Global News Archives

Xpeng Inc and Volkswagen AG Strengthen Collaboration on EV Solutions in China

Xpeng Inc will deepen its cooperation with Volkswagen AG, with both companies pledging to develop a new electrical and electronic solution for all battery-powered cars made in China under the VW brand.

New Technical Collaboration Agreement

The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker announced on Monday that it has entered into a technical collaboration agreement with Volkswagen to develop solutions for locally made vehicles. These solutions will be based on VW’s China Main platform and Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.

Joint Project Houses

To facilitate this collaboration, Xpeng and Volkswagen have established project houses in Guangzhou and Hefei. These locations are where Xpeng and VW’s technology hub in China are respectively based, enabling engineers from both automakers to work closely together. The first car equipped with the jointly developed architecture is expected to start production within approximately 24 months.

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Xiaomi’s Entry into the EV Market: A Response to U.S. Sanctions

Xiaomi Corporation, widely known for its smartphones and home appliances, made a surprising move into the electric vehicle (EV) market this year. This strategic pivot was largely triggered by sanctions imposed on the company by the Trump administration in early 2021. During an annual event in Beijing, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun revealed that these sanctions were the catalyst for the company’s decision to diversify into the automotive industry.

The Sanctions and the Immediate Response

In the final days of the Trump administration, Xiaomi was placed on a U.S. sanction list, a decision that shocked the company. Lei recounted receiving a phone call from a friend about the sanctions, describing the news as “a bolt from the blue.” This unexpected development led to an emergency board meeting where the company quickly decided to embark on the complex journey of developing an electric car.

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BMW Reportedly Axes X3 M, Paves Way for Electric iX3 M

BMW’s X3 M, a high-performance variant of the third-generation X3 introduced in 2019, may soon become a part of automotive history. According to a new report from BMWBlog, the German automaker has allegedly decided against developing an M version for the upcoming fourth-generation X3, known as the G45-generation 2025 X3. This decision surfaces amidst earlier reports suggesting that BMW also plans to discontinue the X4, the coupe-style sibling of the X3.

High-Performance Alternatives

While the absence of a new X3 M might disappoint some enthusiasts, BMW continues to cater to those seeking a high-performance compact crossover with the X3 M50. This model is equipped with the B58 straight-six engine, generating 393hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and features sport suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport differential, ensuring a dynamic driving experience.

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Bentley Teases the New Flying Spur Sedan with Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain

Bentley’s renowned Flying Spur sedan, celebrated as the ultimate four-door Grand Tourer, is set for a remarkable transformation with the introduction of the new 782PS Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. This powertrain, which debuted in Bentley’s latest Continental GT Speed, will redefine the Flying Spur, making it the most powerful, dynamic, and efficient four-door vehicle in Bentley’s illustrious 105-year history. The new model will replace the current Flying Spur, which was launched in 2019.

Unprecedented Power and Efficiency

The new Flying Spur will be equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a powerful, compact electric motor, delivering a combined output of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque. This Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is a testament to Bentley’s commitment to blending accessible supercar performance with luxurious, silent electric motoring. The Flying Spur will offer a minimum of 72km of electric-only range, CO2 emissions below 40 g/km, and an overall range exceeding 804km, making it a modern grand tourer par excellence.

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Volvo Cars Reports Record Operating Profit for Q2 2024

Volvo Cars has reported an impressive operating profit (EBIT), excluding joint ventures and associates, of SEK (Swedish Krona) 8.2 billion for the second quarter of 2024. This figure represents the highest quarterly profit in the company’s history and marks a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Core EBIT Margin and Profitability

The core EBIT margin reached a record high of 8.1%, up from 6.3% last year. This improvement in profitability can be attributed to Volvo’s focus on pricing discipline, internal cost control, and sustained growth in sales.

Sales Growth and Electrification

Global retail sales for the quarter rose by 15% year-on-year to 205,400 cars, driven largely by the company’s electrified vehicle offerings. Sales of plug-in hybrids and electric cars increased by 43% compared to the same period last year. Notably, 48% of Volvo Cars’ global sales volume during the quarter consisted of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric (EV) cars, with EVs alone accounting for 26% of sales.

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Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and Panamera GTS: Performance and Luxury Redefined

Porsche has introduced two new top-tier models in the Panamera lineup: the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS. Each model caters to different aspects of driving pleasure, from the purist, agility-focused GTS to the high-performance, luxurious Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

Engine and Performance:
- 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor.
- Total system output: 782PS and 1,000Nm of torque.
- Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds, top speed: 325km/h.
- Fuel efficiency: Combined fuel consumption of 1.4-1.6 l/100 km, with electric consumption of 27.4-29.3 kWh/100 km.
- Enhanced hybrid powertrain with a 25.9 kWh battery, providing an electric range of up to 88km (WLTP EAER City).
- Fast charging capability: 11 kW on-board AC charger charges the battery from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours and 39 minutes.

Design and Features:
- Exterior: Distinctive rear bumper, chrome-plated tailpipes, standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) with yellow brake callipers.
- Exclusive Turbonite colour available for airblades, rear bumper strip, and 21-inch wheels.
- Interior: Turbonite accents, contrast stitching, suede-like Race-Tex upholstery, and a Bose sound system.
- Advanced suspension: Porsche Active Ride suspension with innovative functions like overcompensation of pitching and rolling motions, optimising traction and driving stability.
Record Performance:
- Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time: 7:24.172 minutes, setting a record for the fastest hybrid luxury saloon.

Porsche Panamera GTS

Engine and Performance:
- 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine.
- Power output: 500PS with a top speed of 302km/h.
- Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
- Sports exhaust system for a powerful, emotional sound.
- Fuel efficiency: Combined fuel consumption of 12.0-12.7 l/100km.

Design and Features:
- Exterior: Sporty design with black GTS logos, dark-tinted HD matrix LED headlights, tail lights, and red brake callipers.
- Interior: Extensive use of Race-Tex material, 18-way adjustable adaptive sports seats, and GTS-specific interior packages in Carmine Red or Slate Grey Neo.
- Standard Sport package: Includes satin-matt Black body trim elements and 21-inch Turbo S centre-lock wheels in Anthracite Grey.

Driving Dynamics:
- Chassis tuning for high performance, with a lower body and reinforced anti-roll bars.
- Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and electronically controlled PTV Plus differential lock.
- Enhanced driving experience with greater body stability and reduced pitching and rolling.

Common Features and Innovations:

Third-Generation Panamera Enhancements:
- Porsche Driver Experience control concept, high-resolution HD matrix LED lights.
- Extended connectivity functions, including deeper Apple CarPlay integration and video streaming on the optional Passenger Display.
- Option for parking the car from outside using a smartphone app.

Market-Specific Variants:
- Executive variant of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid with a long wheelbase includes four-zone automatic climate control and a large centre console.

Deliveries of both models in Germany are set to begin in September 2024, marking a new chapter in the Panamera’s legacy of combining luxury, performance, and advanced technology.

Mini Cooper S 5-Door: Enhanced Space and Comfort

The Mini Cooper S 5-door model offers a blend of practicality and performance with its increased dimensions and sporty features. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this model stand out.

Expanded Dimensions for Better Comfort

Length and Wheelbase: The 5-door model is 172mm longer than the traditional 3-door Mini and features a 72mm longer wheelbase.
Compact and Agile: Despite its increased size, the car maintains a compact profile with short overhangs and a small turning circle of 11.4 meters, making it ideal for city driving.
Enhanced Visual Appeal: Larger tyre diameter (625 mm) not only improves aesthetics but also enhances driving dynamics and comfort.
Versatile Luggage Space: With 60:40 folding rear seats, the luggage capacity can expand from 275 litres to 925 litres, providing ample space without compromising on the Mini’s compact footprint.

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Porsche Expands Electric Macan Lineup with Rear-Wheel Drive and 4S Trims

Porsche has expanded its electric Macan lineup by introducing the rear-wheel-drive and 4S trims, adding to the previously unveiled Macan 4 and Turbo models. This move broadens the options available to buyers looking for varied performance and features in the electric SUV market.

New Base Model: Rear-Wheel Drive

The new base model of the Macan EV eliminates the front motor, resulting in a weight reduction of 110kg compared to the Macan 4. This model uses a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 335hp, which can increase to 355hp with launch control. Despite having 47hp less than the Macan 4, it offers an instant torque of 562Nm, although this is 86Nm less than its all-wheel-drive counterpart. This configuration allows the rear-wheel-drive Macan EV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, just half a second slower than the Macan 4, and reach a top speed of 218km/h.

Macan 4S: Enhanced Performance

The Macan 4S bridges the gap between the Macan 4 and the Turbo model. It features the same front motor as the Macan 4 but includes a more powerful rear motor, boosting its output to 442hp, or 509hp with overboost. This represents an increase of 107hp over the Macan 4. The torque also rises to 783Nm with launch control, which is 134Nm more than the Macan 4. The Macan 4S achieves 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 238km/h.

Shared Features and Specifications

Both new trims share a 95-kWh battery, capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 21 minutes with a 270 kW charger. Standard features include air suspension and electronic damping control, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.

Design and Off-Road Capabilities

The electric Macan offers a new Slate Grey Neo colour and 20-inch wheels. Additionally, it includes an off-road design package that improves the approach angle to 17.5 degrees and increases ground clearance to 7.6 inches, which can be further raised to 8.8 inches with the air suspension in its highest setting. The off-road package also features a redesigned front bumper, side skirts, diffuser, and roof railings, available in Vesuvius Grey or body colour.

Availability in Malaysia

Porsche Malaysia recently showcased the all-new Macan EV and Macan Turbo at the Porsche World Roadshow, where it is now available for booking. Whether or not we will receive these new variants is an answer that only time can tell.

Porsche Macan EV RWD

Porsche Macan EV 4S

Porsche Macan EV 4

Porsche Macan Turbo

BMW Group Receives the Car Connectivity Consortium Digital Key Certificate

The BMW Group has become the first automotive manufacturer to receive the CCC Digital Key certificate from the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), marking a significant milestone in digital vehicle access. This certification is based on the highest security and interoperability standards set by the CCC, confirming that the BMW Digital Key meets these rigorous requirements.

Leading the Way in Digital Key Technology

The Car Connectivity Consortium is a cross-industry organisation dedicated to advancing vehicle connectivity with intelligent mobile devices. Since joining the consortium in 2017, the BMW Group has played a leading role in developing and establishing cross-industry technologies and safety standards. The CCC’s membership includes numerous automotive manufacturers, major smartphone manufacturers, tier-one automotive suppliers, semiconductor manufacturers, and security product providers.

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Audi Unveils New A5 Family: The Next Chapter in Mid-Size Excellence

Audi is set to open a new chapter in its successful history in the mid-size segment with the introduction of the new A5 family. Launching 30 years after the first Audi A4, this latest generation captivates with its premium proportions and a sharpened design language. Both body styles, Sedan and Avant, perfectly embody Audi’s sporty design philosophy. A new interior design language creates a generous feeling of space and places the displays on a digital stage, enhancing interaction with the vehicle. Efficient, partially electrified combustion engines and thrilling S models round off the range.

Restructured Naming and Model Lineup

In line with its expanded model range, AUDI AG has restructured its vehicle naming since 2024. Even numbers now denote electrically powered models, while odd numbers signify vehicles with combustion engines. Consequently, the long-standing bestseller Audi A4 will now be called the Audi A5 and will be produced in Neckarsulm. It will be available in four new variants: A5 Sedan, S5 Sedan, A5 Avant, and S5 Avant. These models are the first to launch on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).

Audi’s Commitment to Efficient Combustion Engines

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner emphasised the company’s dual approach: “In tandem with the expansion of our all-electric portfolio, we are launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines. The Audi A5 family, with its athletic design, completely new interior, and future-proof electronics architecture, will be the first. The advanced MHEV plus technology enables partially electric driving and therefore even more efficient driving.”

Dynamic and Muscular Exterior Design

The redesigned A5 family features powerful, clean lines with a long wheelbase, large wheels, and a low, sporty body that embodies progressive dynamism and premium standards. The Sedan’s sporty greenhouse stretches to the rear in a coupé-like manner, ending at a striking spoiler lip on the short tailgate. The Avant features a dynamic, taut roofline merging into a seamlessly integrated roof spoiler, emphasising its sporty and flat rear window.

The front end is dominated by a wide and significantly flatter Singleframe grille with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure, flanked by slim, precisely drawn headlights. The hood is flush with the front end, and powerful blisters over the wheels recall the Audi Urquattro, a core element of Audi’s design DNA.

Advanced Lighting Technology

The A5 family introduces new digital daytime running lights with LED technology and second-generation digital OLED rear lights. These lights, featuring around 60 segments per OLED panel, enhance car-to-x communication and road safety. Dynamic lighting effects during unlocking and departure reflect Audi’s light DNA, with active digital light signatures conveying a new sense of liveliness.

Innovative Interior Design

The interior of the new Audi A5 focuses on four key features:

Human-Centric Design: Geared towards user needs.
Digital Stage: Clear view displays for the driver and front passenger.
Material Driven Design: Ensures a generous sense of space and comfort.
Visual Clarity: Offers a clear, easy-to-use layout.

Additionally, the optional dynamic interaction light supports the car’s interaction with occupants. The new MMI panoramic display and head-up display enhance the user experience, integrating seamlessly into the digital ecosystem and offering a personalised connectivity experience.

Cutting-Edge Hybrid Technology

The A5 family features the advanced MHEV plus system based on a 48-volt on-board electrical system, supporting the combustion engine, reducing CO2 emissions, and increasing performance. The powertrain generator (PTG) enables partially electric driving, contributing to reduced fuel consumption. The PTG can add up to 24PS of electric power and recuperate energy up to 25kW during deceleration, allowing for purely electric maneuvering and parking.

Engine Options and Performance

At launch, the A5 family offers a range of efficient engines:

Entry-Level Engine: 2.0 TFSI with 150PS or 204PS, featuring a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) for consistent torque.
2.0 TDI Engine: 204PS, with MHEV plus technology, offering high torque and smooth operation.
S5: 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine with 367PS, VTG, and MHEV plus technology, reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing agility.

Enhanced Driving Dynamics

Audi has refined the A5’s suspension and steering for precise, effortless, and neutral handling. The optional adaptive dampers provide a significant differentiation between comfort and sportiness. The progressive steering in the new A5 is considerably more precise.

Market Launch and Pricing

The new Audi A5 family will be launched in Germany and other European countries in November, with orders starting in Germany from July 2024. The Audi A5 Sedan TFSI will be offered at an entry price of EUR 45,200 (RM230,302), including standard features such as navigation, an electrically powered rear hatch, and a telephone tray with inductive charging.