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Once viewed as an underdog in the automotive world, Hyundai has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past two decades—and it shows no signs of slowing down. Now, it appears the Korean automaker is preparing to expand its performance offerings even further, taking a page directly from BMW’s playbook. A recent discovery revealed that Hyundai has filed a trademark for the name “N Sport” at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, suggesting a new model line is on the horizon—positioned between everyday variants and high-performance N models like the Ioniq 5 N.

For those unfamiliar, Hyundai currently offers N-Line packages across several models, mirroring what brands like Mercedes-Benz (AMG Line), Audi (S-Line), and BMW (M Sport) already provide. These trims typically focus on sportier styling cues, borrowing design elements from full-fledged performance cars without making major mechanical changes. Think aggressive bumpers, unique wheels, and subtle interior tweaks.

Occasionally, these packages go a bit further with minor upgrades to the suspension or steering, but the core formula remains: offer a sporty appearance and badge appeal without sacrificing daily drivability or drastically increasing costs.

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In June 2024, Bugatti unveiled the Tourbillon, its next-generation hyper sports car, during a highly anticipated World Premiere in Molsheim. True to Bugatti’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, the Tourbillon stands as a technological masterpiece—nowhere more evident than in its groundbreaking aerodynamic design. In the latest episode of A New Era, Bugatti’s world-class engineers and aerodynamic experts reveal the meticulous process behind creating one of the most aerodynamically advanced road cars ever conceived.

For Bugatti’s engineering team, led by Chief Vehicle Engineer Paul Burnham, the challenge was clear: surpass the already exceptional aerodynamic efficiency of the Chiron, a car that once held the title of the world’s fastest. “The Chiron was already a low-drag car,” Burnham explains, “but with the Tourbillon, we knew we had to go even further.”

Bugatti’s pursuit of aerodynamic perfection began early in development with months of advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, allowing engineers to analyze airflow and drag virtually. But to move from theory to reality, Bugatti’s experts gathered at a cutting-edge wind tunnel facility in Italy nearly 15 months before the Tourbillon’s official reveal.

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The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano—Italy’s largest scientific-technological university—has partnered with Maserati and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida to embark on a groundbreaking high-tech initiative during the renowned competition’s stop in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This project is part of MOST, Italy’s National Center for Sustainable Mobility, which focuses on advancing research, innovation, and infrastructure for scalable, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Returning to the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Indy Autonomous Challenge aimed to push the limits of autonomous technology. The LLF, famed for NASA’s Space Shuttle landings, boasts one of the world’s longest runways at 15,000 feet, now serving as a vital hub for aerospace and autonomous innovation.

The PoliMOVE-MSU team, part of the AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) division of Politecnico di Milano, developed the cutting-edge AI driver software that powered the autonomous Maserati MC20 Coupé. Guided entirely by artificial intelligence and without a human behind the wheel, the MC20 achieved a record-breaking 318km/h, surpassing the previous world record of 310km/h, also set by the same team in 2022 with an IAC AV-21 racecar.

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PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has marked a significant achievement with the delivery of its 1,000th unit of the e.MAS 7, the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle (EV). This milestone underscores the growing momentum of EV adoption in Malaysia and highlights Proton’s dedication to making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.

The e.MAS 7 has seen an enthusiastic reception from Malaysian consumers, reflecting the strong trust placed in Proton’s vision for sustainable transportation. Since its official launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the e.MAS 7 has gained popularity across a broad range of customer segments, signaling increased confidence in EVs as a practical and future-ready choice.

Beyond delivering vehicles, PRO-NET has focused on creating a smooth and convenient transition to electric mobility. The appeal of the e.MAS 7 lies in its combination of affordability, practicality, and a comprehensive support ecosystem that assists owners throughout their EV journey. Key components of this ecosystem include the Live Integrated Charging Map, which provides real-time access to over 2,000 charging points across the country, as well as accessible charging infrastructure and a suite of advanced safety and connectivity features. These elements ensure that e.MAS 7 owners can embrace electric driving with confidence and ease.

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Volvo Car Malaysia has officially confirmed the upcoming arrival of two highly anticipated models for fans of its flagship seven-seater SUVs. The fully electric Volvo EX90 and the newly facelifted Volvo XC90 are both set to enter the Malaysian market, with official launch dates to be announced soon through the brand’s website.

The Volvo EX90, first revealed globally in 2022, marks a significant milestone for the company as its most advanced and safest vehicle to date. Designed to prevent accidents rather than simply mitigate them, the EX90 features cutting-edge active safety technologies both inside and outside the vehicle. This flagship SUV is the first Volvo model equipped with lidar technology, as well as the first to incorporate the Volvo Cars Superset core computing system. Additionally, the EX90 has been engineered with hardware designed to support future fully autonomous driving capabilities.

Global deliveries of the EX90 began in late 2024, and Malaysia will be among the first markets in the Asia Pacific region to introduce the model, following its launch in Thailand. The EX90 will lead Volvo’s growing lineup of fully electric vehicles, which already includes the EX30, XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, and EC40 (formerly known as the C40 Recharge Pure Electric).

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Maserati’s ambitious resurgence, marked by the launch of the MC20 supercar, the new-generation GranTurismo, and the Grecale SUV, has been abruptly slowed as Stellantis reassesses the brand’s future. In an earnings call for the final quarter of the 2024 financial year, Stellantis Chief Financial Officer Doug Ostermann confirmed that the company had written down a $1.59 billion investment in Maserati. This figure includes the cancellation of several projects that were scheduled for launch, as noted in the company’s investor briefing.

Ostermann attributed the decision to a reassessment of Maserati’s electrification strategy, particularly concerning the brand’s performance in China. Stellantis had initially expected the Chinese luxury market to transition rapidly to electric vehicles. However, as these expectations were adjusted, so too were the financial forecasts for Maserati, prompting Stellantis to recalibrate its investment plans for the historic marque.

The announcement follows a challenging year for Maserati, which saw global sales plummet by 58 percent, falling from approximately 26,600 units to just 11,300. The sales decline has intensified scrutiny over Maserati’s long-term viability within Stellantis. In mid-2024, former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares warned that underperforming brands faced the threat of closure if they failed to generate profits. Tavares emphasized that Stellantis could not afford to support brands that did not contribute financially, reinforcing the company’s strict focus on profitability.

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