Global News Archives

Piston.my

Global News

Geely’s Livan Auto Introduces the Smurf Micro EV

Geely’s sub-brand Livan Auto has pulled the covers off its latest creation, the Livan Smurf, a compact all-electric city car designed to capture urban buyers with its small footprint and charming styling.

The Smurf is essentially a rebadged version of the Geely Panda Mini EV, which has already proven its popularity in China with over 101,000 units sold between January and July this year. With its playful design and affordable pricing, Livan is positioning the Smurf as an accessible entry point into the growing micro-EV segment.

From the outside, the Smurf carries a boxy silhouette that suits its urban role. The closed-off front grille is narrow and is paired with distinctive “Forest Spirit Eye” headlights that lend the car an expressive, cartoon-like face. A silver bumper accent creates what looks like a smiling mouth, and the centrally mounted charging port is neatly integrated into the front. At the side, the profile remains flat, with the option of single-tone or dual-tone finishes, while 14-inch “Vibrant Pinwheel” alloy wheels complete the look.

(more…)

XPeng and Volkswagen Strengthen Partnership with Broader Technical Cooperation

XPeng and Volkswagen Group have taken another major step in their partnership with the signing of a new agreement that expands their technical cooperation well beyond electric vehicles.

The deal will see the jointly developed electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture not only integrated into Volkswagen’s battery-electric vehicle (BEV) platforms but also applied to its internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models for the Chinese market. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s push to accelerate its software-defined car strategy while also improving its overall competitiveness in the world’s largest automotive market.

According to the two companies, the E/E architecture has already been designed and validated by their joint R&D team. Originally intended for use in electric models, it has now been adapted for conventional and hybrid powertrains as well. This flexibility will allow Volkswagen to benefit from faster software iteration, frequent over-the-air updates, and a dramatic reduction in vehicle development cycles.

(more…)

Lexus Sport Concept: A Glimpse Into the Future of Performance

Lexus used the stage at Monterey Car Week to showcase what could become its most important performance model in years. Unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the new Lexus Sport Concept is not just another design study but a strong indication of where the brand is heading with its future supercar ambitions.

The striking silhouette is clearly influenced by past icons such as the LFA and LC 500, blending the drama of an exotic with sharp modern detailing. Its low and wide proportions convey speed and athleticism, while intricate aerodynamic elements reveal Lexus’ intent to produce a machine that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Among the details are exhaust outlets neatly positioned beneath the rear wing, vents at the rear reminiscent of the LFA, and additional cooling channels behind the side windows. Even the centre brake light has been reinterpreted, incorporating four miniature fans set high on the rear deck, an unusual yet purposeful touch that underscores its engineering focus.

(more…)

Chery Becomes First Chinese Carmaker to Break 5 Million Exports, OMODA | JAECOO Leads the Charge

Chery International Group has set a new benchmark in the global automotive industry by becoming the first Chinese car manufacturer to export over five million vehicles. This achievement cements the company’s position as China’s top passenger car exporter for an unprecedented 22 consecutive years.

July 2025 proved to be a defining month for the brand. Chery secured a “Double 500” milestone, recording the fastest climb among automakers on both the Fortune Global 500 and Fortune China 500 lists for the second year running. Globally, the Group leapt from 385th in 2024 to 233rd place, while its domestic ranking surged from 100th to 59th.

Much of this momentum can be traced to the rapid ascent of OMODA | JAECOO, which has carved out a reputation for attainable luxury, refined design, and innovation that challenges established segments. Since its inception, the brand’s appeal has extended across 44 markets, including ASEAN, Europe, Australia, and South America.

In just over two years, OMODA | JAECOO has accounted for 37% of Chery International’s total exports, with cumulative global sales surpassing 570,000 units. This pace has set a new industry record as the fastest-growing automotive brand to surpass the half-million sales milestone.

(more…)

Lamborghini Fenomeno Debuts as a 1,065hp, Ultra-Exclusive V12 Hybrid

Lamborghini has unveiled its latest “few-off” masterpiece, the Fenomeno, an ultra-rare creation that pushes the brand’s obsession with drama and performance to new heights. Developed from the V12-powered Revuelto, it carries over the hybrid powertrain yet wears a completely reimagined body that ensures it stands apart even in the company of Sant’Agata’s most outrageous models.

Visually, the Fenomeno embodies everything expected from the Raging Bull: wild proportions, razor-edged lines and an aggressive stance that suggests it was designed with no consideration for subtlety. While it falls just short of the sheer extremity of the Veneno, its unique surfacing and detailing make it instantly recognisable as a Lamborghini while sharing very little visually with the Revuelto.

At the front, angular headlamps flank a vented bonnet housing two large air extraction outlets. A bespoke bumper, complete with a colour-matched stripe running along the splitter, adds an extra layer of theatricality. The profile is equally purposeful, with every panel reworked and a pair of substantial air intakes positioned behind the doors. The car sits extremely low, with its wheels neatly filling the arches, giving the impression of a race car adapted for the road.

The rear treatment is dominated by carbon fibre, from the bespoke engine cover to the reshaped rear fascia. Distinctive Y-shaped LED tail-lamps frame a set of quad, centrally-mounted exhaust outlets that leave no doubt about the car’s performance intent.

(more…)

BMW Bids Farewell to the 8 Series with Limited Edition M Heritage Model

BMW is preparing to give the current 8 Series a send-off worthy of its grand touring legacy. With production of the model expected to conclude next year, the brand has unveiled the Edition M Heritage, a 500-unit special designed as a tribute to the original E31-generation 8 Series of the 1990s.

Built on the M850i xDrive Gran Coupé platform, the Edition M Heritage revives some of the most iconic paint finishes from the first-generation 8 Series. Customers can choose from Bright Red, Mauritius Blue, Cosmos Black, Oxford Green or Daytona Violet, all of which were available on the E31 between 1990 and 1999.

Every example comes with a carbon-fibre roof marked by the M division’s signature tri-colour stripes, complemented by unique 20-inch alloy wheels. The M Sport Professional package, normally an optional extra, is fitted as standard and includes uprated brakes, black callipers and additional black exterior detailing.

(more…)

Mugen Adds Sporty Edge to Honda N-One e: Ahead of European Debut

Honda’s N-One e:, a fully electric kei car destined for both Japan and Europe, is already known for its distinctive and slightly cheeky styling. Now, Japanese tuning house Mugen has introduced a body kit and accessories designed to inject even more personality into the compact EV.

The exterior enhancements comprise a matte black front splitter, side skirts, and a compact rear diffuser, complemented by a matching rear spoiler. New 15-inch alloy wheels complete the transformation, giving the N-One e: the stance of a miniature hot hatch.

Mugen’s visual upgrades also extend to custom decals bearing its branding, which can be applied to the front bumper, grille, side panels, and rear bumper. A tuning badge positioned on the front fenders ensures its modified credentials are clear.

(more…)

Renault and Geely Join Forces on New SUV Line for Overseas Markets

Renault’s China-based research and development team is harnessing Geely’s advanced GEA platform to create a fresh line-up of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) aimed primarily at markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America. The project marks a significant step for both manufacturers, as it could become the first instance of Geely supplying its GEA platform to an external partner.

The upcoming range will feature both fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the initial models expected to take the form of SUVs. While Renault will design the bodywork independently, the core vehicle architecture and chassis will draw heavily from existing models within Geely’s Galaxy brand. This approach is intended to keep costs down and shorten development timelines, allowing the vehicles to reach their target markets more quickly.

The partnership reflects a deepening relationship between the two companies in the fast-growing overseas NEV sector. Geely has previously collaborated with other marques such as Volvo, Smart, Polestar and Jiyue, but those projects relied on the CMA platform. In contrast, the GEA architecture is Geely’s most recent flagship platform, currently underpinning several models in its Galaxy range – including the newly introduced Galaxy A7, the best-selling Xingyuan, the E5, and the forthcoming M9 and Starship 9.

(more…)

BMW Preparing Rugged G74 SUV to Challenge Mercedes-Benz G-Class

BMW is working on an all-new, rugged SUV, known internally as the G74, aimed squarely at rivalling the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Production is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2029 at the company’s manufacturing facility in South Carolina. Industry insiders suggest the model will be based on a heavily revised version of the current X5 platform, but with significant modifications to enhance its off-road credentials. The G74 is expected to sit at the top of BMW’s SUV line-up as a new flagship for serious all-terrain performance.

In a notable strategic decision, BMW plans to keep the model powered by an internal combustion engine, potentially paired with hybrid technology. This approach reflects ongoing global demand for petrol-powered luxury SUVs, a segment that continues to attract strong interest even as electric vehicle sales in certain niches. such as the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, show signs of slowing.

Hints of BMW’s future direction surfaced recently with the introduction of the xOffroad package for the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition. This package includes all-terrain tyres, underbody protection and a rear locking differential – features that could be further developed and refined for the G74.

While the German manufacturer has made it clear that pickups remain outside its brand identity, senior figures within BMW have expressed a willingness to explore more rugged SUV concepts. The company is acutely aware of the growing global demand for vehicles that combine comfort, premium features, and genuine off-road capability, a market in which the G-Class has enjoyed decades of dominance.

If the G74 delivers on its promise, BMW could soon be competing in one of the most exclusive and competitive corners of the SUV market, offering an alternative for customers seeking both luxury and the ability to tackle demanding terrain with confidence.

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Reclaims 0–400–0 km/h World Record

Koenigsegg has once again stamped its authority on the high-speed world stage, reclaiming the 0–400–0 km/h record for homologated road cars with its Jesko Absolut at the Örebro airfield in Sweden.

Factory test driver Markus Lundh achieved the remarkable feat in just 25.21 seconds, surpassing the marque’s own record set in June 2024 and eclipsing every other competitor. The time also represents a dramatic improvement over last year’s 27.83-second run, with more than 2.5 seconds shaved off the benchmark.

The achievement came courtesy of refined performance software strategies, collectively named “Absolut Overdrive”, developed for the same Jesko Absolut used in last year’s run. These updates, which will be made available to customer vehicles, enhance drivetrain integration, engine management, and torque control to unprecedented levels.

Christian von Koenigsegg, the company’s founder and chief executive, attributed the success to seamless collaboration between the engineering and development teams, underpinned by in-house drivetrain systems, advanced software architecture and mechanical solutions designed to minimise aerodynamic drag while maximising stability.

(more…)