Piston.my

Global News

Tesla has intensified security measures in response to a growing number of vandalism incidents targeting its dealerships and privately owned vehicles. To combat these attacks, the company has activated Sentry Mode on all showroom vehicles, a feature that utilises the car’s cameras and sensors to monitor surroundings and detect potential threats.

When triggered, Sentry Mode initiates multiple deterrents, including pulsing headlights, an alarm, and a visible alert on the car’s display warning that recording is in progress. If equipped with a USB drive, the system also saves footage of the incident while simultaneously notifying the vehicle owner via the Tesla mobile app. In addition to this technological safeguard, Tesla has expanded physical security at its dealerships to further protect its inventory.

The surge in vandalism appears to be linked to protests against CEO Elon Musk’s political affiliations, particularly his advisory role to former U.S. President Donald Trump. While domestic and international authorities remain vigilant, concerns persist that public acknowledgment of Sentry Mode may encourage vandals to devise new strategies to bypass security measures. Industry analysts have also highlighted the limitations of the system, including its reliance on a sufficient battery charge, requiring at least 20% power to remain operational.

Beyond showroom vandalism, Tesla continues to face broader challenges. In Hamilton, Ontario, local police launched an investigation into a series of incidents targeting a Tesla dealership, further underscoring the global nature of the problem. Meanwhile, despite the security upgrades, some acts of vandalism persist, with perpetrators seemingly unaware they are being recorded.

(more…)

Shell has announced plans to cut costs by billions of dollars while increasing shareholder returns, as the company shifts its strategic focus towards its liquefied natural gas (LNG) business.

In a statement released ahead of its investor event in New York, Shell outlined its aim to reduce costs by between US$5 billion and US$7 billion by 2028 compared with 2022 levels. This target significantly exceeds the company’s previous cost-cutting goal of US$2 billion to US$3 billion by the end of 2025, which had already resulted in hundreds of job cuts in its oil and gas division.

The London-based energy firm plans to expand LNG sales by 4% to 5% annually until 2030 while maintaining a steady level of oil production. As part of its long-term vision, Shell is positioning itself as the world’s leading integrated gas and LNG company, with its leadership emphasizing that LNG will play a pivotal role in the energy transition over the next decade.

(more…)

Aston Martin has a rich history of producing stunning convertibles that blend luxury, performance, and timeless design. The marque introduced its first open-top model, the DB2 Drophead Coupé, in the early 1950s, setting the stage for a lineage of elegant and powerful roadsters. Over the decades, Aston Martin has refined its convertible offerings, from the iconic DB5 Volante of the 1960s to modern masterpieces like the Vantage Roadster and DBS Volante. Each model embodies the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and driving exhilaration, making Aston Martin convertibles a symbol of prestige and open-air motoring excellence.

Enter 2025, Aston Martin has officially revealed the highly anticipated Vanquish Volante, marking the latest evolution of the iconic Volante lineage. As the fastest and most powerful open-top series production Aston Martin to date, the Vanquish Volante stands alongside its coupe counterpart as the most formidable front-engine production car available today.

Power and Performance

At the heart of the Vanquish Volante lies Aston Martin’s new 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering a staggering 835PS and 1000Nm of torque. With a top speed of 344km/h, the vehicle promises a visceral open-air driving experience like no other. Despite its convertible form, the Vanquish Volante retains the coupe’s dynamic precision and agility, offering uncompromising performance.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via an advanced eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, integrated with an electronically controlled rear differential (E-diff). This system transitions from fully open to locked in just 135 milliseconds, enhancing agility in tight corners while maintaining stability at high speeds. The vehicle’s chassis is underpinned by a bonded aluminum structure, which provides 75% increased lateral stiffness compared to its predecessor. The result is a dynamic and refined ride that balances grand touring comfort with supercar-level handling.

Suspension and Driving Modes

The Vanquish Volante features bespoke suspension tuning to accommodate its unique weight distribution. Advanced Bilstein DTX dampers offer superior wheel control across different drive modes, which include GT, Sport, and Sport+. GT mode delivers a smooth, long-distance touring experience, while Sport and Sport+ progressively tighten body control and response, ensuring an exhilarating ride.

The model also benefits from carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, reducing overall weight by 27kg while providing exceptional stopping power. The brakes work in tandem with a bespoke Pirelli P ZERO tire, designed exclusively for Vanquish, ensuring optimal grip in various driving conditions.

Design and Engineering

Staying true to Aston Martin’s design ethos, the Vanquish Volante features a sleek and muscular stance, accentuated by signature aerodynamic elements. The car retains the dramatic front-end styling of the coupe, including F1-inspired thermos louvres for efficient cooling. At the rear, a distinctive Kamm tail and floating ‘Shield’ design enhance aerodynamics and aesthetics. The frameless door mirrors and flush-fit door handles contribute to the vehicle’s seamless, sculpted profile.

The lightweight K-fold fabric roof can be operated in just 14 seconds when opening and 16 seconds when closing, even while driving at speeds up to 50km/h. Advanced thermal insulation ensures an interior experience comparable to the coupe, maintaining class-leading refinement and acoustic performance.

Interior and Advanced Technology

Inside, the Vanquish Volante embodies precision craftsmanship with a two-seat layout that enhances driver engagement. The interior architecture mirrors that of the coupe, featuring a lowered center console that enhances the feeling of cabin space. A blend of modern touchscreen technology and tactile physical switchgear ensures intuitive operation, preserving the brand’s signature ultra-luxury experience.

Aston Martin’s latest digital infotainment system, housed within a 10.25-inch display, offers seamless connectivity and advanced navigation features. Naturally, the Vanquish Volante comes with Bowers & Wilkins’ finest audio system as standard. Expertly tuned for the car, its 15-speaker surround sound delivers an unforgettable listening experience

The optional titanium exhaust system further enhances the driving experience, producing an unmistakable V12 soundtrack while reducing weight by 10.5kg.

With the introduction of the Vanquish Volante, Aston Martin solidifies its reputation for crafting ultra-luxury, high-performance convertibles. The model stands as a testament to six decades of Volante excellence, combining state-of-the-art engineering with timeless design to deliver an unparalleled driving experience.

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has officially launched a partially upgraded version of the Supra RZ Grade, now available at Toyota dealerships across Japan. In addition, the company has opened the lottery for the highly anticipated special-edition Supra A90 Final Edition, limited to just 150 units in Japan. The lottery runs until April 13, with winners set to be announced on May 9.

Supra RZ

The latest updates to the Supra RZ Grade focus on enhancing its driving experience, making it more integrated and enjoyable on city streets, winding roads, and racing circuits. Toyota has improved braking performance for greater safety, increased the body’s rigidity, and refined the suspension and chassis tuning. Aerodynamic improvements have also been introduced to boost handling and stability.

The A90 Final Edition represents the pinnacle of the current-generation Supra, offering significant performance upgrades as a tribute to loyal fans. This special-edition model features increased engine power and torque, upgraded braking components, a strengthened body structure, and a KW suspension system—a favourite among racing enthusiasts. The car is also equipped with high-performance tyres, further refining its high-speed stability and responsiveness.

(more…)

Lewis Hamilton’s aspirations at Ferrari extend beyond the Formula 1 circuit, as the seven-time world champion has expressed interest in designing a road car for the iconic Italian marque. In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, Hamilton revealed his ambition to create a modern-day tribute to the legendary Ferrari F40, a project he intends to pursue during his tenure with Ferrari.

The British driver, now in his first season with Ferrari, has long been fascinated by automotive design. Back in 2019, while racing for Mercedes-AMG Petronas, he voiced his desire to contribute to a special edition of the One hypercar, a project that never materialised. However, Hamilton remains eager to leave his mark on the automotive world, this time under the banner of Ferrari.

“One of the things I really want to do is design a Ferrari,” he stated while attending the Australian Grand Prix. “I want to do an F44—based on the F40, with an actual stick shift. That’s what I’m going to work on for the next few years.”

(more…)

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), with Team Mitsubishi Ralliart set to compete in the gruelling event using a specially modified Triton pickup truck. The rally, which will take place this August, will span across Thailand and Cambodia, marking the event’s 30th anniversary with an extended course and tougher conditions.

The updated Triton rally car, built to T1 cross-country specifications, was unveiled today at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show. Featuring a striking new livery, the vehicle has been upgraded with improved engine durability, refined chassis tuning, and additional enhancements designed to boost its endurance and competitiveness. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has set its sights on reclaiming the AXCR title, which it last won in 2022.

Aiming for Redemption

In the 2024 AXCR, Mitsubishi entered four Tritons, which showcased improved handling and performance to compete against high-displacement rivals. Thai driver Chayapon Yotha had taken the overall lead by Leg 4, securing a significant 20-minute advantage. However, an engine failure forced him to retire, dashing the team’s championship hopes.

(more…)

Tesla continues to accept reservations for its long-promised second-generation Roadster, despite nearly eight years passing since its unveiling in November 2017. While the company has remained silent on a firm production timeline, the vehicle remains listed on Tesla’s website, inviting enthusiasts to place deposits without any clear indication of when—or if—their orders will be fulfilled.

The Roadster was initially introduced as a revolutionary high-performance EV, with Tesla projecting a production start in 2020. However, that timeline has been repeatedly pushed back, first to 2021, then to 2022, 2023, and now 2024. Last year, Elon Musk suggested a potential 2025 production date but reiterated that Tesla’s mainstream models would always take precedence in development.

Beyond its ever-shifting launch schedule, the Roadster has been at the centre of some of Tesla’s most ambitious claims. The company continues to promote performance targets announced in 2017, including a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 1.9 seconds, an 8.8-second quarter-mile, a top speed exceeding 402km/h, and a driving range of 997km. The Roadster is also expected to feature all-wheel drive and a four-seat configuration, setting it apart from many traditional supercars.

(more…)

BYD has officially launched its new flagship plug-in hybrid SUV, the Denza N9, in China, with prices ranging between 389,800 and 449,800 yuan (approximately RM253,370 to RM292,370). The SUV introduces BYD’s cutting-edge e3 “Yisanfang” technology, which enhances manoeuvrability with features such as crab walking, tank turns, and stability control at speeds of up to 180 km/h in the event of a tyre burst.

The Denza N9 is available in four exterior colours—black, silver, grey, and green. It measures 5,258 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width, and 1,830 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. A panoramic sunroof, spanning 3.2 square meters, extends across all three rows, offering an open and spacious cabin experience.

Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the N9 is powered by a tri-motor system that includes a front AC asynchronous motor and two rear permanent magnet synchronous motors. The front motor delivers 268hp and 315Nm of torque, while the rear motor produces 322hp and 360Nm of torque. This system is paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that generates 204hp and 325Nm of torque. The SUV is equipped with a 46.9 kWh Blade battery pack, which provides a pure electric range of 202km under the CLTC cycle and a combined range of 1,302 km. With a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.9 seconds, the Denza N9 is one of the quickest SUVs in its segment. The vehicle has a minimum turning radius of 4.65 metres, while fast charging capabilities enable a 30% to 80% charge in just 19 minutes.

(more…)

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced the launch of its first Toyota Circular Factory (TCF), a facility dedicated to processing end-of-life vehicles through recycling, repurposing, and remanufacturing. The initiative marks a significant step in Toyota’s broader sustainability efforts aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.

The inaugural TCF will be established at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, with operations scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year. The facility is designed to serve as a centre of excellence for future recycling processes across Europe and other global markets.

The primary objective of the TCF is to extract reusable components from decommissioned vehicles, remanufacture essential parts, and recycle raw materials. Reusable parts will be thoroughly inspected and validated before being reintroduced into the market through Toyota’s retail and distribution network. Commodity items such as batteries and wheels will be evaluated for potential remanufacturing, repurposing, or recycling, depending on their condition and viability. Additionally, raw materials including copper, aluminium, steel, and plastic will be recovered and processed to reduce reliance on virgin resources in new vehicle production.

(more…)

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled the specifications for its Honda Next Generation Fuel Cell Module and Honda Fuel Cell Power Generator at the 23rd International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo (H2 & FC EXPO) in Tokyo. These advancements mark a significant step in Honda’s commitment to hydrogen-powered technology and sustainability.

Mass Production Timeline

Honda announced that mass production of the Next Generation Fuel Cell Module will commence in 2027, while the Fuel Cell Power Generator is set to enter production in 2026. These developments align with Honda’s long-term vision of promoting clean energy solutions and achieving carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050.

Next-Generation Fuel Cell Module

The newly introduced fuel cell module has been independently developed by Honda as a successor to the previous model, which was jointly created with General Motors. It features a rated output of 150 kW, improved efficiency, and a significantly reduced production cost—cutting costs in half while more than doubling its durability compared to the current version.

The module’s volumetric power density has increased more than threefold, resulting in a more compact design that enhances installation flexibility. By expanding the applications and market reach of this next-generation module, Honda aims to further contribute to a sustainable, energy-efficient society.

(more…)

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube