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Porsche Working on New W18 Engine Design

Porsche has filed a new patent for a W18 engine — an engine with 18 cylinders, which is more than any engine currently in production. The patent, discovered by CarBuzz, was filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization and shows Porsche’s latest effort to make engines that are powerful but still efficient.

This new W18 engine is different from older “W” engines used by brands like Bentley and Bugatti under the Volkswagen Group. Those older designs were basically two V-shaped engines combined. Porsche’s new idea uses three separate cylinder banks, each with six cylinders, forming a real W shape.

The design could be changed easily. Porsche says it could also be built as a W12 (12 cylinders), W9 (9 cylinders), or even a W15 (15 cylinders) depending on what’s needed for different cars — from luxury SUVs to supercars.

Each cylinder bank has its own air intake system on top, which helps the engine breathe better and stay cooler. The air flows straight down into the engine, reducing resistance and improving performance. The exhaust system is designed to keep the intake air cool, which also increases power and efficiency.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Launched in Mauritius – Priced From RM157,153!

Big news from Proton International Corporation (PICSB)! They’ve officially rolled out the Proton e.MAS 7 in Mauritius.

This is kind of a big deal, as it makes Mauritius the fourth international spot to get Proton’s very first electric vehicle (EV). It’s only been about ten months since the car first launched in Malaysia, and it just recently helped Proton get back into the Singapore market, too. Clearly, the e.MAS 7 is already a hit—it’s now Proton’s third best-selling export model, right behind the classic Saga and the popular X50.

A Big Step for Proton’s EV Plan:
Launching the e.MAS 7 in new countries is a huge move for Proton. It really shows they’re serious about growing internationally and leading the charge in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). PROTON is quickly becoming a major EV player in the region, and the demand proves it! They’ve delivered over 6,500 units both at home and abroad since the car debuted.

This whole expansion plan is powered by Proton’s smart investments in electrification. They built a brand-new EV plant in Malaysia that can pump out up to 45,000 EVs a year. That facility is key to Proton’s goal of hitting 250,000 export units over the next few years and helping the world move toward sustainable driving.

Partnership and Power
PROTON’s been working with their trusted partner, Autonexx, for over 35 years in Mauritius, and this EV launch is just the latest success story. They both share the same goal: making electric mobility the future in Mauritius.

So, what about the car itself? The e.MAS 7 is offered in two variants in Mauritius—Prime and Premium. It’s offered with the same 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and shares the same specifications too.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. The electric drive unit packs a punch with 214hp of power and 320 Nm of torque.

It runs on advanced AEGIS Short Blade battery cells, and its 60.22 kWh battery gives you a WLTP-rated range of 410 km.

To make going electric worry-free, PROTON is offering a comprehensive warranty of 6 years or 150,000 km for the car, and an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery and components.

To celebrate the arrival, Proton Mauritius is offering an awesome early-bird promotion for the first 30 customers!

• The e.MAS 7 Prime is priced at Rs 1,690,000 (on the road, excluding insurance) (RM157,153) and comes with a free wallbox charger and a free e.motion card.
• The Premium version is Rs 1,850,000 (on the road, excluding insurance) (RM172,031) and includes the free wallbox charger and e.motion card, plus five years of free servicing (or up to 150,000 km).

If you are wondering why the Proton e.MAS 7 is much more expensive in Mauritius than in Malaysia, well that is because of the heavy taxation and excise duties that the government imposes on imported cars, something like what they Malaysian government does. Up to 100% in certain cases. On top of that, there is also a further 15% value added tax imposed.

Chery Unveils Major Multi-Brand Strategy: New Electric SUVs and Premium Lineup Coming to Malaysia

Chery has declared a major strategic shift, moving beyond a single brand to become a comprehensive mobility solutions provider. At the recent Chery International User Summit 2025, themed “Co-Create, Co-Define: The New Move,” the company unveiled a multi-brand lineup specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of Malaysian consumers.

Chery Corporate Malaysia played a key role in the global summit, which laid out the future for its entire portfolio: the flagship Chery brand, the dynamic crossover duo Omoda-Jaecoo, the rugged electric brand icaur, and the sophisticated new premium electric marque, Lepas.

1. The Core Chery Brand: A SUV Co-Created with Malaysian Input

The core Chery brand debuted the world’s first 7-Seater Transformable Multi-SUV. This innovative vehicle is a direct result of the company’s “Co-create and Co-define” philosophy, incorporating over 40,000 pieces of global user feedback, including key insights from Malaysia.

The SUV features a unique 6 in 1 formula, allowing it to transform into six different configurations—ranging from a spacious seven-seater family vehicle to a practical pickup truck—redefining versatility for modern drivers.

2. Omoda Jaecoo: Rapid Growth and Hybrid Tech Breakthroughs

The Omoda Jaecoo brands are seeing explosive growth, achieving outstanding global sales of 32,840 units in September 2025, a 39% year-on-year increase. Notably, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) currently account for 57% of their total sales.

Key highlights from the summit include:

Engine Innovation: Unveiled hybrid powertrains that reached a record 48% engine thermal efficiency.
New Tech: Showcased advancements in solid-state batteries and a new high-performance model, the Omoda 9 SHS, featuring quad-motor AWD hybrid technology.
Future Focus: The brand reinforced its commitment to intelligence and sustainability with the display of the AiMOGA-developed Mojia Robot.

3. iCaur: The New Classic Electric Off-Roader

The iCaur brand is entering the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector by focusing on “New Classics.” Its full lineup of electric off-road vehicles features bold, clean, and vintage-inspired designs.

The brand’s identity is centered on personalisation. iCaur will offer a vast ecosystem of bespoke parts and accessories, allowing Malaysian consumers to fully customise their electric vehicle and make a personal style statement.

4. Lepas: The Premium, Elegant Electric Experience

Set to officially launch in Malaysia in the first half of 2026, Lepas is Chery’s new independent global brand positioned at the premium end of the New Energy Vehicle market.

Elegant Technology: Lepas introduced a new framework built on a forward-engineered platform and advanced electric systems, focusing on efficiency, stability, and an intelligent cockpit designed for emotional connection and safety.

Innovative Retail: The brand debuted its first global Elegant Lifestyle House, a non-traditional retail space designed like a miniature urban block where customers can immerse themselves in the brand’s world.

Ambitious Goal: Lepas plans to launch eight new models within three years, aiming to become the global synonym for “Elegant Driving.”

A Unified Vision for the Malaysian Market:

“This summit is a clear declaration of our future,” said Mr. Men Lin Bo, Executive Vice President of Chery Corporate Malaysia. “We are transitioning into a comprehensive mobility solutions provider.”

The executive confirmed that the new Chery, Omoda Jaecoo, iCaur, and Lepas portfolios provide an “unparalleled toolkit” to meet the rapidly evolving and diverse needs of Malaysian consumers, ensuring that the brand experiences are finely tuned to local tastes.

OMODA | JAECOO Hits Record Global Sales in September 2025 with Over 32,000 Vehicles Delivered

OMODA | JAECOO has continued its impressive global momentum, setting a new sales record in September 2025 with 32,840 vehicles delivered worldwide.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the young dual-brand automaker, which has now surpassed 630,000 cumulative sales in just 29 months since its debut.

Between January and September 2025, OMODA | JAECOO sold a total of 244,522 vehicles globally — a 39% increase compared to the same period last year. The result underlines the brand’s rising strength as one of China’s fastest-growing international automotive players, with expanding presence across Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

The company’s recent performance reflects a well-calibrated global strategy. In Latin America, markets like Brazil and Mexico saw rapid growth thanks to locally tailored products that suit regional driving habits and consumer preferences. Mexico alone recorded a 40% month-on-month sales increase in September, becoming one of the brand’s top-performing markets.

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Mercedes-Benz Unveils Vision Iconic — Redefining the Future of Luxury Mobility

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Vision Iconic, a concept car that marks a new chapter in the brand’s design and technology direction. The show car blends the timeless elegance associated with Mercedes with modern electric and digital innovations, offering a preview of how the brand envisions the future of luxury motoring.

The most distinctive feature of the Vision Iconic is its illuminated “iconic grille,” inspired by classic models such as the 600 Pullman and W108. The grille features a broad chrome frame with an intricate glass pattern and integrated lighting elements. The illuminated three-pointed star on the bonnet reinforces the car’s futuristic presence, combining tradition and technology in a single statement design.

Finished in high-gloss black, the Vision Iconic also adopts narrow, contemporary headlights and dynamic lighting animations that extend across the grille and bonnet emblem. This approach signals Mercedes-Benz’s continued exploration of light as a design language — transforming it into a medium for expression and emotion rather than mere functionality.

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Mercedes-Benz Teases Bold New Era with Massive Illuminated Grille Design

Mercedes-Benz seems ready to push illuminated design further than ever before. The brand’s latest electric vehicles have already made headlines for their light-up front ends, and now, a new teaser from design chief Gorden Wagener suggests that the next generation of Mercedes EVs will take the idea to a whole new level.

The teaser image, shared on Wagener’s Instagram, reveals the front of what looks like a new luxury sedan with a tall, glowing grille that dominates the design. The outline is framed by bright illumination, while the signature three-pointed star sits proudly in the centre — and lights up too. The proportions and upright stance immediately recall classic Mercedes saloons like the “Fintail” W112 and W113, and the later W108 and W109 generations, all known for their dignified, vertical front ends.

While Mercedes design has evolved in recent years towards lower, sleeker profiles, this new approach feels like a bold blend of old-world prestige and futuristic confidence. The upright grille and illuminated emblem give off strong hints that this could preview the all-electric successor to the S-Class — a model already confirmed to be in development on the brand’s upcoming MB.EA platform.

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Toyota Previews a Bold New Corolla Concept Ahead of Japan Mobility Show

Toyota has unveiled a striking new interpretation of the Corolla, offering a glimpse into the next evolution of the popular nameplate. Revealed during a livestream event in Japan that also featured a six-wheeled Lexus LS minivan and a raised Century coupe, the Corolla concept stood out as one of the most intriguing debuts of the showcase.

Although officially labelled a concept, several cues suggest that this new Corolla is close to production readiness. Traditional side mirrors, for instance, hint at a practical rather than purely experimental design. More notably, the presence of a fuel cap on the front fender points to an electric powertrain — though Toyota has yet to confirm whether it’s a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid.

An electric version of the Corolla seems almost inevitable, given Toyota’s gradual but deliberate expansion into EVs. However, it’s difficult to imagine the brand abandoning combustion power entirely for such a globally significant nameplate. The Corolla remains central to Toyota’s global sales, and with the company’s ongoing belief that full electrification will not dominate every market, internal combustion variants are expected to remain part of the lineup for years to come.

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Next-Generation Peugeot 208 to Debut in 2026 as All-Electric Hatchback on New STLA Small Platform

Peugeot is preparing to launch an all-new 208 in 2026, a car that will not only redefine the brand’s compact offering but also mark one of Stellantis’s most important global introductions in recent years. The next-generation model will debut the all-new STLA Small platform, showcase a futuristic tech-led cabin, and arrive as a fully electric vehicle from day one.

The new 208 represents a turning point for Stellantis’s compact cars, setting the tone for future models that will span the A- to C-segments. The STLA Small platform replaces the existing CMP and e-CMP architectures that currently underpin models like the 208, 2008, and Vauxhall Corsa. It also serves as a cornerstone for Stellantis’s ambition to remain at the forefront of Europe’s affordable EV market—a segment that continues to heat up as mainstream automakers accelerate their electrification plans.

Peugeot’s decision to introduce the platform through the 208 speaks volumes about the model’s importance within the company’s line-up. The hatchback has been a consistent bestseller for the brand, with 109,146 units sold in the first half of 2025 alone. That figure placed it among Europe’s top three compact cars, trailing only the Renault Clio and Dacia Sandero, according to data from Jato Dynamics.

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Zeekr Unveils 2026 Zeekr 001 with Major Tech Upgrades and Up to 810km Range

Zeekr has revealed the 2026 Zeekr 001, a heavily updated version of its full-size electric shooting brake that blends performance, luxury, and next-generation technology. The refreshed model is available in four variants — Max 95 kWh AWD, Max 103 kWh RWD, Ultra 103 kWh AWD, and Ultra+ 103 kWh AWD.

Although it remains a facelift rather than a full redesign, the new Zeekr 001 introduces notable styling tweaks that give the car a sharper, more cohesive look. The front bumper now features a wider horizontal grille pattern paired with sleeker air ducts, while the rear end has been cleaned up with the removal of triangular reflectors. Two new paint options, Mysterious Purple and Star Grey, join the colour palette alongside five returning finishes, adding to the car’s visual appeal.

Inside, Zeekr has completely reworked the cabin with a stronger focus on digital integration and passenger comfort. A 16-inch 3.5K central touchscreen takes centre stage on the dashboard, supported by a 13.02-inch digital cluster and a massive 39.3-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). Rear passengers also get an 8-inch control display for seat and climate adjustments.

The car’s interior ambience is elevated by a 256-colour ambient lighting system, a 29-speaker Zeekr Sound Max audio setup delivering 4,680 watts of power, and a panoramic glass roof with a starry pattern finish.

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BYD Launches 2026 Seal 05 DM-i with 2,000km Driving Range in China

BYD has introduced the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, the latest iteration of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, now boasting a pure electric range of up to 128 kilometres (CLTC) and a total driving range of an impressive 2,000km. Despite these substantial improvements, the car maintains its starting price of 79,800 yuan (around RM52,000), reinforcing BYD’s commitment to offering high-value electrified mobility.

The Seal 05 DM-i continues to embrace BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design philosophy, which favours clean, fluid lines and aerodynamic efficiency. For 2026, subtle refinements have been made to streamline its appearance further, including the removal of the automatic front grille. This small but deliberate change gives the car a more cohesive front profile while preserving its sleek, modern look.

Inside, the cabin keeps to its minimalist and practical roots, with thoughtful updates aimed at improving comfort and usability. The familiar flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel and dual-screen layout remain — an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while a 10.1-inch central touchscreen runs the brand’s DiLink smart cockpit system.

The most notable interior revision is the switch from the previous crystal gear lever to a column-mounted electronic shifter, which opens up additional space on the centre console for storage and convenience.