combining Mazda’s iconic design philosophy and craftsmanship with Changan’s advanced expertise in electrification and intelligent cabin technologies, the Mazda6e sets a new standard for electric mobility in the European market.

Designed under the “Authentic Modern” theme, the Mazda6e boasts a sleek coupe-inspired silhouette with clean, flowing lines that highlight its modernity and electric innovation. Every detail reflects Mazda’s commitment to craftsmanship while incorporating unique EV-specific elements to emphasise its futuristic appeal. The driving dynamics have been meticulously refined to achieve Jinba Ittai, Mazda’s hallmark sense of oneness between driver and car. Precision-tuned braking and responsive handling ensure a deeply engaging and intuitive driving experience.

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Toyota Teams with Nvidia for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Toyota has announced a partnership with Nvidia to integrate the Nvidia Drive AGX Orin platform and DriveOS operating system into its next generation of vehicles, signalling a significant leap in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This collaboration builds on Toyota’s long-standing relationship with Nvidia, which began in 2019 with the adoption of Nvidia’s technology for cloud computing and autonomous vehicle development.

Nvidia’s Vice President of Automotive, Ali Kani, praised Toyota’s role in the company’s “cloud-to-car” strategy, which seamlessly combines cloud-based technologies with on-vehicle systems to enable safer, smarter mobility. Nvidia also collaborates with a roster of leading automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BYD, Lucid, Rivian, Nio, and Xiaomi, to advance driver assistance and autonomous driving technologies.

TÜV-Certified Autonomous Driving Platform

Nvidia’s Drive AGX Hyperion, a comprehensive autonomous driving platform, has recently passed stringent safety audits by TÜV SÜD (a global company that provides testing, inspection, certification, and training services) and TÜV Rheinland. This platform combines the Drive AGX system-on-chip (SoC), DriveOS, and a suite of sensors and active safety features to deliver reliable and scalable autonomous driving solutions.

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Automakers Partner with Tesla to Meet EU Emissions Targets

In a bid to comply with the European Union’s stringent emissions targets for 2025, several major car manufacturers have joined forces with Tesla. The collaboration aims to pool emissions credits, leveraging Tesla’s clean-energy surplus to offset shortfalls and dodge significant fines.

Under the EU’s regulations, overall fleet emissions must fall from 106.6 grams of CO₂ per kilometre to 93.6 grams this year. Each automaker has specific targets to meet based on their fleet composition. To address the challenge, Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Stellantis, Subaru, and Leapmotor have formed a “Superpool” with Tesla. Together, these brands represent 33% of the vehicle market and 30% of the EV market in Europe.

Tesla’s Role and the Financial Stakes

Tesla, the global leader in emissions credit trading, plays a critical role in this strategy. The pooling agreement narrows the group’s emissions gap to within 4 grams of the target, according to Will Roberts, Automotive Research Lead at Rho Motion.

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Porsche Introduces the 2025 911 Carrera S: Eight-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission, No Manual Option

Porsche has unveiled the 2025 911 Carrera S, an exciting addition to the iconic 911 lineup. Positioned between the 911 Carrera and the Carrera GTS T-Hybrid, the new Carrera S boasts significant performance upgrades and enhanced standard features, delivering an exhilarating driving experience and exceptional value. Available in both Coupé and Cabriolet variants, the 911 Carrera S redefines sportiness and sophistication.

Performance Boost with the Upgraded 3.0-Litre Boxer Engine

At the heart of the 911 Carrera S lies a re-engineered 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine. Producing 480PS and 530Nm of torque, the engine delivers 30 PS more than its predecessor, achieving performance levels previously reserved for the Carrera GTS of earlier generations.

To achieve this leap in power, Porsche introduced new turbochargers and optimized the charge-air cooling system. These innovations ensure a balance between increased output and reduced emissions. The Carrera S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 308km/h. Power is seamlessly delivered to the wheels via an eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK).

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Honda’s 0 Series EV Will be Manufactured in Ohio

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, Honda provided an exciting preview of its future in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of two groundbreaking prototypes: the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV. These near-production models mark a significant step forward in Honda’s electrification strategy, set to launch in the first half of 2026. Both vehicles are part of Honda’s innovative 0 Series and will be manufactured at the company’s dedicated EV Hub in Ohio.

Pioneering Automated Driving Technology

A key highlight of the new 0 Series models is their incorporation of Level 3 automated driving capabilities, featuring the highly anticipated “eyes-off-hands-off” operation. Developed in collaboration with Helm.ai, Honda’s advanced software enables the vehicles to estimate their surroundings with human-like precision, making informed decisions in complex scenarios such as intricate intersections. This technology represents a significant leap in autonomous driving, promising enhanced safety and convenience for drivers.

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BMW Unveils Next-Gen iDrive and Operating System X

At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, BMW Group introduced its groundbreaking Panoramic iDrive, setting a new benchmark in vehicle technology and user experience. This close-to-production innovation, powered by the all-new BMW Operating System X, combines cutting-edge design, intuitive operation, and unparalleled personalisation. Scheduled to debut in all new BMW models in late 2025, this evolution marks a quarter-century of BMW’s leadership in automotive infotainment systems.

The Next Step in Driver-Focused Innovation

BMW Panoramic iDrive integrates four key elements to redefine driver interaction:

BMW Panoramic Vision: This advanced Head-Up Display spans from A-pillar to A-pillar, projecting critical information onto a black-printed section of the windshield. Essential driving details are shown in the driver’s direct line of sight, with customisable content extending across the screen for all passengers to view.
3D Head-Up Display: Positioned above the Panoramic Vision, this optional display incorporates integrated navigation and automated driving data directly in the driver’s field of vision. Together, the two displays provide a seamless, layered information experience.

Central Display with Matrix Backlight Technology: A free-cut, touch-enabled screen located close to the steering wheel ensures ergonomic access. Drivers can personalise up to six widgets, swiping them into the Panoramic Vision display for optimal interaction.
Multifunction Steering Wheel: Adopting BMW’s “shy-tech” approach, the steering wheel features illuminated, haptic-feedback buttons that only activate relevant functions. This design keeps essential controls within easy reach without diverting the driver’s attention from the road.

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Mazda Partners with Panasonic to Build First Dedicated EV in Japan

Mazda is taking significant strides in its electrification journey by establishing a specialised battery manufacturing facility in Japan, underscoring its commitment to sustainable mobility. Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the plant will produce battery modules for Mazda’s upcoming models, including its first vehicle built on a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform.

Partnering with Panasonic Energy, Mazda will utilise advanced cylindrical battery modules to power its next-generation EVs. The factory is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 10GWh, a milestone reflecting the automaker’s ambition to scale up EV production.

A Bold Step Forward

Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, highlighted the brand’s progress toward its in-house EV platform, which is set to debut in 2027. This platform is promised to deliver vehicles with “advanced design, superior convenience, and extended driving ranges,” signalling a departure from Mazda’s earlier strategy of adapting combustion-engine platforms for electric use.

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