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Geely Launches EX5 EM-i Hybrid SUV in Australia

Geely Auto has taken a major step into international markets with the debut of the all-new EX5 EM-i, also known as the Starray EM-i in some regions and the e.MAS 7 here in Malaysia. The unveiling in Australia marks the company’s first hybrid model to be sold outside of China, signalling the start of a broader global rollout for its electrified line-up.

Positioned in the highly competitive C-segment SUV category, the EX5 EM-i has been designed to stand out with ultra-low fuel consumption, extended range capability, and a contemporary design that balances efficiency with everyday usability.

At the heart of the EX5 EM-i is Geely’s new EM-i (E-Motive intelligence) Super Hybrid System, making its debut on this model. The powertrain combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 98hp and 125Nm with an electric motor producing 214hp and 320Nm. Together, they promise strong performance with a focus on efficiency and reduced emissions.

Built on Geely’s advanced GEA architecture, the SUV also delivers a spacious interior, intelligent driving features, and seamless connectivity to enhance both driving and passenger comfort.

The numbers make a compelling case. Under NEDC testing conditions, the EX5 EM-i can cover up to 943 km on a single tank and charge, while WLTP testing shows a pure-electric range of 83 km — enough for most daily commutes without using a drop of fuel.

For longer journeys, the hybrid system takes away the need to plan around charging stations, giving drivers the reassurance of long-distance capability without the anxiety often associated with fully electric cars.

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Subaru Goes Bold With 2026 WRX and BRZ Series.Yellow Editions

Subaru has decided to add some colour, quite literally, to its performance line-up with the introduction of two striking special editions: the 2026 Subaru WRX Series.Yellow and the 2026 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow. Limited to just 350 units each, these models celebrate the brand’s rally-bred heritage while blending in modern tech and performance tweaks designed to thrill on both road and track.

Rarity is the name of the game here, as both cars are based on their hardcore tS trims, making them highly desirable collector’s items from day one.

The WRX Series.Yellow sticks to the Subaru formula of all-weather performance. It’s powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine delivering 271hp and 350Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has had its hands on the suspension too, fitting adjustable dampers that promise flexibility between sharp handling and everyday comfort.

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Toyota Teams Up with Huawei and Xiaomi for New bZ7 EV in China

Toyota has finally stepped fully into China’s fast-growing electric car market, and it’s doing things differently this time. Instead of working alone, Toyota has partnered with local tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi to build its latest model, the GAC Toyota bZ7.

The bZ7 is a large electric sedan, measuring over five metres long with a very spacious interior — something Chinese buyers value highly. While the design looks familiar to Toyota fans, the real changes are under the skin.

Toyota is using Huawei’s electric motor, which produces 278hp and pushes the car to a top speed of 180km/h. It’s not about being the fastest, but about being reliable and practical for families.

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McLaren JC96 – Japan-Only Tribute to a 1996 Racing Triumph

McLaren has pulled the covers off the JC96, a special edition of the 750S built to honour the brand’s success in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship almost three decades ago. Back in 1996, the team secured the Drivers’ Championship with the iconic McLaren F1 GTR, and this latest creation serves as a nod to that victory.

Just 61 units will be produced, and they will all remain exclusive to the Japanese market. Each example carries a distinctive ‘Tiger Stripe’ livery inspired by the racing F1 GTR, matched with ultra-lightweight 15-spoke forged alloys and bespoke cabin touches that echo the motorsport connection.

The exterior is dressed with unique detailing across the splitter, rear wing and door mirror caps, while the colour palette includes Memphis Red, Titanium Silver, Ice White and Graphite Grey. Those seeking something more unusual can explore McLaren’s bespoke paint programme. Finishing touches come in the form of gloss black roof and diffuser elements, striking gold brake callipers with red McLaren logos, and further subtle accents across the body.

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Toyota GR Yaris Gets New Aero Performance Package Inspired by Motorsport

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has announced that the GR Yaris will soon be offered with a new “Aero Performance Package”, set to arrive at Toyota dealerships in Japan from 1 October 2025. The package, which has been developed with direct input from motorsport, brings a suite of aero upgrades aimed at enhancing cooling, stability, and balance at high speeds.

The GR Yaris has always had its DNA rooted in rallying, and this package takes that link a step further. Engineers fine-tuned the components through extensive testing in the Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship, with feedback from professional drivers shaping the final setup. Available exclusively on the RZ “High Performance” and RC trims, the package combines six carefully designed parts to push the car’s aerodynamics and handling even further.

Among the highlights is a ducted aluminium bonnet, modelled after the carbon-fibre version fitted to the GRMN Yaris. Developed and tested in rally competition, it improves cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay. To keep the car planted at speed, a new front lip spoiler has been added to cut front lift and sharpen overall balance — a component included after race driver feedback suggested the aero setup needed an extra layer of stability.

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GWM Ora Cat Breaks Cover as Brand’s First New Model Since 2022

After a long, quiet time, Great Wall Motor’s electric sub-brand Ora is back with something new. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed details of the brand’s latest SUV, the Ora Cat – the first all-new model to wear the Ora badge since 2022.

Ora, established in 2018 under Great Wall Motor, quickly made a name for itself with quirky, affordable EVs. But a string of missteps left the brand struggling. The launch of the Black Cat and White Cat proved unprofitable, while ventures like the Ole Sharing service drained resources. Things didn’t improve in 2022 when Ora introduced the Ballet Cat, styled like a modern Beetle, and the Lightning Cat (also called Ora 07), which borrowed its look from the Porsche Panamera. Both landed in small, niche markets and did little to help sales.

Since then, Ora has been unusually quiet. Between January and August 2025, sales dwindled to just 14,781 units in China, according to China EV DataTracker. The slump pushed Great Wall Motor to rethink its strategy. This summer, the company announced plans to reignite the brand with four new models. The Ora Cat is the first step in that comeback.

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XPENG AEROHT’s Flying Car Gets Green Light in UAE

XPENG AEROHT has taken a big step forward in making flying cars a reality. The Chinese company’s “Land Aircraft Carrier” has just been granted a special flight permit in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to Xinhua, the permit was handed over to XPENG AEROHT’s founder, Zhao Deli, marking a milestone for the firm’s ambitions outside China. The UAE’s innovation-friendly approach was seen as the perfect testing ground for this technology, giving the company the chance to showcase what its futuristic vehicle can really do.

At the same event, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with XPENG AEROHT. The agreement will see both parties working together on flight testing certification, real-world application scenarios, and exploring how flying cars could be used across different sectors. Among the areas being considered are government transport, tourism, and even emergency rescue – all of which could benefit from a vehicle that combines the practicality of a car with the agility of an aircraft.

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2026 Nissan Z Debuts with Heritage Edition Honouring the 300ZX

Nissan has introduced the 2026 Z at the 38th annual ZCON, unveiling a new Heritage Edition that pays tribute to the fourth-generation Z32 from the 1990s for the U.S. market.

Available exclusively on the Z Performance grade, the Heritage Edition costs $2,940 (around RM12,411), bringing the total MSRP to $55,910 (around RM236,023). It features bronze 19-inch RAYS wheels, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler with a retro “Twin Turbo” badge, bronze body graphics, unique door kick plates, exclusive floor mats, and a nostalgic Midnight Purple paint finish.

The 2026 Z lineup consists of three grades: Sport, Performance, and NISMO, with prices starting from $42,970 (around RM181,419). Sport and Performance models also gain a new Boulder Grey paint option with a contrasting black roof.

Design cues across the seventh-generation Z continue to echo its heritage. The raised hood bulge recalls the original Z, while crescent-shaped LED running lights mimic the 240ZG. At the rear, elongated-oval tail lights and a blacked-out centre section nod to the Z32.

Inside, triple dashboard gauges display turbo boost, turbine speed, and battery voltage, paired with a clean, functional layout inspired by past Z models.

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Toyota Revives AE86 4A-GE Engine Parts Under GR Heritage Project

Toyota Gazoo Racing is giving AE86 fans something to celebrate. Under its GR Heritage Parts Project, the brand will once again reproduce key components of the legendary 4A-GE engine found in the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno.

The programme, which brings discontinued parts back to life as brand-new genuine items, already covers over 200 parts across eight models. Now, the spotlight turns to the AE86 with the reissue of a cylinder head sub-assembly and a cylinder block sub-assembly – both updated using modern techniques while keeping their original design and specifications.

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Lamborghini Tests AI That Can Read Your Mood While Driving

Lamborghini is working on new AI technology that can understand not just how you drive, but also how you feel behind the wheel.

According to The Drive, Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr explained that Lamborghini already uses machine learning to adjust things like torque depending on the road and driving style. The next step, he said, is to make cars that can sense a driver’s mood and change their behaviour to match.

For example, if the system feels you’re in the mood for fun, it could make the car more playful and exciting. If you’d rather keep things calm, it would tone things down. The AI could also adjust safety systems, giving skilled drivers more freedom, but stepping in more quickly if mistakes happen.