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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a significant revision to its previously disclosed plans for a dedicated fuel cell module production facility in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The changes come in response to recent shifts in the global hydrogen market, prompting the company to reduce the intended production capacity and postpone the plant’s operational launch.

Initially, Honda intended to repurpose part of its former Powertrain Unit Factory in Moka for the exclusive production of its next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules. This facility was to commence operations within the fiscal year ending 31 March 2028 (FY2028) and was projected to have an annual production capacity of 30,000 units. Preparatory work for the project had already begun.

However, a reassessment driven by evolving conditions in the hydrogen energy landscape has led Honda to scale back the scope of its production ambitions. The company has opted to delay the start of mass production and revise the initial capacity target downwards, although specific revised figures have not been disclosed.

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Toyota’s commitment to the internal combustion engine is gaining serious momentum with the development of a new range of advanced four-cylinder powerplants. Over a year since the initial announcement, the automaker’s upcoming 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engines are shaping up to be lightweight, compact, and engineered for efficiency without compromising on performance. Among them, the 2.0-litre “G20E” variant has already attracted widespread attention, particularly after its unexpected debut in the striking GR Yaris M concept earlier this year.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the GR Yaris M made waves with its wild mid-engine layout and aggressive power figures. Positioned just behind the driver, the G20E engine is paired with an IHI turbocharger and currently delivers an estimated 400hp to 450hp. However, Toyota engineers have indicated that this is far from the engine’s full potential. According to technical sources quoted by Auto Motor und Sport, a larger turbocharger could easily push the output beyond 600hp—more than twice the performance of the 1.6-litre “G16E-GTS” unit used in the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and Lexus LBX Morizo RR.

Despite this potential, regulatory constraints will likely play a significant role in shaping the production-ready output of the G20E. With global emissions regulations tightening, Toyota is expected to dial back the final figures to maintain CO₂ compliance. Even so, a detuned version producing upwards of 400hp or even 500hp would still offer remarkable performance for a street-legal sports car. For motorsport applications, however, the uncorked engine is likely to reach its upper limits and showcase its true capability.

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Koenigsegg has revealed its latest engineering marvel, Sadair’s Spear—a hypercar that fuses track-focused performance with global road legality. This limited-production machine pushes the boundaries of performance, featuring upgraded aerodynamics, refined suspension, increased power output, and significant weight reductions, representing a new apex in Koenigsegg’s relentless pursuit of automotive perfection.

The name carries a profound connection to company founder Christian von Koenigsegg. In a tribute to his father Jesko von Koenigsegg—previously honoured with the Jesko hypercar—Christian reached further into personal history for this creation. Sadair’s Spear was the name of Jesko’s favourite racehorse, which he rode in his final race in 1976. The car that now bears that name is a fierce and focused track weapon, paying homage to a legacy of perseverance, elegance, and power.

Engineered with a clear vision of supremacy, Sadair’s Spear incorporates a series of aerodynamic advancements, including a newly designed, top-mounted double-blade active rear wing for maximum downforce and stability at high speeds. The extended rear profile and revised hood geometry work in tandem with larger front canards and enhanced air intakes to sharpen cooling efficiency and vehicle dynamics under extreme track conditions.

Power is generated by Koenigsegg’s celebrated twin-turbo V8, now optimised through new engine calibration and improved breathing capacity. The result is a staggering output of 1,300hp on standard fuel, which rises to 1,625hp when running on E85. The engine is paired with the revolutionary Light Speed Transmission (LST), capable of gearshifts at a phenomenal 46,000 rpm per second, made possible by the absence of a traditional flywheel.

Sadair’s Spear not only raises the bar in raw power, but also in lightweight engineering. The car sheds approximately 35 kilograms compared to its predecessors through extensive use of new carbon fibre processes, reduced sound insulation, and simplified interior components. The result is an unparalleled power-to-weight ratio that eclipses even Koenigsegg’s own 1:1 benchmark—a feat no other fully road-homologated vehicle has yet matched.

Handling has also seen major improvements. The car rides on exclusive 7-spoke Aircore carbon fibre wheels with directional turbine-blade design and wider, track-optimised tyres. A bespoke suspension system, complete with lightweight springs and Koenigsegg’s proprietary Triplex dampers, delivers razor-sharp control, while an upgraded multi-layer carbon-ceramic brake package enhances stopping power and fade resistance.

Inside, Sadair’s Spear takes on a minimalist, motorsport-inspired approach. Lightweight carbon fibre racing seats come standard, with optional six-point harnesses available. Gear changes are managed solely through steering-mounted paddles, reflecting the car’s track-first ethos. Despite its reduced weight, the cockpit retains all the modern conveniences expected of a Koenigsegg, including the SmartCluster digital instrument display, SmartCenter infotainment hub, wireless phone charging, USB connectivity, Autoskin automatic body panel operation, and a 360-degree parking assist system.

Aerodynamics remain a defining characteristic. Every vent, flap, and strake has been meticulously honed by Koenigsegg’s Computational Fluid Dynamics team to ensure optimal airflow, balance, and thermal performance. A revised front hood vent incorporating a Gurney flap increases front-end downforce, while rear hood scoops boost high-speed engine cooling.

Sadair’s Spear made an immediate impact during initial testing at Sweden’s Gotland Ring, beating the existing track record—held by the Jesko Attack—by 1.1 seconds. It is a striking demonstration of the vehicle’s vast capability and potential, even before full development is finalised.

According to Christian von Koenigsegg, the model embodies the company’s natural evolution, blending brute strength, intricate aerodynamics, and an unmatched presence on both track and tarmac. He describes the car as a record-breaker and a new symbol of what can be achieved when performance engineering meets bold ambition.

With just 30 units built, all of which were sold before the public unveiling, Sadair’s Spear is not only a technical triumph but a rare and highly sought-after chapter in Koenigsegg’s legacy. As the successor to a line of performance legends, it reinforces the brand’s position at the forefront of hypercar innovation, rewriting the expectations of what a road-legal vehicle can achieve.

Volvo Cars has marked a major milestone as the XC60 officially becomes the brand’s all-time best-selling model, with over 2.7 million units sold globally. This achievement sees the premium mid-size SUV overtaking the iconic Volvo 240, which had long been regarded as the brand’s most beloved and recognisable vehicle.

First introduced in 2008, the XC60 quickly resonated with drivers looking for a safe, stylish, and versatile SUV. It combined Volvo’s reputation for safety with a more modern design and premium features, appealing to families and individuals alike. Originally manufactured in Europe, the XC60 later expanded its production footprint to include China, where it supported growing local demand. Its global popularity was further cemented when it won the coveted World Car of the Year award in 2018.

The current generation of the XC60 also helped accelerate Volvo’s electrification ambitions, bringing plug-in hybrid technology to a wider audience. It became Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid last year, making it not only a symbol of the brand’s past success but also a key part of its sustainable future.

Susanne Hägglund, head of Global Offer at Volvo Cars, highlighted the XC60’s transformation into a new-era classic. Reflecting on the Volvo 240’s iconic status in 1980s Sweden, she noted how the XC60 has now assumed that family-favourite role, becoming a mainstay in driveways around the world and cementing its legacy as Volvo’s top-seller.

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Chery has reached a new milestone in its commitment to hybrid vehicle safety with the completion of the second phase of its Global Safety Challenge in Indonesia. The test, which focused on the resilience of the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) battery system, highlights the brand’s confidence in the reliability of its electrified technology under extreme tropical conditions. This same battery system is expected to be made available to Malaysian consumers, bringing a new benchmark in safety to the local market.

As part of Chery’s ongoing ‘Revolution of Safety’ initiative, the test subjected two hybrid batteries to 53 hours of submersion in a one-metre-deep tank filled with seawater—an environment deliberately designed to mimic the corrosive, high-pressure conditions experienced in flood-prone regions. This scenario was not theoretical; it was carried out in full view of local and international media.

Once the batteries emerged from the extended immersion, they were reinstalled into a TIGGO 8 CSH model. To prove the real-world viability of the battery post-submersion, the SUV was driven down a steep ramp by Zeng Shuo, Vice President of Chery Sales Indonesia, accompanied by Director Budi Darmawan Jantania. The vehicle operated flawlessly, offering a powerful demonstration of its safety integrity even after prolonged exposure to seawater.

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As the automotive world accelerates towards electrification, Lamborghini remains committed to preserving the essence of internal combustion, with synthetic fuel emerging as a potential saviour. According to CarExpert, the Italian marque’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, has emphasised the importance of maintaining the emotional core of performance vehicles while acknowledging that the era of electric parity is rapidly approaching.

Mohr highlighted the capabilities of Lamborghini’s latest hybrid powertrain, which debuts in the upcoming Temerario supercar. The new system combines a twin-turbocharged V8 with three electric motors, generating an impressive 908hp and 730Nm of torque. Beyond raw numbers, the drivetrain has been engineered to sustain the visceral driving experience synonymous with the Lamborghini name. Critically, the system is also capable of running on synthetic fuel, ensuring relevance even as emissions regulations tighten worldwide.

While acknowledging that synthetic fuel may not outperform conventional petrol in all respects, Mohr regards it as a vital bridge to keeping combustion technology viable. The new engine has been developed for peak efficiency and performance regardless of whether it runs on fossil or synthetic fuels, providing a degree of futureproofing rare among performance engines.

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Hold onto your seats because Lexus is taking the IS500 Ultimate Edition to new… heights. Introducing the Climax Edition, a name that’s either a bold JDM homage or proof that car marketers know exactly what they’re doing.

Yes, you read that right, your luxury sports sedan now comes with a badge that’ll make you giggle like a teenager every time you glance at the centre console. Is it a cheeky nod to performance ecstasy? Or did someone at Lexus just have a really good day at work? Either way, this isn’t just a car—it’s a mood. And if you forget, don’t worry: the name’s plastered right in the digital cluster, because nothing says ‘premium experience’ like a not-so-subtle double entendre.

With the model having remained largely unchanged for over a decade, the Climax Edition arrives as a right-hand-drive version of the previously released IS500 Ultimate Edition, aimed exclusively at the Japanese market.

Despite its unusual name, the Climax Edition represents a celebration of what enthusiasts value most in the IS500—its raw, undiluted performance. The sedan retains its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, a rarity in today’s era of downsized and turbocharged powertrains. The 2UR-GSE engine delivers 472hp and 535Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, preserving the engaging driving dynamics that have defined the IS lineage.

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Land Rover has introduced a new chapter in its legacy of exploration with the debut of the 2026 Defender Trophy Edition, an expedition-ready variant of the Defender 110 SUV that celebrates the British marque’s historic ties to global off-road challenges. Designed to meet the demands of serious adventurers, the latest Trophy Edition is inspired by the brand’s storied past while looking firmly to the future of purposeful travel and environmental stewardship.

Available in two classic colour finishes—Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green—the Defender Trophy Edition evokes the aesthetics of vintage Land Rover expeditions. This distinctive model comes equipped with a suite of expedition-specific enhancements, establishing it as a formidable companion for off-road exploration.

Under the bonnet lies the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel engine, producing 346hp and incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The vehicle rides on gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, while exterior additions such as gloss black wheel arch protection, a dark rear scuff plate and a black front undershield contribute both to aesthetics and functionality.

Subtle but telling design flourishes mark the Trophy Edition’s unique identity. Trophy decals adorn the bonnet and C-pillars, with dedicated rear badging completing the exterior branding. The interior features illuminated ‘Trophy’ treadplates and Ebony Windsor leather seats, adding a refined touch. A colour-coordinated cross-car beam, finished with laser-etched Trophy badging on the end caps, reinforces the edition’s bespoke character.

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Volkswagen has marked half a century of GTI heritage with the launch of the Golf GTI EDITION 50, the most powerful and track-focused iteration of the legendary hot hatch to date. Developed with precision engineering and motorsport pedigree, this anniversary model promises to deliver uncompromised performance both on the road and the racetrack.

At the heart of the EDITION 50 lies a reworked 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, derived from the Golf GTI Clubsport. Volkswagen’s engine team has pushed its performance envelope even further, increasing output to 325PS and 420Nm of torque. These figures significantly surpass the standard Golf GTI’s 265PS and 370Nm, and even outstrip the Clubsport’s 300PS and 400Nm, cementing the EDITION 50’s position as the pinnacle of the GTI lineup.

To harness this additional power, the chassis has undergone extensive tuning. The model features a MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear suspension setup, and sits 15 mm lower than the standard GTI. A further 5 mm drop is offered with the optional Performance Package, which introduces stiffer springs, increasing the natural frequency at both axles by approximately 20 per cent. This upgrade enhances body control, sharpens handling, and reduces roll and pitch, resulting in a much more connected driving experience.

The Performance Package also equips the EDITION 50 with 235-sized Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, newly developed for this application. These are mounted on 19-inch forged Warmenau wheels, each weighing just 8 kg—around 3 kg lighter than the standard rims. The tyres themselves are 1.1 kg lighter apiece, providing superior grip while reducing rotational mass. Additionally, a titanium Akrapovič R-Performance exhaust system contributes to a weight saving of 11 kg, while adding an aggressive acoustic edge to the car’s performance credentials.

The dynamic potential of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 was vividly demonstrated by Volkswagen test and development driver Benjamin Leuchter, who set a lap time of 7 minutes and 46.13 seconds around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in April 2025. This makes it the fastest production Golf ever to lap the 20.8-kilometre ‘Green Hell’, confirming its credentials as a true track weapon.

Inside, the EDITION 50 continues the GTI’s tradition of blending sportiness with refinement. The cabin features check-patterned sports seats trimmed with Racing Green highlights and synthetic velour, accented by red seat belts. A newly designed multifunction leather sports steering wheel, bearing the GTI 50 insignia and integrated with shift paddles for the seven-speed DSG, serves as the tactile link between driver and machine.

The car’s distinctive styling extends to the exterior. GTI 50 badges appear on the roof spoiler and interior mirror housings, while black-painted mirror caps, black tailpipe trims, and a black roof create a striking contrast. A side stripe running along the lower body panels, fading from black to Tornado Red, reinforces the car’s aggressive presence.

Buyers can choose from five paint finishes, including Pure White, Moonstone Grey, and Grenadilla Black Metallic. Two colours are exclusive to the anniversary edition: Dark Moss Green Metallic and Tornado Red—the latter a nod to Volkswagen’s GTI legacy, having adorned high-performance models since the mid-1980s, including the Golf II GTI 16V and Golf VII GTI TCR.

The Golf GTI EDITION 50 stands as a bold celebration of the nameplate’s 50-year journey—refined, powerful, and engineered with the spirit of the racetrack.

Volkswagen’s mobility division, MOIA, has officially revealed the production version of its much-anticipated autonomous electric van, the ID. Buzz AD. The vehicle represents a pivotal step in Volkswagen’s efforts to redefine future mobility solutions, targeting commercial fleets and transport operators in both Europe and the United States.

The unveiling of the ID. Buzz AD comes amid intensified competition in the autonomous vehicle sector, just days after Tesla announced it would begin trial operations of its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on 22 June. While Tesla’s approach centres on passenger ride-hailing services, Volkswagen is carving a distinct path by focusing on corporate clients and mobility service providers.

Engineered to meet Level 4 autonomous driving standards, the ID. Buzz AD has been purpose-built for mobility service deployment. The design features a stretched wheelbase and an elevated roof to maximise cabin space and passenger comfort. Entry into the vehicle is facilitated via smartphone, suggesting a seamless app-based access system.

Inside, the cabin is tailored for shared travel, offering four spacious passenger seats, wood-style flooring, and large grab handles for ease of movement. Functional controls, including SOS, Support, and Start/Stop buttons, are integrated for added safety and convenience. MOIA has also incorporated onboard artificial intelligence, designed to maintain passenger comfort while ensuring operational safety.

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