Global News Archives

Piston.my

Global News

Mazda Unveils Sleek New Logo for the Digital Era

Mazda has officially taken the wraps off its brand-new logo, following its trademark registration last year. The redesigned emblem made its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show and has already been rolled out across Mazda’s official website and digital platforms.

The new design represents Mazda’s latest step in modernising its image for a digital-first world. Mazda says the move aims to enhance brand visibility and consistency, particularly in online environments where clarity and simplicity are key.

While the overall look has been refined, Mazda has kept the core identity intact. The familiar “M” shape that resembles a pair of outstretched wings remains the centrepiece, symbolising the brand’s spirit of flight and forward motion. This motif has been part of Mazda’s identity since 1997 and was last refreshed in 2018. The latest iteration softens the edges and removes the inner shading, creating a flatter, more minimalist aesthetic that feels both timeless and modern.

This update continues a long evolution of Mazda’s logo design over the decades. The company’s first logo, introduced in 1934, was a simple calligraphic wordmark that reflected its Japanese craftsmanship and cultural pride. Two years later, Mazda unveiled a 1936 emblem featuring three overlapping “M” shapes inspired by Hiroshima’s three rivers — an early interpretation of the “wings” motif that still defines its brand today.

(more…)

Lexus Teases Interior of Upcoming Hybrid Sports Car

Lexus has shown the inside of its new hybrid sports car, giving a first look at its bold and futuristic design. The car, based on the earlier Lexus Sport Concept, will be a hybrid model focused on performance and driving fun.

The interior is very different from normal cars — there is no big centre screen. Instead, the digital cockpit wraps around the driver, with one main display in the middle and two smaller screens on each side. These show details like battery level (70%), power and charge meters, and gear position. There’s also an “M” for manual mode and readings for tyre pressure and temperature, showing that it’s made for track driving.

Instead of a normal steering wheel, the car uses a yoke-style steering control with buttons and paddle shifters behind it. The left paddle seems to change how strong the regenerative braking is, while the right paddle may control gear changes. Two small control stalks behind the yoke are believed to manage drive modes and gear selection.

(more…)

Mazda Unveils Vision X-Coupe and Vision X-Compact at Japan Mobility Show 2025

Mazda Motor Corporation has taken centre stage at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 with the unveiling of two concept models — the MAZDA VISION X-COUPE and the MAZDA VISION X-COMPACT. Both models represent Mazda’s forward-looking theme for this year’s exhibition: “The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

The MAZDA VISION X-COUPE is a crossover coupe that brings the brand’s KODO – Soul of Motion design language to a new level of sophistication. It’s a striking expression of Mazda’s belief that driving pleasure and sustainability can coexist.

Under its sculpted body lies a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a two-rotor rotary turbo engine with an electric motor and battery, delivering an impressive 510PS. The car can travel up to 160 km in electric-only mode and achieve a total range of around 800 km when the engine and motor work together.

What sets the X-COUPE apart is its innovative approach to environmental performance. It’s designed to run on carbon-neutral fuel produced from microalgae and is equipped with Mazda’s proprietary “Mobile Carbon Capture” system, which absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere as the car is driven. Mazda says this combination allows the vehicle to contribute to reducing carbon emissions the more it’s used — an ambitious concept that demonstrates the company’s drive toward a sustainable future without abandoning performance.

(more…)

Honda 0 α Prototype Makes World Debut at Japan Mobility Show 2025

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has taken the wraps off the Honda 0 α (Alpha) prototype at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, introducing the latest addition to its growing range of next-generation electric vehicles. This new model joins the futuristic Honda 0 lineup as a key entry point for customers into the brand’s new electric era.

Set to be displayed throughout the duration of the show, the Honda 0 α is designed as a compact SUV that seamlessly fits into both urban and natural environments. It continues the design and engineering philosophy first seen in the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV, which were unveiled earlier this year at CES 2025. Unlike those flagship models, the 0 α serves as a “gateway model” — more accessible yet still showcasing the same level of sophistication, innovation, and environmental awareness that define the Honda 0 Series.

The 0 α has been developed under the guiding principles of “Thin, Light, and Wise,” the core philosophy of the Honda 0 Series. These principles focus on maximising efficiency through lightweight engineering, clever design, and advanced technology. The result is a vehicle that offers sleek styling, excellent interior space, and refined usability, all while delivering the practicality and confidence expected of an SUV.

(more…)

Honda Unveils Super-ONE Prototype — A Compact Electric Car with a Sporty Soul

Honda has taken the wraps off its latest creation, the Super-ONE Prototype, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 — a compact all-electric vehicle that aims to inject excitement back into everyday driving. On display throughout the duration of the event, the Super-ONE signals Honda’s ambition to redefine what a small EV can be: light, responsive, and genuinely fun to drive.

Developed under the concept “e: Dash BOOSTER,” the Super-ONE is designed to offer more than just clean mobility. It embodies Honda’s philosophy of creating vehicles that stir emotion while remaining practical and efficient. The name itself carries meaning — “Super” represents performance that goes beyond convention, while “ONE” reflects Honda’s goal to craft something distinct and uniquely its own.

The Super-ONE’s development centred on combining the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle with the sense of engagement and joy that Honda has long been known for. The company set out to create an EV that stimulates the driver’s senses — sight, sound, and touch — through its handling, performance, and interior experience.

(more…)

Will Honda Build A Prelude Type R?

The Honda Prelude is a car of many childhood dreams. It captured our imaginations, adorned our walls in the form of posters and then it disappeared into the history books.

So, when Honda announced it was reviving the icon back in 2023, there was a collective cheer all over.

But the original Prelude was a proper sports car, the new Prelude, well, was something entirely different.

It shared its underpinnings with the 11th generation Honda Civic, and though it has the chassis, suspension components and some oily bits from the Type R, it is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine as the Honda Civic e:HEV (hybrid).

And I am sure that we can all agree that 200hp and 315Nm of torque hardly qualified as a sports car.

So, the big question behind every Honda fan has undeniably been – is there going to be a Honda Prelude Type R?

I was recently at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show as a guest of Honda Malaysia. The company graciously organized a short interview with the Large Project Leader of the Honda Prelude, Tomoyuki Yamagami.

He was the perfect answer to answer that question since he is basically one of the few people who worked on the new sixth-generation Prelude from the ground up.

So, I couldn’t resist to ask – “will there ever be a Honda Prelude Type R” ?

His answer? No comment.

Not a yes, not a no, not even a maybe. A straight out no comment. And now, I can’t help but speculate because car makers will usually give you a straight out no we can’t do that if a model is not in their plans.

There have been some reports about the next generation Civic Type R being powered by a hybrid powertrain and with an automatic transmission rather than a manual. Both of which the Prelude already has. In fact, the Yamagami-san explicitly mentioned that a manual transmission is impossible to plonk into the Prelude. The car is just not designed for it, he said.

In fact, and again, according to Yamagami-san himself, the Prelude already shares suspension components with the Type R and has a quicker steering rack.

So, it may not be as fast as the Type R in its current guise, but the underpinnings are already there.

Which begs the question, will we see a Honda Prelude Type R?

Speculative at the moment, but there is a decent chance that we just might.

The Honda Prelude is confirmed for key markets around the world and judging from the fact that Honda Malaysia has offered every high-performance model since its inception (talking about you Civic Type R FD2R), I will bet that the Honda Prelude to be offered in Malaysia as well.

Just don’t expect it to be cheap.

Toyota Shares Its Future Plans for Asia

Toyota recently held an event in Japan called the Toyota Motor Asia Media Day, where it talked about its future plans for Asia. The company wants to focus on mobility for everyone and carbon neutrality, meaning it aims to make travel easier while reducing pollution.

Toyota said it wants to be the “Best in Town”, by building safe and reliable cars that help local communities. Its plan has three parts — improving cars (Mobility 1.0), giving more people access to transport (Mobility 2.0), and linking mobility with energy and city systems (Mobility 3.0).

Chairman Akio Toyoda said the company’s goal is not just to sell cars, but to create solutions that fit each community’s needs. A big part of this is the IMV project, which started in 2002 and made strong, affordable vehicles like the Hilux for developing countries. A new IMV series, including an electric version (IMV BEV), is now being developed.

(more…)

Singapore Warns Foreign Drivers with Unpaid Fines Could Be Denied Entry

Singapore police have issued a strong reminder to foreign motorists — including many Malaysians — that those who repeatedly ignore traffic summonses risk being turned away at the border.

According to NST, the warning follows an enforcement operation earlier this month, during which authorities recovered more than S$619,000 (around RM2.2 million) in unpaid fines from 241 foreign drivers over a three-day period. The crackdown was carried out at both the Woodlands Causeway and the Tuas Second Link, the main entry points for vehicles from Malaysia.

During the operation, officers stopped Malaysian-registered vehicles and other foreign cars found to have outstanding fines for offences such as speeding, illegal parking, or vehicle-related violations. Motorists were required to settle their fines on the spot before being allowed to continue their journey into Singapore.

(more…)

Toyota Confirms End of Supra Production in March 2026

After five years back on the market, Toyota has confirmed that the current-generation Supra will bow out in March 2026, marking the end of production for one of the brand’s most iconic sports cars. The announcement follows the introduction of the Final Edition earlier this year, signalling that the end was near for the much-loved GR Supra.

In a short but heartfelt statement, Toyota expressed gratitude to fans and customers who have supported the model over the years, acknowledging the disappointment among those still hoping to buy one before it’s gone. The company also advised interested buyers to contact local dealerships for alternative sports models once production ceases.

The reborn Supra made its global debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, arriving more than two decades after its predecessor left the market. Its return ended a 21-year hiatus, during which time Toyota gradually teased the car’s revival — first through concepts like the FT-1 in 2014 and later through prototypes co-developed with BMW.

(more…)

GWM Haval Unveils Larger, More Refined H6L SUV Ahead of November Launch

GWM’s Haval brand has officially revealed the new H6L, a larger and more premium take on its popular H6 SUV. Designed to sit above the standard H6, the petrol-powered H6L blends familiar styling with fresh design elements, updated technology, and expanded dimensions that push it closer to the midsize SUV segment.

Sharing its platform with the Xiaolong Max, the H6L retains the model’s sleek, modern proportions but introduces a number of subtle styling changes. The front now sports a reworked grille with a new mesh pattern and enlarged side air vents, giving the SUV a more confident and upright look.

Both the front and rear are defined by full-width light bars, with the illuminated “HAVAL” logo taking centre stage. Completing the design are black window trims, petal-style alloy wheels, and a cleaner rear bumper with hidden exhaust outlets.

The H6L stretches 4,800 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,730 mm in height, riding on a 2,810 mm wheelbase — dimensions that make it notably longer than the current H6 offered in Malaysia. This increase translates into more interior space and improved ride comfort, positioning the H6L as a more versatile option for families or long-distance travellers.

(more…)