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ICE

Maserati and Alfa Romeo are reportedly collaborating on a highly exclusive, limited-run model that could stand as the most powerful internal combustion engine car either brand has produced in recent decades. The forthcoming vehicle is believed to be based on Maserati’s GranTurismo platform and may enter production as early as next year, according to sources close to the development.

Industry insiders suggest the new car is intended to build upon the legacy of halo models such as the Maserati MC20 and Alfa Romeo’s 33 Stradale. However, in contrast to the shift towards electrification sweeping across Stellantis brands, this model is set to forgo hybridisation entirely in favour of a purist mechanical experience.

Autocar has reported that the engine is expected to be an uprated version of Maserati’s existing twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Nettuno V6, an already potent powerplant that delivers 621hp and 720Nm of torque in the MC20. In this upcoming model, however, performance figures are likely to surpass those of the MC20-based MCPura, elevating it to the uppermost echelons of Maserati’s combustion-powered offerings.

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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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Pengerusi Kumpulan Geely Holding, Li Shufu, mengesahkan semula strategi dual-track syarikat automotif terkemuka China itu dalam membangunkan kenderaan enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE) dan kenderaan elektrik pintar (EV), menolak sepenuhnya sebarang cadangan untuk meninggalkan teknologi konvensional demi elektrifikasi sepenuhnya.

Dalam ucapan dalaman yang disampaikan baru-baru ini kepada warga kerja Geely, Li menegaskan bahawa syarikat akan terus memperuntukkan pelaburan besar kepada pembangunan teknologi ICE dan hibrid, sambil mempercepatkan kemajuan dalam penawaran EV. Beliau menyifatkan pendekatan ini sebagai “berjalan dengan dua kaki,” satu strategi jangka panjang yang mengekalkan keseimbangan antara inovasi mobiliti masa depan dan kecekapan rangkaian kuasa tradisional yang terbukti. “Kami tidak akan mengurangkan pembangunan ICE,” tegas Li. “Permintaan terhadap enjin pembakaran dalaman masih tinggi di banyak pasaran global. Justeru, Geely akan terus memimpin dalam kedua-dua bidang – ICE dan EV.”

Li juga menekankan bahawa kehadiran antarabangsa Geely bukanlah hasil urus niaga semata-mata, tetapi sebahagian daripada strategi menyeluruh untuk menyerap kepakaran global. Pemerolehan syarikat seperti Volvo dan Lotus, serta pelaburan dalam Mercedes-Benz dan Aston Martin, menurut Li, telah memberikan Geely akses kepada teknologi keselamatan, kejuruteraan prestasi, kemewahan dan pengurusan jenama bertaraf dunia. “Kejayaan jangka panjang dalam industri automotif memerlukan pengetahuan mendalam, jaringan global dan identiti jenama yang kukuh,” katanya. “Kerjasama antarabangsa kami adalah asas kepada pertumbuhan dan pembelajaran kami.”

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Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu has reaffirmed the Chinese automotive giant’s dual-track strategy of developing both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and smart electric models, signalling a firm stance against abandoning conventional powertrains in favour of full electrification.

In a recent internal address to employees, Li made clear that Geely will continue to allocate significant resources towards the development of ICE and hybrid technologies while simultaneously advancing its electric vehicle (EV) offerings. He described the company’s long-term approach as “walking on two legs,” underlining the importance of maintaining balance between established propulsion systems and the innovations of future mobility.

Li dismissed suggestions that Geely would scale back its ICE operations. Instead, he stressed that the company would remain invested in refining and leading in traditional powertrains, particularly as global demand for such vehicles persists in many markets. This commitment, he explained, ensures the company’s resilience and flexibility amid the fast-evolving automotive landscape.

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Hennessey Special Vehicles has officially introduced the Venom F5 Evolution, a significantly upgraded iteration of its celebrated hypercar, now recognised as the most powerful road-legal car powered solely by an internal combustion engine. Developed in partnership with Ilmor Engineering, the new model generates power, accompanied by substantial improvements in aerodynamics, suspension, handling, and comfort.

The launch of the Venom F5 Evolution marks a pivotal moment in Hennessey’s ongoing mission to redefine the limits of performance and engineering. The Texan manufacturer, known for pushing the boundaries of speed and design, embarked on an intensive development programme following customer demand for enhanced capability. As a result, the F5 Evolution incorporates a comprehensive suite of upgrades designed to refine both on-track performance and grand touring comfort.

At the heart of this next-generation hypercar lies the newly optimised ‘Fury’ engine, a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 created through a collaboration with high-performance specialists Ilmor Engineering. Building upon the original powerplant, the revised engine benefits from advanced componentry including the world’s largest mirror-image turbochargers (Precision 76/80 Next Gen), Ilmor-designed billet aluminium pistons, extreme-duty aluminium connecting rods, lightweight titanium exhaust valves, high-capacity fuel injectors, and refined billet valve covers. These enhancements collectively contribute to an increase of 214 brake horsepower (bhp) over the original output.

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Porsche is considering the introduction of a new combustion-engine SUV before the end of the decade, potentially serving as a replacement for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Macan. The move comes as the company reassesses its strategy in response to slower-than-expected adoption of electric vehicle (EV), prompting a more flexible product approach that extends the life of combustion and hybrid models well into the 2030s.

Originally, the Macan Electric, launched last year, was set to fully replace the ICE Macan in 2024. The petrol-powered Macan was withdrawn from sale in the European Union in April 2024 due to cybersecurity compliance issues and is expected to cease production entirely by 2026. However, with EV sales not meeting initial projections, Porsche is now evaluating the feasibility of a new ICE and hybrid SUV model to be sold alongside its electric counterpart.

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Proton’s sales surged in February 2025, marking a 13.2% increase compared to the previous month. The national automaker sold 11,232 units, capturing an estimated 17.2% market share from a forecasted Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 65,276 units. The rebound comes as car buyers returned to the market following a slow start to the year.

Three Proton Models Dominate YTD Sales

Despite its growing presence in the EV segment, Proton remains committed to its internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with three models leading their respective segments in Year-To-Date (YTD) sales:

  • Proton S70 – The best-selling C-segment sedan in Malaysia, recording 2,340 units sold in 2025. Its mix of performance, spaciousness, connectivity, and value has helped it dominate the segment for two consecutive months.

  • Proton X50 – Proton’s B-segment SUV powerhouse continues its dominance, with 1,824 units sold in February and 3,259 units YTD. Having sold nearly 130,000 units since its 2020 launch, the X50 remains a favorite among Malaysian buyers.

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Dalam menghadapi cabaran industri automotif yang semakin menekankan elektrifikasi, Alfa Romeo telah mengambil langkah pragmatik dengan menyemak semula rancangannya untuk peralihan ke barisan semua elektrik di Amerika Utara menjelang 2027. Kini, jenama Itali ini, yang merupakan sebahagian daripada kumpulan Stellantis, memilih pendekatan “Multi-Energy”, menggabungkan kenderaan petrol, hibrid, plug-in hibrid (PHEV), dan elektrik sepenuhnya (BEV).

Pendekatan Realistik untuk Peniaga

Ketua Alfa Romeo Amerika Utara, Chris Feuell, mengakui cabaran yang bakal dihadapi oleh rangkaian peniaga jika portfolio hanya terhad kepada BEV. “Kami mempunyai 110 peniaga di rangkaian AS kami, dan mewajibkan mereka menjual hanya BEV dalam masa beberapa tahun akan menjadi sangat mencabar,” kata Feuell.

Langkah ini mencerminkan usaha untuk melindungi kelangsungan operasi peniaga dan menyediakan pilihan yang lebih luas kepada pengguna. Keputusan ini juga datang di tengah-tengah jualan yang menurun, dengan hanya 8,865 unit terjual di AS pada 2024, penurunan sebanyak 19% berbanding tahun sebelumnya.

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The automotive industry has been grappling with ambitious EV goals, and Alfa Romeo is the latest brand to revise its plans. Originally set to transition to an all-electric lineup in North America by 2027, the Italian marque, part of the Stellantis group, has now opted for a “multi-energy” strategy, which includes petrol, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

A Pragmatic Shift for Dealers

According to reports, Chris Feuell, head of Alfa Romeo North America, acknowledged that requiring dealers to sell only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) within a few years would be overly restrictive. “We’ve got 110 dealers in our US network, and it would be very challenging for them to survive with a BEV-only portfolio,” Feuell explained.

The decision comes amidst challenging circumstances for the brand in the US, with sales declining 19% last year to just 8,865 units. This shift reflects a more flexible approach to ensure the sustainability of its dealer network and cater to a broader range of consumer preferences.

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Walaupun Porsche terus mendorong agenda elektrifikasi, komitmennya terhadap enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE) masih kukuh. Khabar angin menghidupkan semula Macan berkuasa petrol telah mencetuskan spekulasi, selaras dengan kenyataan terkini Ketua Pegawai Kewangan Porsche, Lutz Meschke, yang mengesahkan bahawa ICE akan kekal relevan lebih lama daripada yang dirancang.

Peluang untuk Macan ICE Kembali

Meschke menyatakan bahawa Porsche sedang meneroka kemungkinan memperkenalkan varian hibrid atau ICE pada model yang awalnya dirancang sebagai elektrik sepenuhnya. “Keputusan ini masih dalam peringkat konseptual, tetapi jelas bahawa enjin pembakaran akan terus memainkan peranan penting,” katanya.

Macan ICE, yang dihentikan di Eropah kerana peraturan keselamatan siber, masih tersedia di pasaran lain seperti Amerika Syarikat. Dengan lebih 500,000 unit terjual sejak pelancarannya pada 2013, Macan petrol adalah antara model terlaris Porsche, menjadikan kembalinya ke Eropah sebagai langkah yang dinanti-nantikan oleh peminat setia.

Porsche Macan 2019

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