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China Moves to Limit One-Pedal Driving in Electric Vehicles Under New National Safety Standards

China is set to introduce new regulations that will reshape how regenerative braking systems operate in electric vehicles (EVs), a move likely to impact the growing segment of drivers who favour one-pedal driving. The new rule, outlined under the national standard GB 21670-2025, is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027.

This legislation will prohibit EVs from having a default driving mode that brings the car to a complete stop simply by releasing the accelerator pedal. While the rule does not entirely ban one-pedal functionality, it requires that such features no longer be the vehicle’s default setting. The change appears to be aimed more at enhancing road safety than improving battery efficiency.

According to a report by The Paper, a Chinese news outlet, the primary concern behind the new regulation is the delayed braking response observed in drivers accustomed to strong regenerative braking. Studies have indicated that drivers relying heavily on regenerative deceleration may hesitate to apply the brake pedal in emergency situations—where the stopping power provided by regenerative systems alone proves insufficient. This delay could compromise reaction times, especially in critical moments requiring full braking force.

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Mazda Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Cars Amidst SUV Expansion

As the 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes its global debut, attention has quickly turned from the brand’s best-selling crossover to what lies ahead for its sports car lineup. While the launch of the new-generation CX-5 will likely continue Mazda’s strong commercial performance in the SUV market, the marque’s sporting future remains a key point of interest for enthusiasts and brand loyalists alike.

In an exclusive discussion with The Drive, Stefan Meisterfeld, Vice President of Strategic Planning for Mazda North America, offered insight into the company’s stance on performance-oriented models. Meisterfeld emphasised that sports cars remain integral to Mazda’s identity, describing them as “critical” to the brand’s overall strategy. He acknowledged the diversity of Mazda’s customer base, stating that the company aims to meet varying emotional and functional needs, which includes retaining a strong connection to its sporty roots.

While the MX-5 Miata continues to hold a special place in Mazda’s portfolio, Meisterfeld’s comments suggest that the company’s future plans could go beyond the iconic roadster. Notably, he made a distinction between “the MX-5 and sports cars in general,” potentially signalling openness to expanding the sports car range.

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Nissan Eyes U.S. Production Boost as Talks Emerge Over Honda Pickup Collaboration

Nissan may be on the brink of revitalising dormant manufacturing capacity in the United States, as reports suggest the company is in discussions to build a pickup truck for Honda. Although no official sources were cited, speculation points to Nissan’s Canton plant in Mississippi as a likely candidate for the potential production agreement.

This development could represent a major turnaround for Nissan’s North American operations, which have been significantly downsized in response to steep financial losses. The Japanese automaker recently reported a staggering net loss of $4.5 billion in its most recent fiscal year, prompting the company to scale back both current output and future manufacturing projections across the region.

Rumblings of a collaboration between the two Japanese giants are not new. Earlier this year, when speculation of a possible merger between Honda and Nissan gained traction, both firms acknowledged the prospect of sharing resources. Among the potential joint ventures discussed was the use of Nissan’s body-on-frame platforms by Honda to expand its presence in the U.S. truck segment.

At present, Honda’s only pickup offering for the American market is the Ridgeline, a unibody model. Nissan, on the other hand, manufactures the Frontier — a body-on-frame truck — at the Canton facility. Honda currently lacks a comparable vehicle in its line-up, raising the possibility that the automaker could be considering a significant shift in platform architecture for future pickup models.

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Geely’s Geome Xingyuan Tops China’s NEV Sales in H1 2025

China’s automotive market continues to witness a rapid transformation, as new energy vehicles (NEVs) dominate the sales charts for the first half of 2025. According to data released by Chinese auto outlet Yiche, local manufacturers are gaining ground swiftly, with Geely’s Geome Xingyuan (Proton e.MAS 5) model emerging as the top-selling vehicle in the country for the period under review.

The updated Top 20 vehicle sales chart reveals a notable shift in consumer preferences, particularly towards NEVs, which include both pure electric and plug-in hybrid models. Among the top ten positions, the dominance of Chinese brands is evident, underscoring the growing appeal of domestically produced vehicles in both mainstream and electric segments.

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MG Unveils IM Series, Led by New IM5 and IM6 Models

MG has introduced its latest generation of electric vehicles under the IM badge, showcasing a bold new direction for the marque’s future. The all-new MG IM5 and IM6 spearhead this innovation-led lineup, designed around four core principles: Purposeful Innovation, Ultimate Performance, Intelligent Safety, and Elevated Experience. Together, these pillars define a range engineered for the demands of modern drivers navigating complex, fast-paced urban environments.

The new MG IM range is equipped with a suite of technologies aimed at making city driving more efficient and intuitive. A standout feature is an advanced four-wheel steering system that delivers an exceptionally tight turning radius, allowing for enhanced manoeuvrability in congested spaces. The range also benefits from a cutting-edge assisted driving system developed in collaboration with Momenta, offering reliable support in a variety of real-world traffic scenarios, from dense city centres to unpredictable motorway conditions.

In terms of performance, MG’s IM models are built to impress. The electric powertrain generates up to 741hp, with a robust 802 Nm of torque. The vehicles are also equipped with a substantial 100 kWh battery, capable of ultra-rapid charging. When using a 350 kW charger, the battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in just 17 minutes, placing the IM series among the quickest-charging EVs currently available.

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Rimac Nevera R Sets New Global Benchmarks, Surpassing All Previous Records

Rimac Automobili has once again redefined the limits of electric performance with the Nevera R, a cutting-edge evolution of its world-beating hypercar. Following the extraordinary achievements of the original Nevera—most notably the feat of shattering 23 performance records in a single day in 2023 at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) facility—the Nevera R has now eclipsed every one of those benchmarks.

The latest testing, carried out in high-speed mode and independently validated by Dewesoft, served as the final phase of performance verification ahead of customer deliveries. The results have firmly cemented the Nevera R’s position as the most formidable production EV in automotive history.

Among the most staggering accomplishments is the Nevera R’s 0–400–0km/h record, which now stands at an astonishing 25.79 seconds, reducing the original Nevera’s time by 4.14 seconds. Acceleration from 0–60 mph has also improved to 1.66 seconds, bettering the previous 1.74-second benchmark. It reaches 100km/h in just 1.72 seconds, down from 1.81 seconds, while 200km/h is now achieved in 3.95 seconds, trimming nearly half a second from the original’s time of 4.42 seconds. At 300km/h, the Nevera R completes the sprint in 7.89 seconds—1.33 seconds faster than the standard model. Its maximum velocity has climbed to 431.45km/h, setting a new record for the highest top speed ever achieved by a production electric vehicle.

These gains are not merely the result of raw power. Rimac has re-engineered nearly every major component of the vehicle. A newly designed aerodynamic package, including a fixed rear wing and larger rear diffuser, increases downforce by 15% while enhancing aerodynamic efficiency by 10%. This allows for improved high-speed stability and control, vital at the extreme performance levels the Nevera R now reaches.

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Hyundai Unveils IONIQ 6 N at Goodwood, Showcasing the Future of High-Performance EVs

Hyundai Motor Company has revealed its latest performance electric vehicle, the IONIQ 6 N, at the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. This marks the company’s second high-performance EV and a bold continuation of its N sub-brand’s evolution into the electrified era.

Positioned as a potent alternative in an increasingly competitive EV market, the IONIQ 6 N arrives at a time when global electric vehicle sales have begun to show signs of slowing. Nonetheless, Hyundai is aiming to reignite enthusiasm with a model that blends performance, practicality, and a more accessible price point, although pricing and availability details remain undisclosed.

The IONIQ 6 N is equipped with dual electric motors producing 601hp and 740Nm of torque. When activated, the N Grin Boost function delivers a temporary increase in output to 641hp and 770Nm of torque for a burst of acceleration over ten seconds. Thanks to N Launch Control, this power propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, with a maximum speed of 257km/h.

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Mazda Unveils Third-Generation CX-5 in Europe – e-SKYACTIV G 2.5 Engine with M Hybrid Technology

Mazda Motor Corporation has officially revealed the third-generation Mazda CX-5 through its European subsidiary, Mazda Motor Europe, setting the stage for the next evolution of the brand’s most popular crossover SUV. The new model, which embodies Mazda’s vision of “New Generation Emotional Daily Comfort,” is expected to reach European showrooms by the end of 2025, with global rollouts planned throughout 2026.

Since its original debut in 2012, the CX-5 has played a pivotal role in defining Mazda’s design and engineering direction. It was the first vehicle to fully embrace the company’s now-signature “KODO – Soul of Motion” design language, paired with the innovative SKYACTIV technology platform. This combination offered drivers an engaging, efficient driving experience with a distinctive aesthetic that quickly won international acclaim. Over the years, the CX-5 has achieved global sales surpassing 4.5 million units, becoming a cornerstone of Mazda’s international success across more than 100 countries and regions.

The all-new CX-5 builds upon the legacy of its predecessors while introducing a suite of enhancements aimed at deepening the emotional connection between vehicle and driver. Mazda has refined its Jinba-Ittai driving philosophy—an ethos of seamless unity between car and driver—by offering a more intuitive, responsive ride. This principle is at the heart of the new CX-5, ensuring it continues to deliver the signature sporty handling that customers have come to expect.

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Ferrari Unveils One-Off Daytona SP3 Tailor Made

Ferrari is set to captivate enthusiasts and collectors once again with the unveiling of a bespoke Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made, a singular creation that will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s during Monterey Car Week in California, August 2025. This extraordinary model, bearing chassis number 599+1, joins the exclusive and fully sold-out lineup of 599 Daytona SP3 units as a unique addition crafted not for private commission but to support a philanthropic cause.

The Daytona SP3 Tailor Made is more than just a showcase of Ferrari’s uncompromising approach to innovation and craftsmanship—it stands as a symbol of the marque’s dedication to social responsibility. Proceeds from the sale will be channelled into Ferrari’s educational initiatives under the banner of The Ferrari Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charity. Among its most recent efforts is a collaboration with Save the Children, which saw Ferrari contribute to rebuilding the Aveson Charter School in Altadena, California, following its destruction in the Eaton Wildfire.

This one-off Daytona SP3 has been designed to encapsulate the spirit of Ferrari’s racing history while pushing the boundaries of contemporary automotive design. The exterior is finished in a dramatic two-tone carbon-fibre scheme, paired with a bold Giallo Modena body. A gloss black finish on the front splitter, sills, and rear diffuser accentuates the visual intensity, while the expansive application of the Ferrari script across the upper body represents a first in Ferrari livery design.

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McLaren Marks Milestones and Unveils Icons at 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed

McLaren Automotive is set to make a commanding statement at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, embracing the 2025 theme of ‘Champions and Challengers’ by celebrating landmark achievements and unveiling its latest innovations in performance and design.

Headlining the festivities at ‘McLaren House’ is the public debut of the McLaren W1, a striking showcase of the brand’s future-facing engineering and performance philosophy. With only 399 units offered to customers—all of which have been fully allocated—the W1 represents a bold evolution of McLaren’s road car identity. It is powered by an entirely new V8 hybrid powertrain that delivers a formidable 1,275PS exclusively to the rear wheels. This technological tour de force is matched by an advanced active aerodynamics system inspired by Formula 1, including ground-effect innovations that elevate both grip and agility.

The W1 joins the revered McLaren ‘1’ lineage, taking its place alongside two legendary models—the McLaren F1 and the McLaren P1™. Together, the trio forms a generational trilogy, each model reflecting a different era of McLaren’s relentless push to challenge norms while retaining the unmistakable DNA that links them across decades.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of McLaren’s historic win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a victory secured in 1995 at its first attempt. To commemorate this extraordinary moment in motorsport history, the iconic #59 McLaren F1 GTR will return to dynamic action at Goodwood. Fresh from its exhibition at the Le Mans Museum, the car will be driven up the Goodwood Hillclimb by JJ Lehto, one of the trio who drove it to victory in France three decades ago.

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