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Kia EV9 Crowned ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’

In a testament to its outstanding performance and innovation, the Kia EV9 has been bestowed with the prestigious title of ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’. This accolade comes as a result of the UK Car of the Year Awards, which celebrates the finest new vehicles available to discerning UK customers across eight distinct categories.

The distinguished panel of judges, comprising 30 esteemed journalists hailing from various automotive, business, and tech publications across the UK, carefully deliberated over eligible cars launched within the past 12 months. Among stiff competition, the EV9 emerged triumphant, not only securing the overall award but also clinching victory in the fiercely contested ‘Large Crossover’ category.

Renowned for its innate practicality, contemporary design, and impressive electric driving range, the EV9 garnered widespread acclaim from the judging panel. John Challen, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards, lauded the EV9’s versatility, noting its potential to entice drivers away from conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. Furthermore, judge Paul Barker, Managing Editor of Carwow, praised the EV9 for its spacious interior, practicality, and remarkable electric range, affirming its status as a game-changer in the automotive landscape.

Echoing similar sentiments, Alex Grant, a respected fleet-focused journalist, commended Kia’s unwavering ambition and the EV9’s ability to cater to large families while maintaining a luxurious appeal. Tech journalist Rob Clymo lauded the EV9 for its seamless blend of functionality and cutting-edge technology, making it an ideal choice for individuals prioritising practicality without compromising on driving experience.

This latest accolade adds to the EV9’s growing list of achievements, following its recent introduction to the UK market in January 2024. Already named a finalist for the 2024 European Car of the Year awards and a top-three finalist for the upcoming 2024 World Car Awards, the EV9 continues to garner acclaim on the global stage.

Packed with versatility and equipped with cutting-edge features, the Kia EV9 offers customers a choice of six- or seven-seat configurations, rear- or all-wheel drive powertrains, and three meticulously crafted trim levels. With a starting price of £65,025 (RM391,213) on-the-road, the EV9 boasts an impressive electric driving range of up to 561km (WLTP Combined), complemented by ultra-fast charging capabilities that add 247km in just 15 minutes.

Nissan GT-R Gears Up for Its Final Act: A Limited-Edition Swan Song

In the realm of supercars, the Nissan GT-R has carved out a legendary status, and now, it’s preparing to bid farewell with a final, limited-edition model slated for the 2025 model year.

Since its debut in 2007, the R35 generation GT-R has cemented its reputation as a relentless supercar challenger, boasting remarkable performance figures that have kept enthusiasts enthralled.

According to insider sources cited by Japanese publication Mag X, Nissan is poised to unveil the curtain call for the GT-R on March 14, with reports suggesting that only 1,500 units will roll off the production line, including approximately 300 Nismo models. However, it remains uncertain whether these exclusive editions will be reserved solely for the Japanese market or offered globally.

While specifics about the final model remain elusive, considering the significant visual refresh the 2024 GT-R received just a year ago – with updated front and rear fascias – major overhauls for the 2025 version seem improbable. Perhaps minor aerodynamic tweaks or adjustments to trim levels may be in the cards, but a complete redesign appears unlikely, especially for a model destined to bow out after a limited production run of 1,500 units.

Should the reports hold and 2025 indeed mark the swan song for the R35 GT-R, enthusiasts can anticipate commemorative touches adorning the sports car, such as special badges or decals.

Under the hood, the regular variant is expected to retain the familiar 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine from the 2024 model, delivering 565hp and 632Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the GT-R Nismo variant could receive a power bump to 600hp and 651Nm of torque.

Upon its debut, the GT-R made waves in the supercar world. It stood as one of the fastest production cars globally, surpassing rivals at significantly higher price points. However, over the past 17 years, the supercar landscape has evolved, with lighter and more potent competitors entering the fray, effortlessly outclassing the GT-R.

While the 2025 GT-R may draw the curtains on the R35 era, Nissan is poised to usher in a successor in the near future. At the recent Japan Mobility Show 2023, Nissan teased enthusiasts with a glimpse of the future through the Hyper Force concept – a GT-R-inspired model propelled by electric motors, boasting 1,341 bhp.

Highway Authorities Fine-Tune Strategies for Ramadan Traffic Management

With Ramadan fast approaching, highway authorities are revving up efforts to guarantee hassle-free journeys for commuters navigating the bustling roads during the Ramadan month.

Spearheading the charge, Sazali Harun, the Director-General of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), underscored the imperative of robust preparations to accommodate the anticipated surge in traffic flow on toll highways once Ramadan starts on Tuesday.

Harun emphasised the importance of anticipating the surge by implementing various initiatives. These include adjusting the operational hours of tidal lanes or smart lanes to align with changed work schedules. Additionally, ensuring impeccable maintenance of all amenities at rest areas, lay-bys, and toll plazas, including water supply and cleanliness, remains a top priority.

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Euro NCAP Calls for Return to Physical Controls by 2026 for Improved Safety

The automotive industry has seen remarkable progress in recent years, with cars becoming safer and more efficient. However, there are certain trends that many would prefer to leave behind, such as the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls for essential functions.

European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), a leading automotive safety organisation, shares these concerns, particularly regarding touchscreen controls. Euro NCAP Director of Strategic Development, Matthew Avery, emphasised the risks associated with the overuse of touchscreens, noting that they require drivers to divert their attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of distraction-related accidents.

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Saudi Arabia and UAE Oil Giants Explore Lithium Extraction from Brine

In a bid to diversify their economies and capitalise on the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), national oil companies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are planning to extract lithium from brine in their oilfields.

The move signals a strategic shift for oil-producing nations as they seek alternative sources of wealth amidst the global transition away from fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has invested significantly in positioning itself as a hub for EVs under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Sources revealed that Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) are in the early stages of exploring lithium extraction from brine, which is considered a critical mineral due to its essential role in battery manufacturing for electric vehicles. However, specific details regarding the extraction technology were not disclosed, and both companies declined to comment on the matter.

Direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, although in its infancy, presents advantages such as avoiding the environmental challenges associated with traditional mining methods. By filtering lithium from saltwater brine, Saudi Arabia and the UAE can leverage their expertise in handling oil brine and wastewater at oil production sites.

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Porsche Partners with Blizzard for Overwatch 2 Macan EV Skin

Blizzard Entertainment has announced an exciting collaboration with Porsche for Overwatch 2 Season 10. The renowned gaming company will partner with the iconic car manufacturer to introduce new content, including a special version of the popular hero D.Va.

Images released by Blizzard Entertainment showcase the collaboration, depicting D.Va in a unique design inspired by Porsche’s iconic style. The collaboration will feature multiple new cosmetics and two legendary skins, with the D.Va skin being unveiled as the first offering.

D.Va, known for her cool demeanour and distinctive mech design, was the ideal hero to kick-start Overwatch 2’s collaboration with Porsche. With her love for engineering and dedication to improving her mech, D.Va resonates with Porsche’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

The back of D.Va’s mech is inspired by the design language of the all-new Porsche Macan Electric, adding a touch of automotive flair to the hero’s appearance.